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Overview
The Amazon is the world's largest river, with more water flowing in it than Earth's next eight largest rivers put together. From its source high in the Andes Mountains of Peru to its mouth on the Atlantic coast of Brazil, the Amazon flows through the continent of South America, traveling for most of its journey through dense, tropical rain forest. The Amazon flows through the homes of an amazing variety of animals and plants. Native Amerindians have lived on the banks of the Amazon for over 5,000 years. Its lands were settled by Europeans in the 1500s and became the center of the rubber boom in the 1800s. Today, the Amazon rain forest faces serious problems of deforestation, and its people and its wildlife are in danger.Editorials
Children's Literature
This installment from the "Great Rivers of the World" series offers an in-depth look at the Amazon River. An introduction provides basic facts about both the river and the rain forest. Chapter One, "The Course of the River," explains the geographic history and current layout. "The Amazon in History" describes the prehistoric peoples, the influence of European settlers, and the affects of rubber harvesting and mining. "Cities and Settlements" describes the location, population, culture, and industries of major cities along the Amazon River, as well as native villages and migrant settlements. "Economic Activity" explains the major industries, including logging, fishing, agriculture, and mining. Other chapters describe the various plants and animals native to the Amazon, and explore the environmental issues impacting the Amazon rain forest and river today. Leisure and recreation activities of the people who inhabit the Amazon area are detailed, both in cities and small villages. The final chapter discusses the future of the area. A glossary, timeline, and list of further sources complete the text. Both maps and numerous pictures of the land, animals, and people of the Amazon are provided to illustrate the text. Quotes from various people living in the Amazon River area provide a unique touch to highlight various subjects in the text. This eight-chapter book would be a good addition to any social studies course for elementary and middle schools. 2003, World Almanac Library,— Amie Rose Rotruck
Book Details
Published
January 1, 2003
Publisher
World Almanac Library
Pages
48
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780836854497