Down under, down Under: Diving Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7-- Despite attractive, color photographs, Down Under Down Under has several major flaws. McGovern tells the adventure through the first-person narrative of a fictitious girl whose marine biologist mother takes her on a ten-day diving cruise on the Australian Great Barrier Reef. While it's hard to believe that a 12 year old would participate in the complex, and often dangerous, dives described, the girl in the pictures contributes to this feeling of doubt since she looks like an adult. Too many activities and too much information are jammed into this slim volume, and as a result, neither is fully developed. The narrative also lacks organization at times; information often seems out of place. Those with an interest in marine biology or diving will be attracted by the vibrant cover photo, and browsers will enjoy the illustrations. However, not enough information is given to make this useful for research. --Susan H. Williamson, Homer-Center School District, PA