Riverkeeper

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6--Riverkeeper is the name of a small powerboat used by John Cronin, riverkeeper of the Hudson River, as he singlehandedly goes about the task of protecting the quality of the river. Most of his work involves trying to get government agencies to enforce the laws against polluters. He also pressures lawmakers to pass new laws that protect the water and its wildlife. This brief, readable account describes Cronin's battles with polluters--factory owners, shipping lines, power companies, local government agencies, as well as thoughtless individuals. It also tells about positive educational efforts and successful projects that have been undertaken to improve the quality of the Hudson River. The well-written, simply phrased text is handsomely illustrated with abundant black-and-white photographs. It should be a great read-aloud book. --Don Reaber, Meadowdale High School, Lynnwood, WA