Environmental Conservation & Protection, Extinct & Endangered Animals, Animals - General & Miscellaneous, Exotic Animals

Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles

Name: Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles
Author: Christopher G. Knight
ISBN: 9780763628833

by Christopher G. Knight

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Overview

"There's a sense of wonder in the simple words and the huge, thrilling color pictures in this photo-essay about a vanishing species." — BOOKLIST (starred review)

Limp and frozen, a Kemp's ridley turtle washes up on Cape Cod. When a boy named Max finds it, the turtle appears to be dead. But is it? Award-winning author Kathryn Lasky and photographer Christopher G. Knight take young readers on a riveting tour that begins on the icy shores of Cape Cod, where expert teams attempt to revive the Kemp's ridley, and ends on the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, where turtles of this rare breed are born and may return to lay eggs of their own. All sea turtles are threatened or endangered, but the Kemp's ridley is the most endangered of all — and this awe-inspiring story makes it clear why we should want to protect them.

Describes efforts to protect sea turtles, particularly Kemp's ridley turtles, and help them reproduce and replenish their once-dwindling numbers.

Synopsis

A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book goes to the New England Aquarium.

All sea turtles are threatened or endangered. The Kemp’s ridley turtles are the most endangered of all—fewer than eight thousand on the whole planet. Limp and frozen, a Kemp’s ridley washes up on Cape Cod. When a boy named Max finds him, the turtle appears to be dead. But maybe not. Award-winning author Kathryn Lasky and photographer Christopher G. Knight take young readers on a riveting tour that begins on the icy shores of Cape Cod, where expert teams attempt to revive the Kemp’s ridley, and ends on the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, where this rare breed is born and may return to lay eggs of its own.

Book Magazine

Fifty years ago, 40,000 turtles nested on Mexican beaches. By 1978, the number was down to 500. Since then, veterinarians and volunteers have successfully collaborated to increase that number. This photo-essay depicts the efforts to save one specific turtle rescued on a Cape Cod beach. The turtle, first cared for in Massachusetts, is eventually sent to Florida to be released. The final section shows turtles hatching in Mexico and, with the help of volunteers, setting off into the Gulf of Mexico. The text deftly combines facts about turtles, environmental themes and brief profiles of workers shown in clear color photographs.
Kathleen Odean

About the Author, Christopher G. Knight

Kathryn Lasky and Christopher G. Knight have created many books for children, including THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROOF IN THE WORLD, MONARCHS, and SUGARING TIME, a Newbery Honor Book. About working on INTERRUPTED JOURNEY, they say, "It was a real eye opener for us to see how many people care about sea turtles and how an international rescue effort has evolved. It is so heartening to see people of all ages come together in this way."

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Editorials

From The Critics

When Max and his mother patrol a frigid Cape Cod beach late in November, they find a stranded young sea turtle who has lost his way. Follow the turtle's rescue from the emergency room at the New England Aquarium to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida and ultimately to the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Many caring people help this young endangered sea turtle live. Chock-full of photographs and fascinating information. 2001, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: S. Kleven SOURCE: Parent Council Volume 8

Children's Literature

The number of Kemp ridley sea turtles has dropped dramatically in the past fifty years. Lasky and Knight have created a compelling photodocumentary describing some of the complex processes now in place to keep the species alive. Many young ridleys mistakenly end up in Cape Cod and risk being frozen to death far from the warm waters they instinctively seek. Volunteers search for the turtles in November and December. Those that are found alive undergo a long and complicated recovery process, which begins with veterinary care in the New England Aquarium. After they are fully recovered the turtles take an airplane ride to Florida where they become acclimated to their new surroundings in a motel swimming pool. Finally, they take a boat ride, which culminates in their release into the quiet waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This entire process takes about five months. Distinctive, full-color photographs carefully document each step of the extensive rescue procedure. 2001, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Large, clear, informative photos draw readers into this look at attempts to save the endangered Kemp's ridley turtle. Beginning with a 10-year-old boy who finds a nearly dead turtle during his patrol on a Cape Cod beach on a cold November day, Lasky details the efforts of a team of veterinarians, marine biologists, and volunteers to save the life of this turtle and others. The action moves from the New England Aquarium to the Florida Keys to the beaches of Rancho Nuevo, Mexico (with a map to show the way). The writing is so clear and the story so compelling that one almost passes over the beautiful imagery: "the sand is hard and sleek," "the salt water combs over them." This is also beautiful bookmaking, with a crisp layout and interesting font on oversized pages. Although researchers will learn a lot about the Kemp's ridley turtle, this is primarily an ecological adventure book to be read cover to cover. Pair it with one of many fine books on the sea turtle, including Gail Gibbons's Sea Turtles (Holiday, 1995) or Brenda Guiberson's Into the Sea (Holt, 1996). To look at rescue efforts for other sea animals, try Peggy Thomas's inspiring Marine Mammal Preservation (21st Century, 2000).-Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.