Food for Everyone

Children's Literature - Leona Illig

This book, part of the "Earth SOS" science series, describes the problems mankind faces as we try to feed an increasing global population. It discusses the difference between small and large farms; the different kinds of staple crops; soil maintenance using the right amount of nutrients, fertilizers, and water; and methods to control pests that destroy crops. It explains how livestock is managed to provide food as well as products such as a wool and leather. The current state of fishing in the world's oceans is also explored. The book then describes how food gets from the farm to the grocery store, and how issues of food safety arise when food is not handled or stored properly. The book ends with a section called "What Can We Do?" and a fact file, list of related Internet sites, glossary, and index. Although "Earth SOS" is an excellent science series, this book has some drawbacks. There are some editing problems (e.g., "Scientists have created type of corn" instead of "created a type of corn). The impact of climate and global warming on food production could have been stressed more. Similarly, statements such as "We can help the environment by buying organic food, so that there is no need for chemical fertilizers and weedkillers" is over-simplistic and ignores the fact that if farmers did not use chemical fertilizers, some people in the world would starve. The subject of food production is both vital and complicated. Good solutions are hard to find, and sometimes they are controversial. Regrettably, this book tends to oversimplify the issues, leaving the challenges and difficulties largely unaddressed. Reviewer: Leona Illig

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6–These books read like accessible, over-the-top encyclopedia entries, with facts and statistics so captivating that students will want to read more. Each title outlines the history of the topic, defining terms and providing diagrams as needed, with the focus then shifting to possible solutions. A “What Can We Do?” section concludes each volume, and provides practical steps that students can take to improve the conditions addressed in the book. Other useful features include “Fact Files” containing interesting (un-cited) facts related to the topic, and thorough indexes. Though the British English might raise a few terminology questions, the books’ large print and color photographs will make this series attractive to readers, especially those who are struggling.