Our Endangered Planet: Rivers & Lakes

Grade 5-8-- Four titles that supplement and complement each other, developing the theme of the interrelatedness of the Earth, its processes, and all life. The first three each describe a single resource, its importance, the impact of humans on it, and its degeneration as an ecosystem. Rowland-Entwistle's Rivers and Lakes (Silver Burdett, 1986) covers much the same information for this age group, but Parker's Pond and River (Knopf, 1989) is strictly biological. Population Growth treats this subject with directness and sensitivity. Zero Population Growth is defined, methods of birth control are briefly but adequately discussed, and religious and cultural attitudes are represented fairly. Asimov's Earth, Our Crowded Spaceship (Harper, 1974; o.p.) gives the same excellent coverage for older readers. Each book is illustrated with high quality full-color photographs and diagrams on every page. It is refreshing to see women farmers. Worldwide representation of people and places highlights our collective responsibility. The language is nontechnical and boldface type introduces specialized terms that are defined in the glossaries. Some oversimplification occurs, but it does not distort the facts. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A colorful, chatty look at Antarctica's history, geography, and climate, plus efforts to safeguard it from environmental damage. Curious facts abound--e.g., Antarctica was torn from South America 50 to 100 million years ago; it holds 70% of the world's water supply and has only two species of plants. Especially intriguing are the photos, drawings, and accounts of exploration: Ui-te-Rangiora, 650; Captain Cook, 1770; Scott and Amundsen, 1912; Byrd, 1929; Steger, 1989. Addresses of organizations; suggestions for activities; glossary; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.