Amazon (Great Rivers) [Paperback]

Michael Pollard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Great Rivers

This text discusses how the Amazon was formed, its history, geographical features, and natural habitats. It also examines pollution and environmental issues, tourism, the inhabitants surrounding it, and what lies in the future for it.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6AThe Amazon describes the second longest river in the world, which rises in the Andes of southern Peru and flows 3902 miles to the Atlantic. Pollard also discusses the threats to the rain forest. The Nile gives the history of the region and the importance of the annual floods. Both titles address the future and how important environmental concerns are to these regions. Two or more colorful photos appear on each double-page spread. These books are more current than the "Rivers of the World" series (Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1993) and are aimed at slightly older readers, but they lack sufficient maps to show the location of places mentioned and pronunciation guides. Strictly supplementary curriculum support.AMarion F. Gallivan, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Michael Pollard is the author of the Rivers of Life series, which also includes The Nile.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Evans Brothers (August 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0237524368
• ISBN-13: 978-0237524364
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,974,888 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon River--source of life for millions, August 9, 2008

By 

Judy K. Polhemus "Book Collector" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Amazon (Great Rivers) (Hardcover)

I read "The Amazon (Great Rivers)" with a sense of hope. In one of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., I visited an exhibit about rain forests. The single fact I most remember is how much and how fast the rain forests are being destroyed DAILY. This was 16-17 years ago.

Just a few years later this book was published. The author, Michael Pollard, concludes with the government's efforts to halt all destruction, to bolster work to save the forests, and better yet, efforts in replanting where trees have been chopped down. He writes about the success of the Amazonian Indians to save their homelands.

When I closed this 48-page information book designed for upper elementary, middle school students, I was relieved. It was exciting to learn natural facts about the Amazon, and equally about its protection. Those who destroy it include ranchers wanting to extend grazing land, those who want to build roads and settlements, discovery of iron, gold, and other minerals, and subsistent farmers who want to eke out a living.

Here are some basic facts about the Amazon River:

1. The source is a melting glacier high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Its first name is the Apimurac.
2. Along the lower slopes of the Andes, the Apimurac becomes the Tambo, then changes again to the Ucayali where it can reach a 3-mile width during rainy season.
3. When the north-flowing Ucayali turns east, it is joined by the Maranon whose name it picks up for the next 2485 miles.
4. The Amazon is the largest river in the world with one of its tributaries, Rio Negro, second.
5. The world's largest river island is located at the mouths of the Amazon.
6. Certain animals like the toucan are found only in the Amazon lands.
7. A Portuguese explorer named the river after the warrior women of Greek legend after seeing natives dance. His mistake in describing these "women" was not knowing they were men in costume (skirts).
8. The Amazon area inclues parts of five countries and is larger than all of Western Europe.
9. The food chain is delicately balanced. Destruction of one species can cause the death of many others.
10. The plentiful macaw is killed by natives for its feathers and for food.

Just a small book filled with accompanying pictures is the basis for a good chunk of information in defining the Amazon River, its people, products, history, geography, and preservation/conservation.