02/01/2021
In this factually augmented poetry collection, Hood illuminates the reasons, repercussions, and remedies for humans’ considerable use of plastic. She begins with “Fantastic Plastic,” which presents a rhetorical question: “Where would the world be without ?” But subsequent poems, such as “Plastic for Dinner?” highlight the consequences of its use. Solutions are offered in the forms of couplet-based “Ban the Bag” (“Cloth and canvas can’t be beat!”) and “Ode to Jellyfish” (their mucus “may be the solution to plastic pollution!”), among others. Prose paragraphs supplement with additional information, including real-life people in the fight against plastics, and Engel’s vivid, inclusive digital illustrations bolster this appealingly accessible picture book. Front matter includes an introduction by Milo Cress, founder of Be Straw Free, and back matter includes an author’s note, timeline of the history of plastics and its projected future, and additional resources. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)
Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this book will plant the seeds of environmental activism in young readers. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
In this factually augmented poetry collection, Hood illuminates the reasons, repercussions, and remedies for humans’ considerable use of plastic....Engel’s vivid, inclusive digital illustrations bolster this appealingly accessible picture book. — Publishers Weekly
A fantastic resource for those who want to learn about the fight against plastic pollution. A useful book to include in poetry or social awareness units, this is a thorough resource on plastic consumption. — School Library Journal
A breezy way of introducing ecology concepts and starting important conversations. — Booklist
With an introduction from Milo Cress and bright, colorful illustrations from Christiane Engel, this collection of brilliant, lyrical nonfiction poems by award-winning author Susan Hood highlights the threat of plastic and the kids who are fighting for change to save our planet. — kidlit.tv
You'll finish this book and think about what you can do to help the environment. — Mrs. Knott's Book Blog
You don’t want to miss this smart read. — Betsy Bird, School Library Journal Blog
A breezy way of introducing ecology concepts and starting important conversations.
You'll finish this book and think about what you can do to help the environment.
With an introduction from Milo Cress and bright, colorful illustrations from Christiane Engel, this collection of brilliant, lyrical nonfiction poems by award-winning author Susan Hood highlights the threat of plastic and the kids who are fighting for change to save our planet.
You don’t want to miss this smart read.
A breezy way of introducing ecology concepts and starting important conversations.
06/04/2021
Gr 2–5—This nonfiction picture book combines poetry and facts to increase awareness of plastic consumption around the world. Each two-page spread contains a poem and informational text on topics such as the consumption of plastic, how it is affecting the environment, steps to reduce the use of plastic, or the latest scientific discoveries to combat plastic waste. Most notable is the focus on children and teens who are making a difference by cutting back on the use of plastic or finding ways to recycle plastic to aid their communities. The digital illustrations are whimsical and enjoyable even though they don't really enhance the informational aspects of the text. Many children with different skin colors are also depicted in the illustrations. This would not be an ideal book for research, especially since there is no index. However, it is a fantastic resource for those who want to learn about the fight against plastic pollution. While the text may initially seem sparse on information, there are plenty of resources appended; a time line, a list of plastic alternatives, notes about the poetic styles used within the book, further reading, and websites and information for organizations working to reduce plastic usage are included. VERDICT A useful book to include in poetry or social awareness units, this is a thorough resource on plastic consumption.—V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elem. Sch., Raleigh, NC
★ 2020-11-18
A blend of STEM and poetry, this multidisciplinary book artfully explains the benefits and problems of plastics and encourages activism and alternatives.
A variety of short topical verses for younger listeners is supplemented by short prose paragraphs with additional details for older readers. Illustrations that alternate between striking full-color double-page spreads and smaller colorful vignettes surrounded by white space are guaranteed to grab attention. In the two spreads that open the volume, a community map explains where plastics are commonly found, and an abecedary shows where plastics hide. The plastic content in items like eyeglasses and helmets might be obvious, but the notion that plastic is in chewing gum and cash will probably surprise readers. Interesting, fairly in-depth information about the life cycle of a discarded plastic fork, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a trash-collecting contraption in Baltimore’s river, uses for recycled plastics, potential solutions for plastic pollution that involve jellyfish or caterpillars, and alternatives to single-use plastic items follows. In addition to pages that specifically encourage activism, many pages feature quotes from young activists from around the world, and illustrations reflect a similar diversity. A hidden gem in the ample backmatter, Poetry Notes identify and explain the numerous poetic forms that make up the text. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 41.9% of actual size.)
Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this book will plant the seeds of environmental activism in young readers. (author’s note, timeline, additional resources) (Informational picture book/poetry. 5-10)