Wild Ocean

July 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-A dozen veteran and first-time comic-book writers and graphic novelists appear in this collaboration. Separate chapters introduce readers to wonders of the ocean under threat from overfishing, global warming, and other man-made dangers. From seahorses made into keychains to monk seals losing their birthing and pup-rearing grounds, kids encounter beautiful creatures that need humans to undo the damage they have caused to the environment. Each story opens with a textual explanation of the section's topic. The graphic styles vary widely, with some, like the story of the manatee, looking like traditional Sunday comics, while others, like the description of the coral reefs of the Maldives, appearing much more realistic. Some of the entries include allusions to ocean-focused mythology, while others are practically wordless and let the illustrated panels speak for themselves. Back matter includes not always age-appropriate further reading, but also very informative websites for in-depth research. Passionate students would enjoy this colorful, informative look into different aspects of sea life, and teachers could use the book to introduce marine biology or ecology units, making this a wise purchase for middle school libraries and beyond.-Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA

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