Sooper Yooper: Environmental Defender

by Mark Newman, Mark Heckman (Illustrator)

Our planet is in peril. That's the belief behind Sooper Yooper, the story of one man's efforts to defend the environment against the negative forces that threaten our natural resources. Billy Cooper is not your typical crime fighter. The fact that he displays no apparent superpowers is intentional. The book's authors felt it was important to underscore their contention that the average person-not someone endowed with X-ray vision or superhuman strength-can make a difference and help safeguard the planet. Much of the story takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the northernmost U.S. portion of the Great Lakes, the largest surface freshwater system on the earth, representing about 21 percent of the world's supply. It is an area that demands protection. With freshwater becoming increasingly important in the twenty-first century, mankind will have to fight battles against the villainous issues of toxic and nutrient pollution, invasive species, and habitat degradation. Billy Cooper and millions of others like him must remain vigilant or the consequences will be dire.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2010

About the author

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Reviews

[Kyle Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery

Unique Feature
Billy Cooper is the main character and he is known as the “Environmental Defender of Ecosystems”. Billy Cooper solves scientific mysteries related to Michigan’s fragile Ecosystems using the scientific processes and resources. It is a great way to introduce readers to environmental issues such as Invasive species (i.e., Zebra Mussels, Sea Lamprey), water diversion, and other environmental issues. The author, Mark Newman, is a Michigan Author and does free presentations for schools. The one unique feature about this book that stood out to me the most had to do with the illustrations. The colors were really vibrant, and the characters and animals depicted were very realistic. It was impressive! It does also have a glossary at the back of the book containing different scientific terms, which isn't common with this type of literature.

Grades: Upper Elementary (4-5)

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book by a local author who makes school visits. My daughter had an assembly by him today and he presold the books in hardcover at less than retail and offered to autograph them. The book sends an important message about water pollution in the Great Lakes by foreign sea freighters and how the power of one ordinary person can convince Congress to enact laws to protect our environment.