November 1, 2024
Gr 3-7-Each title looks at different ways animals can cause harm, offering examples of how they have impacted ecosystems and how humans have responded. Coverage includes dramatic events, like plane crashes caused by bird strikes (Birds Swarm) and the deadly illnesses spread by mosquitoes (Mosquitoes Infect) along with simpler but still notable problems, such as rodents ruining gardens (Rodents Infest). Photographs show the creatures themselves as well as scenes of the damage they have caused. Text avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on how animals' natural behavior and human progress can create conflict, and even disasters. Historical context shows how problems have developed over time, sometimes caused by misguided human decisions, as with the importations of starlings (Birds Swarm) and cane toads (Cane Toads Invade). Some titles include information as current as 2023. Closing chapters look at contemporary efforts by people to address potential disasters. VERDICT Well-rounded presentations on an interesting topic.
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