A controversial subject presented with verve that allows readers to make up their own minds.
New tools have opened new avenues to genetic engineering of animals, living and dead. Is this a good idea?
This engaging introduction invites readers to form their own conclusions about the new world of genetic modifications. An opening essay provides an overview of the book’s structure, relatively simple explanations of how the process of genetic change works and new gene-editing technology, and some questions to consider about projects of this sort: Are they practical and effective? Are they socially and morally acceptable? Will genetic changes harm the animal (or other animals) in any way? In subsequent sections, further divided into short chapters, Campbell describes projects connected to animal conservation, the restoration of extinct animals and damaged ecosystems, our food, our pets, and our own health and medicine. Each major section is followed by a spread on a specific topic: genetic engineering, cryobanking, synthetic biology, and efforts to improve humans. The conversational text is comfortably accessible, broken up with frequent topic headings and photographs and enhanced by the colorful design. The examples—from ligers and tigons in zoos to the titular glowing bunnies created in a French lab and pigs for human organ transplants—are intriguing. The writer’s emphasis on animal welfare will resonate with his audience, and there is extensive backmatter for readers interested in going further.
A controversial subject presented with verve that allows readers to make up their own minds. (author’s note, glossary, sources, bibliography, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5415-9930-7
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Zest Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
PERSPECTIVES
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
Congolese-American Sophie makes a harrowing trek through a war-torn jungle to protect a young bonobo.
On her way to spend the summer at the bonobo sanctuary her mother runs, 14-year-old Sophie rescues a sickly baby bonobo from a trafficker. Though her Congolese mother is not pleased Sophie paid for the ape, she is proud that Sophie works to bond with Otto, the baby. A week before Sophie's to return home to her father in Miami, her mother must take advantage
of a charter flight to relocate some apes, and she leaves Sophie with Otto and the sanctuary workers. War breaks out, and after missing a U.N. flight out, Sophie must hide herself and Otto from violent militants and starving villagers. Unable to take Otto out of the country, she decides finding her mother hundreds of miles to the north is her only choice. Schrefer jumps from his usual teen suspense to craft this well-researched tale of jungle survival set during a fictional conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Realistic characters (ape and human) deal with disturbing situations described in graphic, but never gratuitous detail. The lessons Sophie learns about her childhood home, love and what it means to be endangered will resonate with readers.
Even if some hairbreadth escapes test credulity, this is a great next read for fans of our nearest ape cousins or survival adventure. (map, author's note, author Q&A) (Adventure. 12-16)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-16576-1
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Oct. 2, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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