50 Climate Questions

Gr 5–8—This sweeping chronicle looks at climate change over the eons, giving readers a broad and multifaceted picture of a timely topic. Beginning with the Earth's gaseous origin, it clumps questions into a loose chronology. Humans appear in chapter two and then spread across the globe in chapter three. Additional chapters are devoted to the rise and fall of ancient civilizations and major and minor world events in which climate played a role. The story of Noah's ark, the Egyptian Dark Ages, and the eventual failure of the German empire to take over the Soviet Union are all examined through climate shifts. The final chapter brings readers into the 21st century with details on current changes and simple solutions that everyone can do. The chapters are strung together with nonsensical, tongue-in-cheek questions that mine the subject for humor. For example question 34, "What is it with kids these days?" refers to the 2011 effects of La Niña in Australia while question 48, "Could you call this a BIG help?" explains how sperm whale excrement helps reduce greenhouse gases. Scattered between the questions are occasional topical pages that add background to the science and scientists involved with climate change. The cartoon-style spot art matches the tone of the questions, which float on white clouds on full-bleed blue backdrops. The more sedate text is centered on each page under the cloud. Back matter includes an extensive index and chapter notes. For a historical look at a hot topic, this title might fill a need.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI