Book Review: The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang

The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang is a nonfiction children's book. Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head. The colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. As a scientist, Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies-- and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.

The Leaf Detective is a beautifully illustrated and designed book. The artwork would make this book well worth looking at even if there were no text at all. However, the text is well written and very engaging- so this book is a win on both fronts. Meg's efforts and perseverance makes her story easy to get invested in, and her efforts to get through or around the obstacles in her path just might inspire those that read this book to put the effort in to do the things they are passionate about even if the way will be challenging. I liked the way facts and quotes from Lowman were included in the book- bringing home that this is real life not fiction. I loved the look, content, intent, and and feel of the book.The digital formatting on my galley was a little off, making it a little harder to read, but I am confident that this will not be a problem in the final version. 

The Leaf Detective is a wonderful book that should be added to school library, classroom, and public library collections. I think there are many readers that would reread a personal copy as well, including my daughter.