Families who loved I Am Mary Anning by Brad Meltzer often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is feeling frustrated by a difficult task or ready to give up on a long-term project. This engaging biography follows Mary Anning, a girl who spent her life searching the shores for fossils and eventually discovered the first Ichthyosaurus. Through a blend of history and whimsical time travel, the story highlights the importance of grit, patience, and the satisfaction of seeing a job through to the end. It is a perfect choice for parents wanting to encourage a growth mindset and a love for scientific discovery in a way that feels like an adventure rather than a lecture. The bright, comic-style illustrations make the historical setting accessible for children aged 3 to 7.