Suzanne Sherman—Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist

Advance copy: Backstories on books by NASW members

Cover of the book Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist by Suzanne Sherman, showing a close-up view of a section of sandy beach with several types of mostly beige seashells and seaweed, adjoining a fringe of turquoise-colored ocean. The title, in shades of turquoise and teal blue, is in the upper half of the cover, superimposed on the beach scene, and the author’s and illustrator’s names are in dark green at the bottom of the cover. — Shell Seeker

SHELL SEEKER:
THE LIFE, WORK, AND ADVENTURES OF A BLIND BIOLOGIST
Suzanne Sherman (NASW member). Illustrated by Linda Olliver
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA Kids), December 16, 2025
Hardcover NSTA member price: $15.99
Hardcover Non-NSTA member price: $19.99
ISBN: 979-8899770104
For readers in grades K-5

Sherman reports:

As a freelance writer of science materials for kids, I have become intimately familiar with the Next Generation Science Standards, content standards developed to improve science education by encouraging deep understanding rather than rote memorization.

Portrait photo of Suzanne Sherman — Suzanne Sherman

As I work, I consistently ask myself, “What would be a more engaging way to introduce these concepts to kids?” I keep a running list of ideas. When considering foundational content and skills in evolution and the nature of science, I immediately thought of seashells for their tactile appeal, observable variation, easy accessibility, and inherent beauty. I recalled learning about Geerat Vermeij’s work on mollusks and coevolution as an undergraduate.

When I looked up Dr. Vermeij, I was astounded to learn that he is blind. He had to overcome significant social and physical obstacles to pursue his lifelong passion for inquiry, and he has made substantial contributions to science. I was even more astounded by his immediate response to my query. He agreed to my developing a book about his life and work, and he offered his assistance.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Vermeij in person, he provided suggestions for species to include and feedback on the manuscript via email. As Dr. Vermeij is a prolific writer, his books, especially his autobiography, served as key resources for me.

I submitted my manuscript proposal to the National Science Teachers’ Association’s Kids Press because of its alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards and the association’s mission.

If there is one thing I might have done differently, it is to ask for an opportunity to review the pages just before printing, after the production and marketing departments had finished their work. Given that opportunity, I might have requested small changes.

My advice to aspiring authors is to let go of the notion that time is wasted on efforts that don’t result directly in a published work. I consider my earlier, unpublished works as “leading manuscripts” because they led me into the realm of picture book publishing. If you feel a calling, any time you spend answering it is time well spent.

Contact info:

Suzanne Sherman, 773-398-4884, snsherman@gmail.com
- Sherman’s website: Suzanne Sherman
- Instagram: suzanneshermanauthor
Linda Olliver’s website: Linda Olliver
Book:
- National Science Teachers’ Association: Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist
- Sherman’s website: Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist
Publicist: Jason Strohl, 215-796-2661, jstrohl@nsta.org
Agent: unagented

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Banner image adapted from original photo by Suzanne Sherman.

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Advance Copy

The path from idea to book may take myriad routes. The Advance Copy column, started in 2000 by NASW volunteer book editor Lynne Lamberg, features NASW authors telling the stories behind their books. Authors are asked to report how they got their idea, honed it into a proposal, found an agent and a publisher, funded and conducted their research, and organized their writing process. They also are asked to share what they wish they’d known when they started or would do differently next time, and what advice they can offer aspiring authors. Lamberg edits the authors’ answers to produce the Advance Copy reports.

NASW members: Will your book be published soon? Visit www.nasw.org/advance-copy-submission-guidelines for information on submitting your report.

Publication of NASW author reports in Advance Copy does not constitute NASW's endorsement of any publication or the ideas, values, or material contained within or espoused by authors or their books. We hope this column stimulates productive discussions on important topics now and in the future as both science and societies progress. We welcome your discussion in the comments section below.