Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion (Scientists in the Field Series) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: garbage patch, sneaker spill, ghost nets, Pacific Ocean, Hansa Carrier, Curt Ebbesmeyer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 5–8—While the subtitle leads one to believe that the heart of this book is about the science of ocean currents, it's actually about why we need to protect our marine environment. Burns tells the tale of Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, an oceanographer who started to track trash (flotsam) that washed up on the shore near his Seattle home. Through floating sneakers and bath toys that accidentally fell off container ships and a computer program named OSCURS, Ebbesmeyer tracked the currents of the ocean. These experiments led to a discussion of how debris is polluting our oceans and causing harm to marine life. Burns introduces the work of several scientists who are working to clean up ghost nets and other dangerous debris. The well-written narration will keep readers engaged, and it's excellent for reports. The science is clearly explained, and the vivid and lively photographs and well-labeled charts and diagrams help to create interest and build understanding. This title will get readers thinking and possibly acting on these problems.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

In 1990, five containers packed with Nike sneakers were swept off a cargo ship during a storm at sea. In 1992, 28,800 floating bathtub toys spilled into the Pacific in a similar mishap. The book profiles two oceanographers who devised experiments using computer-modeling programs of ocean surface current movement to predict the landfall of these drifting objects. They also gathered data from the beachcombing community to test their hypotheses. The last third of the book describes the mounting problem of plastic trash in the oceans and shows how this debris is destructive to marine life. Back matter includes a glossary, bibliographic notes, and short annotated lists of books and Web sites. Spacious layout, exceptionally fine color photos, and handsome maps give this book an inviting look, though its higher reading level indicates an older audience than some earlier titles in the Scientists in the Field series. A unique and often fascinating book on ocean currents, drifting trash, and the scientists who study them. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618581316
• ISBN-13: 978-0618581313
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,357 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #20 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Transportation > Boats & Ships > Nonfiction
  #41 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water
  #43 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Environment > Nonfiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science as entertainment, May 22, 2007

By	New Hampshire Robin (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews

What a great book! I read it aloud to my son and found other adults listening in. It combines geography, ecology, oceanography and probably a few other ologies. Great pictures, great story to follow. The message is that science isn't conducted only in a lab. Anyone can discover something valuable by observing what goes on around them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knocked My Socks Off, May 12, 2007

By	E. C. Martz (MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is amazing! It's a such a great story I forgot I was reading a science book.

Dr. Burns managed to deliver a serious message in a manner that is down-to-Earth and never preachy. Her writing style is engaging, I felt like she was sitting in the room chatting with me. The photographs are captivating, and sometimes heartbreaking.

I've recommended this children's book to several friends - all adults. It's fun to read and extremely interesting. I can't wait for Dr. Burns' next book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important read..., April 11, 2007

By	Eric Luper "author" (Albany, NY USA) - See all my reviews

As I sit here with Tracking Trash in front of me, I am drawn in by everything from the engaging cover to the approachable, kid-friendly text to the vivid images that adorn each page.

This is a book that not only explains oceanographic concepts, but also gets into subjects such as the environment, conservation, and ecology. And it's all framed in a story that not only is engaging to read, but also shows how the perseverance of a few curious people can change our understanding of the world around us.

It's an important read for young and old alike.