People and the Sea

VOYA

From the coastal regions to the open oceans, each volume in this collection explores the characteristics, the inhabitants, and the future of sea life. Opening chapters focus on the features of each aquatic zone, describing its physical properties, its unique qualities, and the challenges that each environment poses. Subsequent chapters investigate the inhabitants of each ecosystem, progressing from the smallest creatures to the largest predators. Each book ends with a chapter that explores the future of the particular environment, listing its challenges and discussing possible solutions. People and the Sea takes a slight detour from other volumes in the series, exploring human relationship with the ocean world. Chapters focus on marine pollution, the effects of industry on aquatic life, human-induced climate changes, and other challenging issues. Other volumes in the series focus on the open ocean, the continental shelf, the coral reef, the coast, and the saltwater wetlands. In addition to several black-and-white photographs and illustrations, each volume features an insert of color photographs. The inclusion of a glossary, an index, and a list of print and Internet resources makes the series not only a good investigation of sea life, but it is also a good tool for research. This set is an excellent stand-alone source for aquatic information and a good introduction to many scientific concepts and issues. (Life in the Sea). VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, Facts on File, 132p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Further Reading., PLB$35.. Ages 11 to 15.
—Heather Hepler

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-These useful, informative books examine marine life, ecology, and environmental issues concerning the largest portion of the Earth. Good scientific information is blended with an obvious respect for and love of the subject. The first title presents a comprehensive discussion of the physical aspects of the continental shelf; the variety of life beneath, on, and above the waters; and the many dangers to the health of these realms. In Ocean, the areas beyond the continental shelf are profiled, and food chains, the diversity of life forms, and the anatomy of sea animals are discussed. In the third title, the many crises besetting the ocean environment are carefully noted and analyzed. The laws dealing with problems and the ways in which the oceans are exploited are examined. In clear language, the imminent dangers involved in continuing on this path are discussed. All three titles have helpful color photos and black-and-white charts and drawings. These important works are accessible to a variety of student abilities and should be considered for all collections.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.