What If We Do Nothing? Endangered Species by Sean Sheehan

Endangered Species. by Sean Sheehan. G. Stevens, 2009. 48 pages.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This book is part of a “What if We Do Nothing?” series. It is an excellent resource for tweens interested in the environment, focusing specifically on the impact of humans on life forms. Interspersed throughout the chapters are critical thinking activities that are all titled “What Would You Do?”  Readers are challenged to find solutions for situations like a mining company that wants to build a dam on an African river, being a member of a group that regulates whaling and dealing with animal injuries and attacks in a National Park.  One chapter is dedicated to Earth’s rain forests and the vital role they play in absorbing carbon dioxide and heat out of the atmosphere.The plants and animals of rain forests are being destroyed for agriculture and cattle at the rate of two football fields every second!  African wildlife is under threat from illegal hunters who sometimes pose as tourists and and then slaughter rare and endangered animals to sell their body parts on the black market.  The oceans, which are also vital to life on Earth, are being overfished to satisfy the palates of humans. Sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles and sea birds are being inadvertently killed by fishermen at the alarming rate of 27 million tons a year! North American wildlife are struggling with the impact of acids, lead, pesticides solvents and diesel fuel on their habitats.  One great success story is that of the California condor which in 1989 had only 25 birds alive.  Through conservation and breeding efforts there are now more than 300. Excellent photographs and graphics, a glossary and a resource guide all enhance this great nonfiction book for tweens.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: 8.4 Interest level: Ages 10 to 13.