Bringing Back Our Tropical Forests

Each book in this series is as expansive as the habitat it covers. Just shy of one hundred pages of reading text, each volume does a thorough job discussing the complexity of forces that have endangered these habitats and the legal and scientific work being done to rehabilitate or restore them. Early chapters are devoted to defining the habitat, explaining its precarious condition and the causes of that condition from within and without. Later chapters cover rescue efforts and what the future might hold. The text is dense, but made more easily digestible by being broken down into a half dozen subheadings in each chapter. Large, full-color photographs feature captions while smaller images often accompany information boxes that supplement the text. Each volume ends with a selection of “essential facts” and a two-page visual representation of “cause and effect” associated with each habitat’s decline and recovery. The publisher identifies the reading level as eighth grade, but upper elementary students with an intense interest or strong reading skills should have little trouble. Definitely make a place for these books on middle school media center shelves, and consider for purchase in upper elementary school classes with intense interest or a need for in-depth resources. Additional Resources. Bibliography. Index. Glossary. Websites. Richard Parker, Media Specialist, Fox Chapel Elementary School, Germantown, Maryland.
Recommended.

★STARRED★ The Conservation Success Stories series does an outstanding job of examining the many forces that threaten specific biomes and their inhabitants, the causes and impacts of such endangerment, and steps that have been, or can be, taken to mitigate damage, revive the environment, and safeguard its future. It’s easy for books to cast a doomsday vibe while discussing resource scarcity, endangered species, and global warming, but these manage to keep such discussions frank, yet optimistic—largely through their many examples of conservation victories. Deserts introduces Joshua Tree National Park before discussing biodiversity, invasive species, and causes of desertification. The 1969 Cuyahoga River fire dramatically opens Freshwater Lakes, which led to the creation of the EPA and Clean Water Act. Oceans contrasts the dangers plastic debris pose to marine life with its use as currency (aka “social plastic”) in some poor countries, thereby incentivizing recycling and cleanup efforts. Tropical Forests addresses logging and deforestation, but emphasizes the positive strides made through forest restoration, conservation, and preservation. The design of these books is roomy and attractive, featuring many high-quality photos, “Science Connection” spreads, and relevant fact boxes—often highlighting indigenous peoples’ rights and plights within vulnerable areas. These wonderfully researched titles are valuable resources that allow readers to see the big picture surrounding complex environmental and social issues with hopeful eyes.

Using examples from around the world, the authors discuss various causes of habitat loss and fragmentation, along with conservation efforts and their results. A few in-depth case studies help readers understand the scope of the problems and possible solutions. “Science Connections” segments focus on natural cycles, biodiversity, and related concepts. Photos show wildlife, pollution, and human visitors or workers in the various areas, while graphics explain science concepts like habitat formation, carbon sinks, and food webs, or map locations of similar habitats. Groups such as Ducks Unlimited or individuals like Wangari Maathai, who are involved in conservation efforts, are highlighted in sidebars or mentioned in the text. Each title ends with a two-page cause-and-effect chart followed by “Essential Facts,” which captures key points. A thoughtful series for studying conservation efforts and human impact on the environment. A good choice for research projects.