06/01/2021
Gr 5–8—This short chapter book begins with the important fact that the Earth is comprised of 70% water and only 30% landmass, so a healthy ocean is crucial for the entire well-being of the planet. Three chapters focus on the effects of climate change on the ocean in specific areas such as coral cities in the southern Pacific Ocean, the Salish Sea in the northwest United States bordering Canada, and the Arctic region. All are teetering on the edge of environmental disaster that threatens not only the land, but the health, well-being, and livelihood of the people who live there. The chapters are written in easy-to-understand language and include beautiful photographs taken by professional diver Crawley. "In Their Own Words" sections highlight the contributions of individuals (including youth activists) who are working to prevent further environmental damage in each area. Younger readers will appreciate colorful illustrations that provide visual descriptions of more advanced concepts, such as ocean acidification. The final chapter aims to inspire readers to take their own small steps to save "planet ocean" with a list titled "Go Blue with Annie." A short glossary, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended reading round out this lovely, informative title. VERDICT Readers who love the ocean and who are interested in diving will enjoy Crawley's descriptions of the equipment and skills needed in the sport. Libraries looking for newer titles on climate change will want to consider this one.—Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State Univ., NH
2020-12-15
Dive with Annie Crawley through three strikingly different undersea worlds to see how climate change endangers them all.
“We all have a story to tell” photographer Crawley says. In her daily life, she teaches land-dwellers to dive in the ocean, encouraging them to appreciate it and to share its beauty—and its problems. Newman’s words and Crawley’s pictures do just that for young readers here, with a clear narrative that combines science, images, and the voices of young divers and Indigenous peoples to get across their point. “The ocean is us,” says Crawley; helping the ocean helps us all. An introduction points out that maps emphasize landmasses, dividing and diminishing the ocean, which, in truth, covers 70% of the Earth. Chapter by chapter, the writer follows the dive instructor and her team visiting the Coral Triangle in southeast Asia, the Salish Sea in western North America, and the Arctic at “the top of the world.” There are also intriguing photographs (alas, not all clearly captioned), maps and charts, and short essays introducing other photographers, activists, scientists, and even a composer, all of whom work to care for the ocean and to tell its story. QR codes lead to further illustrative videos on the publisher’s website. The range of nationalities represented and the inclusion of a variety of Indigenous voices make a particularly compelling argument that ocean health is a whole world problem. The backmatter includes tips on visual storytelling and actions readers can take to help the oceans.
Worth exploring in depth. (author and photographer’s note, glossary, source notes, further resources) (Nonfiction. 10-14)
