Plastic, Ahoy!

April 1, 2014

Gr 4-8-This intriguing book informs readers about the overconsumption of plastic with an even distribution of facts, progress, and helpful ways to reduce reliance on plastic. The Great Garbage Patch consists of debris from water sources that feed into the Pacific Ocean. Discovered in 1997, it was formed through millions, or perhaps billions, of plastic pieces. Through meeting three young people involved in the project, readers gain a personal connection to the project, which included three weeks of examining samples of plastic and ocean organisms to discover the effects of plastic on marine life. "Ocean Science" tidbits elaborate on scientists' research tools, marine life food chain, and survival of sea animals. The team's adjustment to ship life and descriptions of how they spent their free time, their sleeping quarters, and meals add enjoyable personal touches. Pictures and maps are clean, colorful, and annotated. Information boxes explore further scientific topics, such as how the crew applied the scientific method in order to frame their research. The balance between text, graphics, and photographs is ideal. Emphasis on scientists needing help from children and adults in order to solve the problem of plastics killing ocean life empowers readers, as do tips for reducing personal reliance on plastics. Source notes, glossary, and sources for further information are included. Recommended for all general collections needing an attractive and informative look at the environmental effect of plastics that encourages young readers to take meaningful and doable action.-Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
Student researchers spend three weeks on a small ship investigating plastic residue and its effect on ocean water and marine life in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Straightforward organization introduces the students--Miriam Goldstein, Chelsea Rochman and Darcy Taniguchi--the problem, the 2009 Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition, daily life on the research vessel and the scientific method: observe, develop hypotheses, design experiments. There are explanations of the North Pacific Central Gyre, the particular patch of the Pacific where plastic accumulates; the students' individual research interests in rafting organisms, phytoplankton, and the chemistry of both plastics and surrounding water; and the scientific tools they used. Realistically, although Darcy comes home with observational data, her subsequent research follows another path. But the author describes some of Miriam's and Chelsea's continued experiments, seeking to answer questions their observations raised. Finally, the author suggests ways to reduce the use of plastics that might end up in ocean waters, oceangoing creatures and our bodies as well as on our beaches. Sidebars and text boxes add information. Photographs taken on the expedition help tell the story, and the book's design is appealing and appropriate. A sobering introduction and solid demonstration of science research in action. (source notes, glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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February 15, 2014
Grades 4-8 Plastic has become a staple of material culture in the modern world, but few people give much thought to the countless pounds of waste they discard each day. Discovered in 1997, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a wide swath of postconsumer plastic waste that is found at the confluence of four major ocean currents in a vast area known as the North Pacific Central Gyre. This photojournalistic book follows three young female scientists living and working aboard a small research ship that was part of the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastics Expedition. It details the researchers' process of developing a hypothesis, collecting evidence, and designing experiments to learn more about the impact of the Garbage Patch on marine life. The book is replete with Crawley's dynamic photos of both the scientists at work and the challenges of life aboard a tiny research boat. Newman successfully summarizes all of their complex research findings into straightforward and doable tips for minimizing environmental impact. An engaging and worthwhile read, this will surely make young readers think twice about their trash.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)