Marine Conservation Books Inspired By Our Lowell Lecture Series

In honor of International Literacy Day on September 8 and just in time for back-to-school season, we are sharing some of our favorite books. Each of our featured authors has also presented at the New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series. Keep reading for some terrific books on a variety of ocean- and science-themed topics with links to each author’s past talk!

The Secrets of Whales by Brian Skerry

This book of photography offers a stunning look at the complex societies of the world’s largest mammals. Skerry, an award-winning underwater photographer and filmmaker, and an Explorer in Residence at the Aquarium, will join us to premiere his latest project—Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine, A NOVA Special Presentation—at our next Lowell Lecture Series event on September 10. In-person seats have sold out, but you can register to attend via live stream.

Humpback Whale (Young Zoologist): A First Field Guide to the Singing Giant of the Ocean by Asha de Vos, Ph.D.

Written for children, this book features easy-to-understand prose and plenty of interesting and humorous facts. A marine biologist and conservationist, as well as a member of the Aquarium’s inaugural Marine Conservation Action Fund Fellows, de Vos shared her journey as marine scientist of color and her discovery of a unique population of non-migratory blue whales in the waters around Sri Lanka with Aquarium audiences back in 2021.

National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey by Sylvia Earle

This encyclopedic tour de force illuminates the evolution, beauty, and power of our ocean to support and advance life and why it’s so critical to protect it. A pioneering oceanographer and explorer who is recognized as a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, Earle’s lecture recounts her groundbreaking research and conservation work and why the state of the ocean matters to all, no matter where we live.

The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened by Bill McKibben

McKibben shares his story as part memoir and part national reckoning in light of the uncertainty facing our country and our planet. During his talk at the Aquarium, author, educator, and environmentalist McKibben focused on his life’s work, with an emphasis on where we stand now and how we can progress for a fairer future.

Eat, Poop, Die: How Animals Make Our World by Joe Roman

Explore how ecosystems are shaped and sustained through the life cycle of migratory animals. A conservation biologist and ecologist, Roman’s lecture expands on his book and discusses how efforts to conserve and rewild native animals could restore ancient nutrient pathways and help combat climate change by magnifying carbon uptake from the atmosphere.

Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell by Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson

This book shares stories and images of hope and resilience that spring from the work of a turtle rescue organization. Naturalist and author Montgomery and wildlife artist Patterson’s lecture explains the inspiration behind their book; their work to care for injured, abandoned, or hatching turtles; and how it sparked a journey of discovery, adventure, and quiet courage.

Chasing Shadows: My Life Tracking the Great White Shark by Greg Skomal and Ret Talbot

Marine biologist Skomal details his journey from aspiring marine biologist to great white shark expert. Skomal and Talbot’s lecture, based on the book, describes the early days of shark research on the East Coast, the consequences of the so-called Jaws effect, and research findings on the newest white shark hot spot off Cape Cod.

Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham

Experience this author’s journey as a young Black marine scientist who leaves academia to chart her own course as an entrepreneur and independent researcher specializing in elasmobranch (shark and ray) ecology. Graham’s lecture also reflects on her life’s journey, including her role as co-founder, president, and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences, and her PBS Terra series Sharks Unknown with Jasmin Graham.

Bold Women in Science: 15 Women in History You Should Know (Biographies for Kids) by Danni Washington

Learn more about the talented females at the forefront of scientific discovery in the fields of marine science, botany, chemistry, medicine, and data science. In her talk at the Aquarium, science communicator and writer Danni Washington discusses our relationship to the ocean, how she uses science communication as a catalyst for change, and how we can work together to amplify change into positive outcomes for our planet.