When looking from a scientific viewpoint, (gathering data, testing hypothesis), we get a more detailed idea of what we are assessing and varied solutions to problems of our environment. IN this book about the ocean ecology and its health in the 21st century we get to do that while we follow the lives of a group of three marine scientists on board the research vessel, The New Horizon. The tea of scientists are out to study the Great Northern Pacific Garage Ring and how its existence will shape the future of marine life in the gyre (center of Northern Pacific Ring). The book has maps, small insets on more detailed facts "Trash Talk", and "Ocean Science", and a variety of ways to inform the reader about research and science is conducted. I think it would be perfect to use as an example of a conservation lesson, and teaching the scientific method to students. At the end, their is valuable resource material to encourage readers to dig more and ways to help conserve at will (use reusable grocery bags, recycle field trips). It is a very good book for inspiring us about this ecological disaster and the urgency we need to have to fix it. ( )

A team of scientists explore the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have gathered, having drifted there from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world. ( )

A good book on the subject for readers not yet ready for Loree Griffin Burns' Tracking Trash. ( )

PLASTIC AHOY! INVESTIGATING THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH by Patricia Newman tells the story of scientists investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The narrative unfolds as a mystery being solved by a team of scientists lead by three female researchers.

Written for grades 4-8, this highly illustrated work of nonfiction contains photographs, diagrams, and a map to help readers understand the science behind the exciting research project. Up-close photos show scientific experiments in action. “Trash Talk” sidebars provide important insights into the the scientific method being employed and the problem of plastic pollution. The book concludes with ideas for how youth can take action in their own community. Notes and ideas for further reading round out this excellent educational resource.

Similar in style to the SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD series popular with older children, this book is a great way to introduce younger readers to the world of science and scientists. It will be a popular addition to the school library collection.

Go the Five Gyres Institute at http://5gyres.org/ and the NOAA Marine Debris website http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/ for lots of background information.

For more visual information about the garbage patch, do a Google Images Search to locate dozens of visual containing maps and infographics such as the one at Visual.ly at http://visual.ly/great-pacific-garbage-patch-0. Ask students to pick the visual that they think best represents the problem and explain why.

To learn more about the book’s author, go to http://www.patriciamnewman.com/. Her blog contains lots of book extension ideas. Go to http://www.patricianewmanbooks.blogspot.com/. ( )

If you're looking for a "Scientists in the Field" type book for younger readers, this title from Milbrook Press is a great selection.

Many kids (hopefully) will be familiar with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but whether or not they have prior knowledge this is a good starting point. It's the story of a research voyage from the perspective of three student scientists. Miriam Goldstein, Chelsea Rochman, and Darcy Taniguchi are each researching a different part of ocean life as it might be affected by the garbage patch.

The book takes us through the research of each student, and also through daily life on board the research ship and how different types of ocean research are carried out. It also talks about possible impacts of plastic in the ocean and on earth and gives suggestions on how kids can help. Now, that last part I'm kind of meh about - it's the usual "use reusable bags" type thing which A. might or might not actually be helpful and B. most kids can't control those types of things, but it's a pretty common list of "ways kids can help the environment" and I get that you can't really explain the nuances to kids. Anyways.

Verdict: If you have kids interested in ocean science or science in general, this is a great book to introduce the general topic as well as the specific research ideas. It would work well for the entire range of middle grade, and the only drawback is that Milbrook's library bound titles are very expensive.

ISBN: 9781467712835; Published 2014 by Millbrook/Lerner; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to the library's wishlist