Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Plastic: it's used to make everything from drink bottles and bags to toys and toothbrushes. But what happens when it ends up where it doesn't belong―like in the Pacific Ocean? How does it affect ocean life? Is it dangerous? And exactly how much is out there? A team of researchers went on a scientific expedition to find out. They explored the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have collected. The plastic has drifted there from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world. Most of it has broken down into tiny pieces the size of confetti. For nearly three weeks at sea, researchers gathered bits of plastic and ocean organisms. These samples helped them learn more about the effects of plastic in the ocean. Follow along on the expedition to find out how scientists studied the Garbage Patch―and what alarming discoveries they made. Gr 4–8—This intriguing book informs readers about the overconsumption of plastic with an even distribution of facts, progress, and helpful ways to reduce reliance on plastic. The Great Garbage Patch consists of debris from water sources that feed into the Pacific Ocean. Discovered in 1997, it was formed through millions, or perhaps billions, of plastic pieces. Through meeting three young people involved in the project, readers gain a personal connection to the project, which included three weeks of examining samples of plastic and ocean organisms to discover the effects of plastic on marine life. "Ocean Science" tidbits elaborate on scientists' research tools, marine life food chain, and survival of sea animals. The team's adjustment to ship life and descriptions of how they spent their free time, their sleeping quarters, and meals add enjoyable personal touches. Pictures and maps are clean, colorful, and annotated. Information boxes explore further scientific topics, such as how the crew applied the scientific method in order to frame their research. The balance between text, graphics, and photographs is ideal. Emphasis on scientists needing help from children and adults in order to solve the problem of plastics killing ocean life empowers readers, as do tips for reducing personal reliance on plastics. Source notes, glossary, and sources for further information are included. Recommended for all general collections needing an attractive and informative look at the environmental effect of plastics that encourages young readers to take meaningful and doable action.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA Plastic has become a staple of material culture in the modern world, but few people give much thought to the countless pounds of waste they discard each day. Discovered in 1997, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a wide swath of postconsumer plastic waste that is found at the confluence of four major ocean currents in a vast area known as the North Pacific Central Gyre. This photojournalistic book follows three young female scientists living and working aboard a small research ship that was part of the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastics Expedition. It details the researchers’ process of developing a hypothesis, collecting evidence, and designing experiments to learn more about the impact of the Garbage Patch on marine life. The book is replete with Crawley’s dynamic photos of both the scientists at work and the challenges of life aboard a tiny research boat. Newman successfully summarizes all of their complex research findings into straightforward and doable tips for minimizing environmental impact. An engaging and worthwhile read, this will surely make young readers think twice about their trash. Grades 4-8. --Erin Anderson Green Earth Book AwardAAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, finalistBank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year Patricia Newman wants us all to know we are part of nature. As a Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient, she shows us how our actions ripple around the world, empowers us to find our own connections to nature, and encourages us to use our imaginations to act on behalf of our communities. Her nonfiction titles have received multiple starred reviews, Orbis Pictus Recommended Awards (NCTE), Green Earth Book Awards, and several Eureka! Awards. She is based in California. Annie Crawley , aka Ocean Annie, travels and works around the world. Trained as a photo and broadcast journalist, her work has been broadcast and published worldwide. From Indonesia to Galapagos, Belize to Papua New Guinea, India to Australia, Annie has explored and documented life on our planet. Based in Seattle, Annie works as a producer, writer, photographer, and motivational speaker. She founded Dive Into Your Imagination, a multimedia company producing books, enhanced eBooks, educator guides, films, motivational art, and more. Annie was the photographer and filmmaker aboard SEAPLEX sponsored by Project Kaisei and Samy's Camera. Annie specializes in the underwater realm and also works as a p