January 1, 2023
Gr 3-6-Wet, slimy seaweed, one of the oldest life forms on Earth, could be one of the keys to saving the planet, according to this slim but enlightening text. The saltwater algae provides food and shelter for countless living things and produces more oxygen than all the planet's land forests put together. Readers are introduced to different types of seaweed forests from all over Earth, each one integral to the world's survival. Almost half of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere comes from oceanic phytoplankton. They are even responsible for removing carbon dioxide, one of the main pollutants causing the worst effects of climate change, from the atmosphere. The friendly, accessible text will give tweens the feeling that they're being taught by their cool biology teacher. Kids will encounter terms like aquaculture and discover the effects of farting cows and defecating whales on the environment. The dynamic design features jaw-dropping photos, catchy chapter headings, and lots of white space. Informative, brightly colored sidebars are integrated well onto the page and offer close-ups of all kinds of seaweed. Back matter includes a glossary, time lines, bibliography, source notes, and suggestions for how young people can help seaweed flourish, thereby helping to stem climate change. VERDICT A fascinating work about the importance of a seemingly simple life form with a gigantic impact, this is a strong choice for middle grade collections.-Shelley M. Diaz
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Starred review from November 15, 2022
Seaweed's impressive mysteries and surprising potential. Conversationally addressing readers, Sanchez adeptly conveys fascinating facts ("seaweed is as different from land plants as a bird is from a fish") about her subject. Short sentences, accessible vocabulary, lively comparisons (e.g., drawing parallels between sea and avian predators like sharks and hawks), and revelations--like learning that seaweed affects even those who don't live right by the ocean because it sustains air and water and provides food--will keep readers absorbed. Gleaming color photos are engaging and sometimes amusing, like a beach-strolling Holstein; cows have a big role in this book. There's also some mystery (what is seaweed, exactly?), history (seaweed fossils; more recently, using Irish moss as fertilizer), and reimagining (Sanchez invites readers to see seaweed as an underwater forest). Climate change, inevitably, plays a role in this work, and some harmful potential of algae is noted, but seaweed's positives (in the creation of bioplastics, medicines, and, especially, food) dominate. Finally, the book adroitly returns to the people, cows, and a question introduced in the first pages. The last chapter cites other potential uses (fuel, insulation, paper), celebrating seaweed's future. Fact-loving, sea-loving, science-loving, and just plain curious readers will find much to chew over here. (glossary, recipe for mermaid confetti, information on foraging for and eating seaweed, timeline, tips on seeing and saving seaweed, bibliography, source notes, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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Starred review from March 1, 2023
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* At first glance, seaweed might not strike many as a scintillating subject, but it has surprising depth and mystery. As a type of algae that has existed for billions of years, seaweed comes in thousands of varieties and forms a bedrock for life on our planet. This engaging entry in the Books for a Better Earth series tackles an impressive variety of topics, imparting basic scientific understanding of seaweed and its crucial place in the ecosystem along with its incredible applications as a source of food, medicine, and fuel. The emphasis on seaweed patches as oceanic forests feels eminently approachable. Scientists still struggle to classify the amazing stuff, and while there is plenty of room for further research, it quickly becomes clear that it behooves humans to protect its many forms and learn how to sustainably harness its endless potential. The conversational writing is casual and captivating, and the appealing elements of colored text blocks, fascinating asides, and carefully condensed chapters makes all the information easily digestible, while a well-curated collection of photos features vast underwater expanses, stunning details, and cute critters. Extensive end pages--including ideas for foraging and conserving seaweed, a time line, and an intriguing recipe for mermaid confetti--add even more depth to the already excellent book. An inspiring and expansive introduction well worth diving into.
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