Well worth a go for being so expansive and a bit more than ankle deep.
A steady stream of information about marine chemistry and ecology…with a few drops of common sense.
Yes, the author concludes, after describing in some detail the main components of urine and how our bodies produce it, peeing in the ocean is OK—after all, not only is the ocean really big, but whales and fish do it on a much larger scale, and smaller organisms like phytoplankton and corals actually depend on that for nutrients. How about elsewhere, like showers and swimming pools? Fine for the former, since the water isn’t lingering (though, Schwartz, cautions, avoid doing it in public showers); not OK for the latter, though from a scientific standpoint less because it’s gross than because it promotes unsafe bacterial growth. Schwartz directs her narrative flow away from issues connected to solid biowastes but does go on to sprinkle facts and insights on an impressive array of broad environmental topics from marine noise pollution to the effects of oil spills and plastic waste on oceanic acidity and habitats. She also stirs in directions for several simple demonstrations using, mostly, water and food coloring and closes with feasible suggested activities and a blank journal page for young “ocean protectors.” The two human figures who pop into view most often in Williams’ informally drawn spot art are both people of color.
Well worth a go for being so expansive and a bit more than ankle deep. (author’s note, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-12)Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2023
ISBN: 9781681195131
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
A litany of valid concerns, though too broad and generalized to be a mind changer.
An earnest, overly ambitious call to action laid over an omnium-gatherum of environmental issues affecting the British Columbian rain forest in particular and all of us in general.
Vernon shoehorns her narrative in among inspirational slogans, testimonials from rain-forest residents and environmental workers, case studies in local activism and small color photos of wildlife (particularly bears) and huge trees. She points in turn to depleted salmon runs, the forced relocation of native groups, clearcut logging, the hazards of sending huge oil tankers down nearby shipping lanes and the relentless overhunting of abalone, whales and sea otters. Looking further afield, she also calls attention to global warming, the toxic effects of mining Alberta’s oil sands and the danger of our “addiction” to oil, before closing with reports of successful nonviolent protests and a passionate plea to cut back, re-use and become involved in collective action. Though too general to serve as a nuts-and-bolts guide for young activists—and hard to read, thanks to the overcrowded page design—this adds another voice to the chorus warning that global disaster is on the way and sitting it out isn’t the smart option.
A litany of valid concerns, though too broad and generalized to be a mind changer. (glossary, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-12)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-55469-303-0
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2011
The level of violence is unrealistically low, but these purposeful vignettes add a gauzy back story to what today’s children...
In six fictional episodes directly linked to paleontological artifacts, Weaver retraces the past 2.5 million years of “hominin” (pre)history.
Framed as a modern lad’s daydreams, her reconstructions open with the short life of the Australopithecine “Taung child” and end with a supposed seasonal ritual by a group of early modern Homo sapiens in what would become Europe some 26,000 years ago. In between they offer scenes in the daily lives (and deaths) of Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Neanderthal in future Africa and the Mideast. With paintings that resemble museum-diorama backgrounds—loose, but careful with natural detail—Celeskey tracks evolutionary changes in facial features, body types and clothing (or lack thereof). As the narrative progresses, the author inserts speculative but informed touchpoints in the development of names (“Roaank Awaagh” to “Moluk of the Wolf Clan”) and language, tools and culture. Explanatory afterwords elaborate on the evidence incorporated into each chapter.
The level of violence is unrealistically low, but these purposeful vignettes add a gauzy back story to what today’s children may have only seen as a few old chipped stones and fossil bones. (resource lists) (Creative nonfiction. 10-12)Pub Date: April 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8263-4442-7
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Univ. of New Mexico
Review Posted Online: Feb. 28, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2012
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
