Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities (Orca Footprints)

by Michelle Mulder (Author)

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities (Orca Footprints)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Orca Footprints

What if the new key to making our lives safer (and even healthier) is to allow the wilderness back into our cities?

Going wild. We don't see it as a good thing. And why would we? For most of our time on earth, humanity has been running from lions and other wilderness dangers. We've worked hard to make our local landscapes as safe and convenient as possible. Sometimes that's meant paving over areas that might burst into weeds. Other times, we've dammed rivers for electricity or irrigation. But now pollution, climate change and disruptions to the water cycle are affecting the world in ways we never anticipated.

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Hardcover
$19.95

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Kirkus

Recommended for settings where others in the series have been useful.

ALA/Booklist

Mulder approaches her topic with enthusiasm…Readers intrigued by the idea of greener cities will find plenty of encouragement here, along with examples from around the world. One or two attractive color photos appear on every page. A short, persuasive introduction to the rewilding movement.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--Mulder adds to her catalog of environmentally focused titles with this account of all of the ways nature has to adapt to urban environments. There are a lot of riveting ideas briefly discussed here, including the connection between rats and the bubonic plague, the history of forcing Indigenous children into residential schools, and the connection between microbes and mental health. The book's biggest challenge is its effort to explain so many complex historical topics prior to exploring the current, delicate urban ecosystem. However, the book more successfully explains the enormous impact human habitation has on the surrounding natural world. Sidebars include "Wild Facts" and "Making Tracks" that provide some extra fun information as well as personal anecdotes from the author. A glossary of unfamiliar vocabulary words (such as habitecture) is also helpful. There are also suggestions on how readers can improve their relationship with nature by composting, planting seeds, and spending more time enjoying the outdoors. VERDICT Perfect for inspiring readers to explore the natural world while also encouraging discussion about the environmental changes caused by humans.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Young readers will have no trouble finding references they can relate to throughout this book as they examine their own urban lifestyles for the vital connections with nature that are emphasized here…Going Wild could be well used to stimulate discussion on the topic. Highly Recommended."— "CM Magazine"

"This book is highly recommended for both public and school libraries. The book offers great ideas for classroom field trips and nature projects. It offers ideas for individual projects as well. It is no small feat to combine descriptions of widespread environmental degradation with examples of hope and positive change but this is indeed what Michelle Mulder has done in Going Wild." ― Resource Links

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781459812871
Lexile Measure
1020
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Publication date
March 20, 2018
Series
Orca Footprints
BISAC categories
JNF031000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Lifestyles | City & Town Life
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
JNF037020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Conservation & Protection
Library of Congress categories
Wildlife conservation
City planning
Urban animals
Urban plants

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