Arctic Thaw

by Peter Lourie Narrated by Chris Sorensen

Overview

Travel north-beyond the Arctic Circle-to Barrow, Alaska, and meet the proud INupiaq people. For thousands of years they have hunted whales on the open sea, but now global climate change threatens their way of life. The whale hunt is about to begin, and you're invited to come along! Just as soon as the ice covering the ocean cracks apart, the whales will appear. Set out with the INupiaqs in their bearded-sealskin boats to hunt bowhead whales, and witness a tradition that has been followed for 3,000 years. So grab some warm clothes and loosen up your throwing arm-the hunt is on! Multiple award-winning author Peter Lourie is acclaimed for his environmental science writing. Here he transports young listeners due north to discover a culture completely different from their own and to show them what climate change means for the INupiaqs and us all. "A must book-right now. Tomorrow is too late."-Jean Craighead George

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8 - A somewhat sobering, yet upbeat examination of the probable effects of global warming on the culture of the Iñupiaq whale hunters of Alaska's North Slope. Lourie, in company with atmospheric chemist Dr. Paul Shepson and three of his students, made three journeys to investigate the problems presented by climatic change on the human and animal ecologies of this remote, challenging landscape. His lively, straightforward text describes the mixture of traditional and modern ways of the present-day Iñupiaq, as well as the work of Shepson and his team to record weather and climate changes and to predict what effect they will have locally and globally. The author also explores the efforts of BASC (Barrow Arctic Science Consortium) to assist researchers and encourage a sharing of information between scientists and native people. Numerous full-color photos and helpful maps and diagrams enrich the package. Lourie presents a serious look at the local intensities of a global problem. This book should find space on library shelves along with his other titles, such as Tierra Del Fuego(2002) and Yukon River(2003, both Boyds Mills). An up-to-the-minute window into a fast-changing world-with hopeful overtones.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

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From the Publisher

"[A] timely photo-essay. . . . Helpful backmatter includes a glossary, suggested reading, index and short list of simple things the reader can do as well to fight global climate change." --Kirkus Reviews

"An up-to-the-minute window into a fast-changing world - with hopeful overtones." --School Library Journal

"The juxtaposition of testimony from those who put their faith in scientific data and those who embody generations of experience is valuable, as are Lourie's occasional observations on groups who would actually benefit economically from a diminished ice cap." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171201050
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	11/15/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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