This comprehensive guide takes both a microscope and a wide lens to all things plastic, offering up details on its chemical makeup as well as its quick (and problematic) rise in the manufacturing industry. YouTuber Salt breaks down complex facts into digestible bites supported by clarifying graphs and asides, equipping readers to understand scientific research and terminology surrounding what plastic is, how it's made, and how it goes to waste. One segment, for instance, explains how to decode and differentiate the various plastics used in household items, where else these plastics are used, and why. Research and plentiful examples support the content. Aside from flowcharts and info-graphs, the visuals--set as text backdrops and spot illustrations--alternate between attractive, comic-style illustrations and stock photography. A handy, hope-forward resource of particular use for the classroom. Ages 9--13. (Oct.)

This nonfiction book for middle graders covers everything from how plastic is made to its environmental impacts.The "plastic problem" itself is a big, sticky one, but this well-organized and concise approach makes the topic digestible. Salt conveys a sense of urgency without bias, beginning with a simple explanation of how plastic is madecomplete with a helpful chart comparing a paperclip chain to polymersand ending with a call to action. She makes the topic accessible to young readers by including information about such topics as Lego bricks and a fascinating section that answers the question "Is there plastic in me?" Salt discusses the realities of global waste-management disparities, deftly explaining how the trash of a rich economy becomes the pollution problem of a vulnerable one. The book is visually appealing, with photographssome quite modern and artfulalongside illustrations. Unhelpfully, however, the photographs that appear to be of actual places aren't always labeled clearly. The sidebars are purposeful and flow nicely. A particular standout compares plastic nurdlestiny bits of plastic shipped around the globe to be made into any number of different plastic productsand herring fish eggs, difficult to distinguish for humans and hungry birds alike. The book closes with concrete steps readers can take to make a dent in the problem.A well-paced, current look at a major global issue with high visual interest and reader appeal. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 5--8--Salt, of AsapSCIENCE, a YouTube channel that provides science education, presents a comprehensive understanding of plastic in our environment, from how it's made to its impact on our environment to steps we can take to correct the waste problem. Through short chapters and information bubbles, readers learn about the chemistry behind how fossil fuels are turned into different types of plastics. The environmental effects are described in detail with cartoon images and large photographs used to help readers visualize the impact. Statistics and scientific terms are used throughout, but the fun stories and relatable scenarios, such as how scientists used rubber ducks to study ocean currents, keep the information engaging. In the final chapters, solutions to the problem range from large global actions, such as filtering trash from rivers that lead to the ocean, to small personal ones, such as drinking out of reusable cups. VERDICT This book is a fun and engaging read with more than enough facts and information for upper elementary and middle school research. Highly recommended for most libraries.--Katherine Rao, Palos Verdes Library District, CA