Gr. 5-7. The author of
Monteverde: Science and Scientists in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest (1997) turns to another threatened habitat that is being studied, a reef community at Lizard Island Research Station. Collard profiles 17 individuals who work or have worked there, giving glimpses not only of the scientists' diverse backgrounds but also of the sorts of mysteries they hope to understand--from the behavior of parasites to the spectacular annual "spawn-a-thon," during which as many as 1,356 species of coral release eggs and sperm at once. The author ends with an ominous account of the tragic destruction of many of the world's coral reefs and a direct plea for more ecologically responsible behavior. Unfortunately, the black-and-white illustrations are dark and blurry; even the full color ones aren't very sharp. Still, this is a readable, enthusiastic visit with the practicing scientists in the field; pair it with books like Mary Cerullo's
Coral Reef: A City That Never Sleeps (1996), which has eye-popping underwater photos.
GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10-Collard mixes science with personal narrative so that the scientists who study the life-forms surrounding the Great Barrier Reef are humanized and the reasons behind their research are combined with real-life experiences. The text is often written in a suspenseful manner, and is likely to attract students. The writing is clear, and should appeal to reluctant readers. While the narrative style doesn't lend itself to serious research, the index is comprehensive, thus leading readers to specific subjects. The text is sprinkled with black-and-white photos, many small and not of good contrast, and there are two sections of full-color photos. The illustrations help illuminate some of the material covered. A good tie-in to units on sea life or Australia.
Laura Younkin, Ballard High School, Louisville, KY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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