Oil Spills

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Using the Persian Gulf oil spill as a starting point, Blashfield discusses several devastating disasters as well as natural leaks and small spills. The inevitability of such occurrences and their appalling consequences are vividly described. The various methods for dealing with spills, the lack of knowledge and coordination in cleaning up after them, and the problems engendered in different environments are detailed. High-quality black-and-white and full-color photographs superbly illustrate the work, and fact boxes provide additional information without interrupting the narrative. ``Earth Experiences'' are provided to demonstrate the properties of oil and its interaction with the environment. However, no safety instructions or adult supervision are suggested. Ironically, the text emphasizes the lethal effects of oil on animals, and some of these ``experiences'' repeat them. The recommendations for action are excellent, particularly the inclusion of sample letters to government officials. Anderson's Oil Spills (Watts, 1990) is for younger readers and treats the topic more superficially, focusing mostly on the production, history, and uses of oil. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City