MARIO AND THE HOLE IN THE SKY

“The sky is falling, the sky is falling”—but unlike the supporting cast of “Chicken Little,” no one pays attention to Mexican-born chemist Dr. Mario Molina’s call to action.

Rusch’s compelling narrative captures the dread and frustration felt by Molina and fellow University of California-Irvine chemist Sherwood Rowland as they race to head off the depletion of the ozone layer. Excessive amounts of chlorofluorocarbons are being released into the atmosphere from air conditioners, refrigerators, spray cans, etc. at an alarming rate. Their initial, unsuccessful efforts to convince the media and Congress about the serious chemical threat to everyone on this planet parallels Nobel Prize winner Molina’s current struggle to address our current crisis of global warming. Martinez’s Disney-esque illustrations, set against dark or murky-colored backgrounds, detract only slightly from the strong storyline. A succinct epilogue summarizes Molina’s many accomplishments, and a chart comparing the similarities between ozone depletion and global warming is appended. Additionally, a suggested reading list and corresponding links are provided. Unfortunately, the timeline is printed across the endpapers—limiting access to the information once the protective jackets are affixed to school or library copies. A Spanish-language edition will be simultaneously released, with a translation by Carlos E. Calvo.

A timely and fascinating look at what courage and focused, informed action can accomplish.