People of the Polar Regions (Wild World)

Jen Green received a doctorate from the University of Sussex (Dept of English and American Studies) in 1982. She worked in publishing for 15 years and is now a full-time writer, who has written over 150 books for children. Her book 'Your Feelings: I'm Special' was short-listed for the NASEN Special Needs Award.

Grade 4-6-The regional-profile approach has proven popular as a way to inform students about particular types of animals, vegetation, geology, climate, or habitats. However, when the emphasis is on people, this approach is problematic. In addition, the execution of this particular title shows some shortcomings. The lack of a definition of "polar" is confusing: an account of the Exxon Valdez disaster seems out of place unless the sub-Arctic is being considered "polar," in which case the author has ignored a huge amount of human activity and settlement. Further, there is an inherent unevenness when the focus is on human activity in the polar regions. Although there are similarities of climate and seasonal amount of light at the poles, there is no comparison between the northern polar region, where there have long been various circumpolar cultures, and the south, which the text states "has never been inhabited" (scientific outposts are mentioned throughout). As a result, the whole effort is confusing and uneven. A profusion of striking color photographs is the book's strongest feature, but even there, there is a sloppiness exemplified in the photo of gleaming snow in bright sunlight on Svalbard in the Arctic superimposed with a text block that discusses continuous darkness experienced by scientists at the poles. Not only is a discussion of winter darkness incongruous on a summer scene, but also the idea conveyed that only scientists experience several months of darkness is incorrect. Students would be better served by titles that focus on particular groups of people at the poles.
Sue Sherif, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK
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