A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.

Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.