Global Warming

Bibliography

Simon, Seymour. 2010. Global Warming. New York: Collins. ISBN 9780061142505

Plot Summary

Simon, through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, describes the complex factors involved in global warming and climate change. In thirty-two pages, he describes the cause and effect of human interaction and the natural levels found in nature. Simon also points out the long-term effect of global warming and climate change on animals in both land and water ecosystems. He also delves into the effect on people, such as water levels rising, the food supply and economic stability. However, he also presents ideas to help slow down the human impact of climate change. 

Critical Analysis

This book features many large photographs, and large black text, about global warming and climate change. Although written for younger students, Simon does not speak down to the reader.  He presents many facts and trends in the environment but does not include a bibliography or an authors note about where he gathered his facts. The end pages include a limited glossary of sixteen words, an index, and three websites for more information. Unfortunately, the glossary terms are not presented in bold font within the text, so the reader stumbles upon them after the reading.

The images in Global Warming are interesting and appropriate for the supporting text, and while the scope of information is comprehensive, it is not very engaging. I would recommend this book to a young student for beginning a research project, but not to take home and read over a weekend. The sequencing of the book is ambiguous, because there are no section headings, nor a table of contents to guide the reader. Pull out bubbles with key facts and terms could have improved the readability and reduced the textbook-like nature of the book.

With more than 250 nonfiction books for young readers, and multiple awards from writing and science organizations, Simon clearly possesses science expertise. However, Global Warming does not demonstrate this. There is a lost opportunity to pique curiosity through questions, leaving us instead with a basic book, in a simplified layout, about a complicated topic. 

Review Excerpts

This book has not received any awards.

School Library Journal

“Outstanding full-page, full-color photographs are the highlight of this introduction to the theories and concerns regarding global warming and climate change. Simon offers much basic information on the subjects of rising sea levels, ocean temperatures, and greenhouse gases. In addition, he explores the resulting problems of animal survival as well as the standard solutions outlined for both governments and families. While he strongly suggests that global warming is due to man-made causes, he does include the possibility of cyclical warming trends. Although comprehensive for the intended audience, the text is somewhat flat. A short glossary and index may help with more complicated ideas. A useful addition for collections needing well-illustrated introductory material.”

Connections

-  Global Warming could be used with other books to compare and contrast informative 

   works.

-  Students could edit this book by adding a layer onto this book by finding additional 

    images, writing “Did you know?” pull-outs and creating titles for each section.