Footeprint: Eunice Newton Foote at the Dawn of Climate Science and Women's Rights -- Lindsay H. Metcalf, Hardcover

A fascinating novel-in-verse for young adults capturing the discoveries of Eunice Foote, a remarkable woman in science WAY ahead of her time.

A fictionalized account of the first woman to identify carbon dioxide as a cause of climate change in 1856 when most people preferred that women be seen rather than heard.

Fictionalized only to weave together some unknown pieces of Eunice's life, this is a journey through time, triumph, trepidation, and trauma, revealing the extraordinary life and work of Eunice Newton Foote.

Eunice's most important discovery was recognizing the effect of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: a warming planet. But in a society driven by coal, kerosene, and crude oil, Eunice's warnings went unheeded. After all, who would listen to a woman--especially a woman known to consort with suffragists?

From the Seneca Falls Convention to the halls of the US Patent Office in Washington, DC, Eunice Newton Foote blazed a trail for independence and inquiry. Today Eunice's discoveries feel ever more prescient. She knew that reliance on fossil fuels would have a devastating effect. Today she is finally receiving the credit she deserves.

Eunice Newton Foote's extraordinary tale is told in novel-in-verse format, perfect for teenagers interested in STEM.

Author: Lindsay H. Metcalf
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen
Published: 02/10/2026
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781623546335
Age Range: 12-UP

Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 11/10/2025

About the Author
Lindsay H. Metcalf grew up on a Kansas farm and is the coeditor of the poetry anthologies No Voice Too Small and No World Too Big, as well as author of Indoor Farm, Outdoor Farm; Beatrix Potter, Scientist; and Farmers Unite! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices. An experienced journalist, Lindsay has covered a variety of changemakers as a reporter, editor, and columnist for the Kansas City Star and other news outlets.