Life in a River (Ecosystems in Action Series) FROM THE CRITICS
VOYA - Christopher Finer
The complex ecosystems of rivers, their tributaries, and the lands through which they flow provide excellent examples of biodiversity and interdependence. Rapp uses the Columbia River system to present key concepts, from food chains to the influence man has had on the environment. In her highly readable and engaging text, Rapp begins with general concepts and definitions, zeroes in on those aspects of the Columbia River system that make it unique, and then generalizes again to present concrete suggestions that anyone can use to study and appreciate river ecosystems wherever they are found. In one chapter, she concentrates on a single species, the salmon, and uses it to illustrate the ease with which man interrupts the fish's life cycle and, hence, the entire ecosystem in a variety of unforeseen ways. Color photographs of creatures living in and near the river predominate. Drawings illustrate the key scientific concepts of water cycle and watershed. A map of the Columbia River watershed as it evolved naturally is juxtaposed against another map, that of the system with its various dams and impoundments. The book includes a chapter titled "What You Can Do," a list of Web sites and further reading, a glossary, and a brief but useful index. Other titles in this series explore a variety of biomes, including lake, bay, forest, and plains. Upper elementary and middle school librarians will want to add them to their ecology collections, and science teachers will find a wealth of information for use in class and for independent research assignments. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. Chronology. (Ecosystems in Action). VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only byoccasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Lerner, 72p. PLB
School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-Concentrating almost entirely on the Columbia River of the Northwest United States and Western Canada, this title discusses both the ecosystems that make up a river and the dangers facing them. There is much information on the life and travels of salmon, an important and endangered resource in the area, as well as on some of the other threatened species. Ways for students to become involved in helping preserve what is left of these ecosystems are included. However, some good color illustrations and a pleasing format do not offset the dry text.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
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