Water Pollution

Children's Literature - Amy S. Hansen

Part of the "Water Science" series, Ostopowich starts by explaining why we study water pollution. Writing clearly with many supporting diagrams, Ostopowich's topics include: how water is used, types of water pollution, sewage, industrial water pollution, oil spills, and environmental effects. Topics are covered in one or two page spreads with eye-catching photos and diagrams. Pictures in this book are particularly gripping as they show birds being cleaned and other dramatic consequences of water pollution. One of the last and best features of the series is a brief introduction of a professional in the field: "An environmental lawyer is someone who creates and enforces laws dealing with the environment. They work in the areas of conservation, stewardship and reducing pollution." One of the photos shows Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an environmental lawyer who founded Riverkeeper and works with Waterkeeper Alliance. Back matter includes a brief quiz, instructions on creating an oil spill in a clear bowl so that you can try and clean it up, a glossary, and an index. But there is more. These books have an online component. Using the book code printed inside the cover, readers can link to an online version of the book and a video. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen