Oceans Under Threat (World in Peril)

Description

How do oceans affect the world's climate? Why might coral reefs vanish in the future? What can you do to help save our oceans? For a global tour of Earth's threatened habitats, explore 'World in Peril.' This series offers a striking panorama of endangered habitats around the world. Stunning, large format photographs show the damage caused to our planet, but also the possible solutions that can lead to a greener future.

Paul Mason has written more than 100 books for children, on topics ranging from extreme sports to urban myths. Notable titles include Money Doesn't Grow on Trees and From Armpits to Zits for teens, and Monster Hunter, a series of books on tracking down and dealing with vampires, werewolves, extra-terrestrials, and ghosts. An avid surfer, snowboarder, and mountain biker, Paul writes many sports titles and has also produced a website guide to ski resorts.

Global warming and pollution are worldwide concerns. There are books, articles, and news reports including debates covering these topics. World in Peril is a new series that explores some of these concerns, and each book approaches a different part of the world and the crisis surrounding it. Some books begin by discussing the importance of the area and how it contributes positively to our lives. They then proceed to include the slow destruction of the area. The books conclude with ways to save the areas including suggestions for the reader to pursue. Questions are presented to the reader as a review. Each question includes a hint for the answer and refers to the page on which the answer could be found. Further readings includes books, DVDs, and websites. Glossary. Table of Contents. Index. Recommended--Marilyn Teicher, Library Media Specialist, P.S. 86, Bronx, New York Library Media Connection November/December 2009-- "Library Media Connection" These titles focus on the destruction of natural habitats, except for Cities in Peril, which feels out of place as it focuses on cities' destructive influences on the environment. After an explanation of what the habitat is and what it is used for, the books examine particular threats (How Does Slash-and-Burn Affect the Rain Forest?), discuss societal issues (Who Should the Grasslands Benefit?), and outline conservation measures (How Are These People Saving the Mountains?). The books' strength is their large, colorful photographs that cover almost 75 percent of every page. Spreads frequently provide before and after photos, offering strong visual evidence of environmental change. Each topic is framed with an essential question, and explored and answered in the corresponding text, but the jump from subject to subject feels somewhat disjointed. The layout provides potential for use as a read-aloud. Recommended--Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY School Library Journal November 2009-- "School Library Journal"