The Kids Book of the Far North - Softcover

Gr 3-6-This book covers the history and natural and human ecology of the circumpolar area. Double-page illustrated spreads cover several aspects of the arctic landscape, plant and animal life, peoples, riches, and everyday life. A minor flaw is that the map does not locate the peoples (Yupik, Nenets, Saami, Evenki, etc.) mentioned in the text. However, the authors and illustrator are careful to show them in their historical and contemporary contexts, and the information will encourage meaningful discussions of topics often glossed over in other books about the Arctic. For example, the section on whale hunting is factual in tone, and the "Eco Watch" sidebar asks, "Are animal rights more important than the rights of people to live the way they have lived for thousands of years?" A double-page spread entitled "Life in a Modern Town" briefly addresses many of the issues of contemporary life in the north (health care, building housing on permafrost, the difficulties of waste disposal in a frozen environment). A couple of "Elder Tales" recount traditional lore. Numerous full-color illustrations accompany the text. While some children will enjoy browsing this title, the index makes it useful for ready reference or reports. An up-to-date, accessible overview.-Sue Sherif, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK

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