PLASTIC, AHOY!
Author:
ISBN: 978-1467712835
Publisher: Lerner/Millbrook Press
Copyright Date: 2014
Rights Retained: Dramatic/Performance; Commercial/Merchandise
Audience: ages 8 – 12
Price: $30.60
Description
Plastic Ahoy! is a real-world example of the scientific method in action; specifically, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography-sponsored (SEAPLEX) adventure to the North Pacific Gyre garbage patch. Armed only with questions, the scientists gathered plastic samples and marine life that became the basis of important experimental study about the effects of plastic on the ocean, which became the basis for this book. “Trash Talk” and” Ocean Life” sidebars provide age-appropriate science and social studies curriculum and common core tie-ins for educators.
Plastic: it's used to make everything from drink bottles and bags to toys and toothbrushes. But what happens when it ends up where it doesn't belong—like in the Pacific Ocean? How does it affect ocean life? Is it dangerous? And exactly how much is out there?
Meet a team of researchers who sailed one thousand miles into open ocean. They explored the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have collected from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world.
For nearly three weeks at sea, trash detectives gathered bits of plastic and ocean organisms. Their samples helped them learn more about the effects of plastic in the ocean. Using the scientific method the researchers observed, developed hypotheses, and created experiments. Follow along on the expedition to find out how they studied the Garbage Patch—and what alarming discoveries they made.
Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” with Beth Ruyak chats with Patricia Newman
Notes
Award-winning
Patricia Newman
www.patriciamnewman.com
Author of the spring, 2014 photo-illustrated, non-fiction picture book for ages 8-12:
PLASTIC, AHOY!
Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Lerner/Millbrook Press
Photographs by Annie Crawley
Junior Literary Guild Selection
2015 Green Earth winner
Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Teachers & Librarians: A CCSS- and NextGen-aligned teacher guide is available for your use either independently or in conjunction with Patricia’s visit to your school. Plastic, Ahoy! curriculum themes include the scientific method, Earth Day (April 22), World Ocean Day (June 8), ocean/marine life, and current events.
A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year
AAAS/Subaru Science Books and Films Best Books of 2014 AAAS Books for Children
A 2016 Towner Award Nominee for outstanding Informational Text (WLMA)
AAAS Books for Children Holiday Gift Guide
Authors for Earth Day Book of the Month
Holiday Gift Guide Authors for Earth Day Book of the Month Great Day Book of the Month
Finalist for the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Film Prize for Excellence in Science Books
2014 Nerdy Book Club Award for MG/YA nonfiction:
Capital Public Radio’s “Insight” with Beth Ruyak chats with Patricia Newman
http://issuu.com/middleshelf/docs/middle_shelf_may_june_2014
Featured on the Reading Through Life blog for NF PB
http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2014/07/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday.html
Featured on George Aranda’s Australian blog, Science Book a Day:
Nonfiction Monday blog:
Online Scavenger Hunt:
Teaching Guide:
Bookmark:
https://www.lernerbooks.com/digitalassets/Assets/Title%20Assets/13185/9781467712835/Bookmark.pdf
http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=11401&a=1
http://www.patriciamnewman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Plastic-Ahoy-Teacher-Guide.pdf
Reviews
“An engaging and worthwhile read, this will surely make young readers think twice about their trash.”
Booklist
“A sobering introduction and solid demonstration of science research in action.”
Kirkus
“I love these types of science-in-real-life books. This one belongs right up there with my best-beloved titles. I heap some additional love on it because the scientists are young and female, hopefully encouraging more young women to consider studying science. The text and photographs work together so effectively to hammer home the seriousness of this problem and encourage the reader to rethink habits. This book will fit in beautifully in several curriculum areas at my school, especially in seventh grade science. Surely a must-purchase item for school and public libraries.”
proseandkahn Nonfiction Monday blog
“Plastic, Ahoy! became the touchstone text in a unit my sixth grade team did on sustainability this fall. It has inspired 100 already-fired-up 6th graders to become change agents in what is destined to be one of the most critical environmental and human rights issues of the 21st century.”
Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
…I love these types of science-in-real-life books. This one belongs right up there with my best-beloved titles. I heap some additional love on it because the scientists are young and female, hopefully encouraging more young women to consider studying science. The text and photographs work together so effectively to hammer home the seriousness of this problem and encourage the reader to rethink habits. This book will fit in beautifully in several curriculum areas at my school, especially in seventh grade science. Surely a must-purchase item for school and public libraries.”
Nonfiction Monday blog
…I love these types of science-in-real-life books. This one belongs right up there with my best-beloved titles. I heap some additional love on it because the scientists are young and female, hopefully encouraging more young women to consider studying science. The text and photographs work together so effectively to hammer home the seriousness of this problem and encourage the reader to rethink habits. This book will fit in beautifully in several curriculum areas at my school, especially in seventh grade science. Surely a must-purchase item for school and public libraries.”
Nonfiction Monday blog
