Overview
The Ozone Hole discusses what the ozone is, the chemicals and pollutants that destroy the ozone, and what we can do to protect the ozone and ourselves from its harmful rays.Explains what the ozone layer of the atmosphere is, what destroys it, and how this depletion affects humans and life on earth.
Synopsis
The Ozone Hole discusses what the ozone is, the chemicals and pollutants that destroy the ozone, and what we can do to protect the ozone and ourselves from its harmful rays.
Children's Literature
This book introduces young readers to the layers of Earth's atmosphere, primarily focusing on the dangers presented by the thinning of the ozone layer. This book, part of the "Earth SOS" series (which focuses on presenting major problems with the environment and provides suggestions for improving the condition of the planet), is divided into thirteen, two-page chapters, each focusing on a different generalized concept. The first chapter introduces the reader to the concept of the ozone hole; the second chapter focuses on the layers of the atmosphere; and the third explains the ozone layer itself. However, this two-spread, single concept format is also the book's weakest point. The concepts covered in each spread are too generalized to be effectively explained in such a compact form; and the result is that none of the topics are explained adequately. In addition, the major flaw with this book is that it never fully or clearly explains exactly what ozone is and why it is important, which is the concept on which all the other chapters depend. The best explanation of ozone comes more than halfway through the book, although the author explains the difference between oxygen and ozone only in terms of atoms. This is both confusing and incomplete for younger readers. Scattered throughout each spread are short factoids, including "On the Ground," and "Eco Thought," which offer readers interesting facts and figures about the ozone hole worldwide. "Try This" sidebars invite readers to do some hands-on experimentation. Also included are a glossary, a "Fast Facts" page of more factoids, websites for more information, and an index. The four-color photographs and the bright and busy layout willlikely appeal to young readers, but this is a reference that will be most helpful used in conjunction with a book that better explains what ozone is and why it is important. Reviewer: Lauri Berkenkamp