"The Great Lakes took their current shape
only three thousand years ago. They're the
youngest major geological feature on the
planet - millions of years younger than the
Appalachian Mountains, the Great Plains,
and the Mississippi River. They keep changing
today. Storms move shorelines and sand dunes.
Land rebounding from the glacier's weight
rises. Rocks wear down as the lake levels
surge and fall. Still, the water flows on,
west to east."
Learning about the Great Lakes and how they formed will be of interest to readers keen on knowing more about water conservation and caring for the environment. Only 3,000 years old, they were formed when a huge glacier melted and trapped water in five holes surrounded by thawing land. Over many following years, the lakes changed in both size and shape. Today, they continue to change due to storms and erosion.
Ms. Rosenstock explains how one drop of water moves through the five lakes, past Niagara Falls, and down the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a trip that takes ONLY 300 years! There is a LOT of water in the Great Lakes: 'almost all of the surface freshwater on the North America continent',
"One in every five glasses of the surface freshwater on Earth!"
How remarkable is that? Originally, Native peoples cared for the lakes and their many benefits, using only what they needed. When Europeans arrived, they took much more than they needed and left the lakes in a world of trouble. Concerned citizens started speaking out, and making the effort needed to improve the beauty and physical state of the lakes themselves. As is true all over the world, more help is essential to continue forward progress. She assures her readers that they can help to get things done.
"The same way we can all help.
By caring for wild places. By working with groups that protect the lakes.
And by saving freshwater, wherever we are, whenever we can."
The Great Lakes are a treasure we must always protect.
The text is clear and compelling. The artwork is detailed, helpful and always engaging. Back matter is informative and provides encouragement to help make changes for the better.
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