The Spider Lady: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid World War II Army
None Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
This picture-book biography introduces Nan Songer, a Southern California naturalist who raised thousands of black widow spiders during World War II. Her spiders’ silk provided the U.S. military with almost invisible, extremely strong crosshairs for bomber sights and other precision instruments. Through lively narrative and detailed illustrations, readers see how Songer’s curiosity, courage, and scientific ingenuity helped the war effort and changed attitudes toward often-feared creatures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nan Songer
Discussion points
How did Nan turn a problem into an opportunity?
What misconceptions about spiders did the book challenge?
Which character trait helped Nan the most, and why?
How might today’s scientists use animal abilities to solve problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Compare Nan’s silk harvesting to modern tech (like Kevlar).
Create a backyard ‘bug hunt’ journal to nurture observation.
Story-map Nan’s decision points to highlight perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity leads to innovation
Explanation: Nan’s questions about spider silk solved a military problem.
Real-World Application: Children can investigate local nature to find new ideas.
Example Lesson: Courage isn’t always loud
Explanation: Nan bravely worked with venomous spiders quietly at home.
Real-World Application: Facing small fears (like presentations) can make big differences.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Spiders, often feared, proved valuable allies.
Real-World Application: Treat insects kindly and learn their ecological roles.
Example Lesson: Perseverance amid challenges
Explanation: Ration shortages and public doubt didn’t stop Nan.
Real-World Application: Keep trying when hobbies or projects get tough.