Explore the ocean with over a dozen oceanography professionals who use technology to further their scientific research and counter the effects of climate change.
Clearly organized chapters are divided into two sections, the first about the ocean’s physical properties and the second about marine animals, starting with microscopic phytoplankton and progressing to blue whales. The main text of each short chapter focuses on a research question currently being studied using technology. The engaging narration is augmented with easily digestible scientific information presented in callout boxes and profiles of professionals from around the world, many of them women, with primary source quotations that provide a glimpse of potential career paths and advice on how to gain experience at school and in the field. Throughout, readers are reminded that science and technology can help humans learn more about the ocean in order to make better choices to protect our planet. Visual context is provided through illustrated diagrams and color photographs showing professionals and their equipment in the field as well as images captured during expeditions. Most scientific terms are defined contextually and/or in the glossary. Written by an experienced and passionate STEM nonfiction author, technical specificity is deftly balanced with engaging writing in this title that is perfect for homework and leisure exploration.
A captivating and well-researched deep dive into oceanography. (glossary, source notes, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: April 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5415-5555-6
Page Count: 152
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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Congolese-American Sophie makes a harrowing trek through a war-torn jungle to protect a young bonobo.
On her way to spend the summer at the bonobo sanctuary her mother runs, 14-year-old Sophie rescues a sickly baby bonobo from a trafficker. Though her Congolese mother is not pleased Sophie paid for the ape, she is proud that Sophie works to bond with Otto, the baby. A week before Sophie's to return home to her father in Miami, her mother must take advantage
of a charter flight to relocate some apes, and she leaves Sophie with Otto and the sanctuary workers. War breaks out, and after missing a U.N. flight out, Sophie must hide herself and Otto from violent militants and starving villagers. Unable to take Otto out of the country, she decides finding her mother hundreds of miles to the north is her only choice. Schrefer jumps from his usual teen suspense to craft this well-researched tale of jungle survival set during a fictional conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Realistic characters (ape and human) deal with disturbing situations described in graphic, but never gratuitous detail. The lessons Sophie learns about her childhood home, love and what it means to be endangered will resonate with readers.
Even if some hairbreadth escapes test credulity, this is a great next read for fans of our nearest ape cousins or survival adventure. (map, author's note, author Q&A) (Adventure. 12-16)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-16576-1
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Oct. 3, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2012
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Profiles of women engineers and coders who overcame obstacles to become leading voices in their fields.
Each profile presents the subject’s challenges and career path while exploring global themes of gender-based disenfranchisement—and empowerment—in STEM fields. The work presents itself as both a guide for girls who want to go into these areas as well as an appeal to those who don’t think they would find them interesting or who might feel discouraged from pursuing them. The chapters, each about 10 pages in length, are based on individual interviews conducted by the engineer author, highlight each woman’s story and accomplishments. The subjects come from a diverse range of backgrounds, highlighting marginalized identities within the field, such as race and disability. Numerous sidebars relating to the women’s backgrounds cover a range of content, some of it broadly useful beyond STEM careers, especially for teens from less privileged backgrounds, such as making a college education financially attainable, understanding the mentor-mentee relationship, escaping an abusive environment, attending college as a young parent, and business card etiquette. The closing chapters offer specific guidance, shepherding readers through preparing for college, different types of engineering and programming jobs, suggested books and movies, and the complexities of advanced degrees. The prose style is friendly, supportive, and informal, making potentially intimidating subject matter less so.
Comprehensive, inclusive, and practical. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-64160-638-7
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022
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