Lizard Island: Science and Scientists on Australia's Great Barrier Reef [Paperback]

Sneed B. Collard III (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

Lizard Island, located at the northern end of the reef system, is a temporary home for researchers who are working to increase our knowledge of reefs and, hopefully, find ways to preserve them. In this book, you will meet some of these dedicated individuals and have an opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef through their eyes. You will see firsthand that as scientists learn more about reef ecosystems, they are constantly amazed by the diversity and fragility of the organisms that depend on coral. We live on land, so it may seem that we have little impact on ocean life. But, LIZARD ISLAND: SCIENCE AND SCIENTISTS ON AUSTRALIA'S GREAT BARRIER REEF clearly shows how human activities are directly linked to the overall health of the world's coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-Collard mixes science with personal narrative so that the scientists who study the life-forms surrounding the Great Barrier Reef are humanized and the reasons behind their research are combined with real-life experiences. The text is often written in a suspenseful manner, and is likely to attract students. The writing is clear, and should appeal to reluctant readers. While the narrative style doesn't lend itself to serious research, the index is comprehensive, thus leading readers to specific subjects. The text is sprinkled with black-and-white photos, many small and not of good contrast, and there are two sections of full-color photos. The illustrations help illuminate some of the material covered. A good tie-in to units on sea life or Australia.
Laura Younkin, Ballard High School, Louisville, KY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. The author of Monteverde: Science and Scientists in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest (1997) turns to another threatened habitat that is being studied, a reef community at Lizard Island Research Station. Collard profiles 17 individuals who work or have worked there, giving glimpses not only of the scientists' diverse backgrounds but also of the sorts of mysteries they hope to understand--from the behavior of parasites to the spectacular annual "spawn-a-thon," during which as many as 1,356 species of coral release eggs and sperm at once. The author ends with an ominous account of the tragic destruction of many of the world's coral reefs and a direct plea for more ecologically responsible behavior. Unfortunately, the black-and-white illustrations are dark and blurry; even the full color ones aren't very sharp. Still, this is a readable, enthusiastic visit with the practicing scientists in the field; pair it with books like Mary Cerullo's Coral Reef: A City That Never Sleeps (1996), which has eye-popping underwater photos. GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531165191
• ISBN-13: 978-0531165195
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #868,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A well written and enjoyable look at Marine Biologists, February 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lizard Island (Library Binding)

This book, although technically a children's book, is fascinating reading for people of all ages. Mr. Collard does a great job at keeping things simple, yet at the same time detailing how these scientists go about their job on Lizard Island.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.