Galápagos Islands: The World’s Living Laboratory

Gr 3-5–Far out in the Pacific Ocean, a series of islands have changed the understanding of life on Earth. The Galápagos Islands have been studied by scientists for over 100 years, and the discoveries made there have been significant to the global community. Every year, science uncovers more secrets about these remote islands and the flora and fauna that live there, highlighting the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. This informational book is told from the first-person perspective of one visitor to the Galápagos. From lava tubes to underwater life to the plethora of creatures who reside on land, the landscape of the Galápagos is unique and important to the scientific community and to the world as a whole. The conversational narrative guides the storytelling of the book, and frequent asides provide additional information about the subject. Broken into chapters, the book takes readers through an extended journey around the islands in manageable segments, and the accompanying illustrations increase the accessibility of the work. Additionally, a glossary at the end provides detailed definitions of complex concepts introduced within the text. This book is an in-depth investigation of one of the most naturally biodiverse places in the known world.