The Amazon: River in a Rain Forest

by Molly Aloian

Second in length only to the Nile, the Amazon River carries a greater volume of water than any other river in the world. This attractive book features the fascinating facts about this far-reaching river and the animals, plant life, and indigenous cultures that live in the surrounding rain forest. Flowing from the Andes Mountains in South America down to the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon supports farming, tourism, fishing, logging, mining, and hydroelectric power production. However, agricultural practices, deforestation, and pollution threaten South America's great river, which plays a key role in Earth's natural cycles and climate regulation.

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2010

Reviews

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative book and a neat concept to explore one of the major rivers of the world. It looks like the countries that surround the Amazon are taking its resources too dramatically and ruining the environment, its indigenous people, and the wildlife and plants in the largest rain forest in the world. The Amazon is the second longest river but by far it has the most water of any river. It is 50 miles acoss in some places and has one-fifth of all the fresth water in the world..
I have been to 3 of the world's 8 major rivers. The other 2 that both Kristy and I have been to together are the Mississippi and the St. Lawrence.
Excellent book and one I would recommend. The tributary that we have been to was in eastern Peru on the Rio de Madre de Dios. We rode long canoes driven by a motor and guided by natives. We rode to a luxurious camp on that river where we stayed and visited the environs and had gourmet meals featuring local fruit. One night we went out with lights in a boat and saw caiman, a type of alligator.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an advanced book for a second grader! But she did a great job and we learned a lot. It covers ecology, economy, and everything in between. It has beautiful photos and a good glossary.
Luisa: this is about the Amazon River.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Amazon River will love this book. Filled with great photographs and maps, preteen and up readers will discover the history, people, and environment that makes the Amazon so special. A great resource book for any library's collection.