Dive In; Exploring Our Connection With the Ocean, written by Ann Eriksson. Orca Books, 2018. $19.95 ages 9 and up

"For one, humans are excellent at catching fish. Trillions of wild fish are caught every year worldwide. Fish from the ocean is the main source of food for many people. But too many of us are eating too many fish, and we’re eating them faster than they can reproduce. Many are used for fertilizers or to feed farmed animals, even other fish species. Scientists who study fish and fishing say ... "

The more we inform ourselves about the environment and the impact that we have on it, the more able we are to improve conditions and make our world healthier and more sustainable. The Orca 'Footprints' series in an excellent example of books that inform and encourage all readers to help to make a difference. 

By learning about oceans from an ardent protector of the sea world, readers will be much more fully aware of the connectedness of everything, the universal need for clean and safe water, and ways in which they can lend a hand to improve the health of our oceans. 

The design and format remain the same as with other books in this series. It is a fine example of excellence in the field of informative text for young people. The table of contents introduces the four chapters of focus for the book: You Are Ocean, Ocean Overload, Operation Ocean Rescue and Be an Ocean Hero. Each chapter heading is accompanied by the subjects covered and provide a chance for readers to scout areas of particular interest. I began with Be Seafood Wise and Beat the Plastic Binge. I want to be more cognizant of the best choices to be made concerning purchasing seafood and I certainly want to improve the footprint I leave concerning use of plastics. 

Ms. Eriksson's introduction makes it plain: 

"Humans have not been kind to the ocean. We've used the 

ocean as a bottomless lunch bowl, and as a garbage dump. Walk

along the seashore, hop in a boat or dive underwater and you'll 

see that the ocean is complaining." 

The chapters themselves immerse the reader in information, personal perspectives (My Marine Life), carefully captioned photographs, 'Ocean Facts', and 'Make a Splash'. The author describes the threats that are impacting the world's waters right now, offers ideas for everyone to help make a difference and then suggests appropriate and doable ways to become a hero in making necessary changes. We need water to live, that is abundantly clear. In this book, we learn that we are capable of making the changes needed - and that children can lead the way.  

First person narrative from a marine biologist gives the book a clear perspective and a practical outlook for being part of the effort to improve the state of the oceans, thus making life better for all. Kids can do much to help. Ms. Eriksson shows them how in an impassioned and very personal way through her own lifelong love of the water and her many efforts to discover its bounty. 

"Shoreline plants provide food for ocean fish, so my family is 

careful to keep shrubs and trees growing on the bank in front of 

our house. Up to 40 percent of the food of young chinook salmon is plant material and insects that blow or fall into the water from trees and shrubs on shore."