Marshall Cavendish/ Benchmark Books 2000 >> Buy the Book Online

The Mississippi River

Describes the dynamics of the river’s ecosystem seven chapters, full-color photographs, and science experiments. For Middle School readers.

The Mississippi River describes a variety of plants and animals and considers their relationships with one another as well as their interactions with the environment. After establishing the range and basic characteristics of the North American rain forest, Behler organizes her investigation of the ecosystem by discussing the layers from upper canopy to forest floor. The human impact, particularly logging, is featured as a change agent. From beaver dams to human levees, the course of The Mississippi River is altered continually. Some of those changes contribute to disastrous floods such as the one in 1993. Ruth describes restoration efforts as well, making it clear that human decisions and actions impact an ecosystem. The Pacific Coast is the least unified, perhaps due to the vast distance and variety of flora and fauna included. Individual chapters devoted to the kelp forest and salmon run hold readers' interest but don't relate closely to one another. Each book provides suggestions for a couple of related class activities. Full-color photos enhance and reinforce the text. Previous knowledge of the topic is not essential, but competent reading skills are. In addition to serving as good sources for reports, the books are engaging enough to recommend for general-interest reading.