The Living Ocean

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-- A general introduction to the world's oceans that defines and explains such concepts as salinity, temperature differences, tides and currents, and upwellings. Maps and diagrams expand upon these concepts. This context-setting chapter is followed by an excellent overview of the types of life found within the ocean that includes a very clear explanation of taxonomy, comparing the system of scientific naming to our own family and first names. Mattson then discusses such specific areas of the ocean as coast, offshore, polar, and deep, and the life found there. The last chapter describes human uses and abuses of the ocean and summarizes in a rather glib way the need for concerned, caring, and informed citizens. Although this is an overview, the author delves into the depth and breadth of the subject through the use of pared-down language. Terms are introduced and then used immediately to build more knowledge, making it read a bit like a textbook. Although not outstanding, the black-and-white photographs and diagrams illustrate important examples of the ocean environment in each chapter. The text does not include pronunciation guides, nor does the glossary. Some terms are defined in the glossary but not in the text. The reading list mixes adult and juvenile titles.-- Frances E. Millhouser, Fairfax County Public Library, VA