A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone
Michelle Cusolito, author
Michelle Cusolito is the author of Diving Deep: Using Machines to Explore the Ocean and Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible Alvin, which also won the 2016 PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Children's Book Discovery Award. She has worked as a fourth grade teacher, a curriculum specialist, and an adjunct professor. She lives in Rochester, MA.
Read more about Michelle.
- Coming soon!
Children's Literature
This narrative non-fiction STEM-a-palooza dives deep - literally and figuratively - into ocean exploration. From the ship’s daily routines to the diligent, often delicate science conducted from its decks to high-seas drama managed by an experienced crew, there’s something to engage readers of all sorts. And while this multi-layered mix may disappoint a reader fishing only for one topic such as ocean creatures or technical design or nonfiction adventuring, like oceanography and the ocean itself, these chapters reflect the many exciting, exacting combinations of science and the people who pursue it. As a participant in the onboard mission to explore the ocean’s Twilight Zone, the author translates so many experts’ input with a voice and word choices that are friendly and clear. There is a lot of detail about the new and updated equipment being used to learn more about the ocean’s role in the carbon cycle and the many creatures who live in or depend on this deep, dark water level. The photos and diagrams accompanying each section are useful and engaging. Using more images than offered may have been more efficient for conveying the technical concepts. The many photos of staff and crew highlight the focus, energy, and friendships shared onboard. All images are captioned well. The chapters, including Mobilization, Cutting-Edge Technology, Science Frenzy, and The Homestretch, each note the date, day of the trip, time of the event, and the ship’s longitude and latitude to help keep readers oriented. Subheadings like Storm Woes, So Much Data, Minions Search, and Land Ho! help anchor the reader through key concepts and transitions. Call-out boxes like Rough Waters, Bioluminescence, and Diversity in Marine Science present specific explanations that align with but don’t detract from the main text. Overall, the realities and excitement of doing new ocean science, dealing with dangers or doldrums, and deciding how best to work with others to solve a ‘boatload’ of problems is shared in this up-close look at the vastness of discovery. Solid back matter includes trip and ship stats, tips for kids interested in sea sciences, and links for more information.
Hardcover
ISBN:
Ages: 10 and up
Page count: 144
71/2 x 91/4
Publication date: May 7, 2024