Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Gr 2-4–While much has been written about endangered animals, this story about endangered seeds will draw in young readers. It focuses on a vault in the far northern reaches of Norway, a protective space drilled into the side of a mountain. Flowing language combined with supplementary text clearly explains a modern predicament: climate change has caused crops that once thrived to fail, and farmers often choose to use the same seeds repeatedly to ensure the success of their harvests. Unused seeds can become extinct unless they are preserved for possible future use. Although there are many other seed banks, the Svalbard vault was created to house millions of seed copies from all over the world. The frigid temperature, remote location, and recognition that Norway is a peaceful country make the location ideal. Striking artwork depicts the blue and silver of the icy landscape as well as the warm colors of the distant lands from which many seeds originate. Additional resources are included as well as suggestions for young readers to participate in efforts to preserve biodiversity.