ODDER by Katherine Applegate

 

Odder by Katherine Applegate

 

274 pages

 

Animal Fiction (inspired by true story), Sea Otters, Wildlife Conservation, Novel in Verse
Note: could be classified as realistic although through the lens of a sea otter

 

 

 

 

Description
Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.

Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals.

 

My Comments
Educational and thoroughly engaging. An important book that shows the important rescue efforts of scientists to protect the endangered sea otter. Give this one to anyone, any age, but especially to animal lovers. This book could inspire students to grow up to be marine biologists or to go into other fields that help protect wildlife and the environment. A lovely and vitally important book. A favorite!

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BEES GONE? POLLINATORS IN CRISIS by Rebecca E. Hirsch

 

Where Have All the Bees Gone? Pollinators in Crisis
by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Nonfiction, Environment, Climate, Conservation & the Environment, Human Impact on the Environment

104 pages

Description

"Numbers of bees are falling, and that has scientists alarmed. What's causing the decline? Diseases, pesticides, climate change, and loss of habitat are all threatening bee populations. Some bee species teeter on the brink of extinction. Learn about the many bee species on Earth--their nests, their colonies, their life cycles, and their vital connection to flowering plants. Most importantly, find out how you can help these important pollinators"--Publisher.

My Comments

This is an incredibly engaging book packed with useful information for middle school through adult readers. The format allows for flipping through, but of course reading the entire book would be the best experience. So important! I wish that all students could be introduced to this book. It's a natural for a book talk and essential for nonfiction reading lists.

FOREST TALK: HOW TREES COMMUNICATE by Melissa Koch

Forest Talk: How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch

Nonfiction,  Forest Ecology, Climate Change, Global Warming & Prevention

96 pages including glossary, index, websites and resources for further study and action

Description

"Trees are essential. They provide water, shelter, and food for millions of plant and animal species, including humans. They deliver proven health benefits, and they capture and store carbon, which combats climate change. Yet trees are in trouble. Forests are struggling to adapt to climate change, and deforestation is a major threat. Recently, researchers and citizen scientists made the surprising revelation that trees communicate with each other through an underground system of soil fungi and other methods. Complex social networks help trees survive and thrive by transferring resources to each other, sending defense signals, communicating with their kin, and more. Meet the tree scientists and learn more of their fascinating discoveries"--Publisher.

Booklist (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11))

Grades 8-11. This informative book introduces basic facts about trees and expands it with recent research, emphasizing how trees communicate with each other and why protecting them is vital to human health and welfare, as well as to the future of Earth’s ecosystem. Based on studies that began with Suzanne Simard’s work in the 1990s, the most fascinating section describes forest trees sharing water, carbon, and nutrients; communicating by chemical signals through the air and electrical signals though their roots; and connecting with certain other trees via underground fungal networks. In addition to scientific literature, Koch’s research includes interviews with three of the many scientists profiled, a geographer who uses remote sensing technology to study the regrowth of forests, a forest ecologist who discovered roots in the canopies of trees, and a forest economist who researches the effects of nature on children. Illustrated with colorful photos and diagrams, the chapters include many relevant sidebars and articles on significant individuals. An intriguing volume that describes the surprising hidden lives of trees and underscores their key role in our world.

Kirkus Reviews (December 15, 2018)

Readers discover the indispensable functions of trees and why they are so important to the health of humans and the planet. Beginning with a sketch of the nature and scale of the problems of deforestation and forest degradation, Koch (3D Printing, 2017) goes on to describe the many uses of trees, including being sources of ancient and modern medicines, providing oxygen, protecting against drought, and fighting climate change. The body of the book explores numerous topics in detail, including the health benefits for humans of walking in the woods, ecosystems in the forest canopy, and communication between trees, in a section that covers the pioneering work of Dr. Suzanne Simard. Other profiles focus on scientists and environmentalists such as Wangari Maathai. Transitions between sections are smooth; the narrative text is both clear and engaging. Color photographs give a personal feel to the individual stories, and diagrams depicting the water cycle, the “Wood Wide Web,” and more clarify natural processes. The international focus of the book demonstrates the interconnectedness of the issues affecting trees and humans alike. It ends on a hopeful note, offering readers concrete suggestions for things they can do to support trees and the environment. Packed with fascinating information, inspiring stories, and a call to action, this book delivers a powerful message in an effective package. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-15)

My Comments

Such an important book, a clear, concise, and comprehensive look at the importance of trees. This would be an incredibly valuable resource for research or independent reading for middle through high school. I highly recommend this book!