Books in World-Changing Scientists series

American biologist Rachel Carson played an important part in the environmental movement. Her work and writing regarding pollution are often credited with creating awareness of the problem and even changing the way the world deals with it. Readers of this captivating biography will gain both scientific and historical knowledge surrounding Carson's life and work. Colorful photographs and sidebars accompany accessible text that will excite readers of many levels. A fun science project will also reinforce their understanding of the kind of work Carson did.

DESERTS ARE SOME OF THE MOST UNFRIENDLY PLACES ON OUR PLANET. FROM THE HEAT OF DEATH VALLEY TO THE FROZEN WASTES OF ANTARCTICA, THEY ARE THE HARSHEST PLACE FOR LIFE ON EARTH TO SURVIVE. COME ON AN AMAZING VOYAGE AROUND THE EARTH TO DISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY WAYS IN WHICH PLANTS AND ANIMALS HAVE EVOLVED TO COPE WITH THESE EXTREME CONDITIONS. FIND OUT: HOW WINDS AND MOUNTAINS MAKE DESERTS; WHY OASES ARE ONLY FOUND IN CERTAIN PLACES IN DESERTS; WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DESERT BLOOMS; WHY THE WORLD'S DESERTS ARE SPREADING; HOW ANIMALS CHANGE THE WAY THEY LIVE IN EXTREME HEAT; AND ENJOY LOTS OF INTERESTING THINGS TO DO AND EXPERIMENTS TO TRY AS WELL. ONLY A TINY AMOUNT OF THE EARTH'S FRESH WATER IS AVAILABLE FOR USE BY LIFEFORMS-THE REST IS FROZEN AT THE POLES. MANY DRY LANDS ARE TURNING TO DESERT, OR ARE AT RISK FROM CHANGES IN THE WEATHER, FROM OVER FARMING, FROM POLLUTION OF MANY DIFFERENT KINDS, AND FROM ANIMALS AND PLANTS THAT ARE MOVED FROM THEIR HOME AREAS TO OTHERS WHERE THEY CAUSE DAMAGE. YOU CAN HELP TO SAVE OUR PLANET BY FINDING OUT WHY THINGS ARE GOING WRONG AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PRESERVE WHAT IS LEFT.