May 29, 2000
The final sentence of this well-intentioned, clearly focused book neatly sums up its author's message: ``It's your planet, so do something about it.'' Goodman emphasizes throughout that the Earth's resources are being used up at a frighteningly fast rate, and that everyone must do his or her part to halt global destruction. In addition to pleading for action, the author provides a good deal of background information, including statistics and charts that help drive home his all-important point. Goodman describes the first forms of life on Earth; the food chain, more aptly called the food web; interactions between various animals and between animals and plants; the causes and effects of global warming and acid rain; the importance of recycling and of preserving endangered species of animals and plants. The lively text is studded with examples and analogies that kids will readily identify with (photosynthesis is ``a way for plants to sunbathe and get a meal at the same time''). Strong but not strident, this book should be required reading for all middle graders. A Kid's Guide is among the first titles in the new Camelot World nonfiction series. Ages 8-12.