NSTA Recommends
Desert Climates stands out because it highlights specific deserts around the globe. The format is engaging and interesting and the text is split up into small, readable sections. There are numerous boxes with “Amazing Facts” and “Did you Know?” tidbits as well as fun uses of arrows to highlight photos of people, animals, industry, and terrain. I could see fourth to sixth grade teachers utilizing this book for an integrated project within an elementary classroom or teachers of mixed grade levels enjoying this resource. . . .I would recommend this book due to its kid–friendly layout and design, integration possibilities, as well as the potential for use in numerous areas of science study.
Booklist
Top 10 Biomes Series. Concentrating on climate, these detailed titles discuss how plants, animals, and people have adapted to living in each biome. Accompanied by numerous maps and photos, they also underscore natural resources, threats posed (particularly by human impact), and ways to protect them.
School Library Journal
04/01/2017
Gr 5–8—Rather than devoting volumes to single climate zones, Senker considers several together. For example, Polar Climates includes tundra as well as Arctic and Antarctic. A world map indicates overall locations, and informative captions on most photos identify specific areas to minimize confusion. Covering warm and cool maritime and continental examples, Temperate Climates requires the most reader concentration. Interspersed in overviews of plants, animals, indigenous peoples, and natural resources are features on a variety of topics, such as Kenyan ecotourism in Tropical and solar power generation in Desert. While addressing impacts of climate change, habitation destruction, and exploitation of natural resources, Senker offers suggestions to slow or minimize damage. The author also raises questions that could spark discussion, such as the benefits and drawbacks of tourism. VERDICT Stimulating selections, a first choice for most collections.
