With clear photos, science and historical background, readers receive a rounded view of the problems facing oceans and the animals living there.
I'll admit, when I pick up a book circling around environmental themes, I always hope that the author doesn't just preach a position. While having an obvious purpose, this book actually go further and allows the reader to understand how, where and what the issues are before concentrating on the current situation. So, I already give special kudos on that end, since it does also promote that readers think, analyze, and understand.
This book is, simply said, very well done. The material is brought across step-by-step in well structured chapters. The table of contents makes it easy to find the topics and know what types of information will be given. The topics are discussed in great detail without becoming too heavy for the age group. The readers are given information, which doesn't only deal directly with the problems, but goes above and beyond. There's a wonderful foundation of information.
To keep things from growing dry...although the text is really written in an easy to read way, many photos depict exactly what's be discussed. These are beautiful. Honestly, I could gaze at a few of these again and again. They are bright, clear, and have direct correlation to the topics. They give the reader a visual basis for the themes and how it fits in the 'real' world. There are also extra information boxes, which deepen certain details and give interesting, little facts. I was in ocean dreams after seeing these.
The author rounds it off to show the problems but doesn't leave a negative cloud at the end, either. Instead, it encourages thought to find solutions. This book would work great in classroom or homeschooling situations, and definitely work in deepening topics and themes.
I received a complimentary copy and found it very well done.