Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor

by Robert Burleigh

Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

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Book cover for Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea

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A finely told, beautifully illustrated biography that saves a world class scientist from obscurity.” —School Library Journal, starred review

An ideal introduction to a lesser-known scientist and an important understanding about how the Earth works.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Filled with gorgeous illustrations by acclaimed artist Raúl Colón, this illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor.


Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.

Throughout history, others had tried and failed to measure the depths of the oceans. Sailors lowered weighted ropes to take measurements. Even today, scientists are trying to measure the depth by using echo sounder machines to track how long it would take a sound wave sent from a ship to the sea floor to come back. But for Marie, it was like piecing together an immense jigsaw puzzle.

Despite past failures and challenges—sometimes Marie would be turned away from a ship because having a woman on board was “bad luck”—Marie was determined to succeed. And she did, becoming the first person to chart the ocean floor, helping us better understand the planet we call home.

Award-winning author Robert Burleigh tells her story of imagination and perseverance. Beautifully illustrated by Raúl Colón, Look Up! is a book that will inspire readers to follow their dreams.
  • ISBN10 1481416014
  • ISBN13 9781481416016
  • Publish Date 5 January 2016
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Publisher Simon & Schuster
  • Imprint Paula Wiseman Books
  • Format eBook
  • Pages 40
  • Language English