Monday, June 24, 2013

Non-Fiction Monday: Alien Deep: Revealing the Mysterious Living World at the Bottom of the Ocean


by Bradley Hague. 48 p. National Geographic, September, 2012. 9781426310676. (Purchased)

What on Earth is left to explore? Why, the world of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Apparently, the first one was discovered in 1977 and scientists have been searching for and studying them ever since thinking they may answer evolutionary questions. So far, only a few hundred have been located but it is hypothesized that there may be tens of thousands to be discovered.

The picture book format belies the depth and complexity of the text here as the audience is decidedly middle school and above. A variety of full-color photographs, maps and text bubbles, some literally enclosed in water bubbles engage and fascinate, but will require close reading and frequent consultation of the glossary. A page of resources, four web sites and six books, invite readers to learn more.

This week, Non-Fiction Monday is hosted by Playing by the Book.

2 comments:

  1. I have an 8 year old who loves this topic. It's good to hear about the level of text.

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  2. Sounds like this would be a good find for reluctant middle school readers. You make a good point about the close reading needed with all of the features.

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