Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River

Gr 5 Up–This title introduces the river ecosystem to young readers with special focus on the Hudson River. Rich in early North American history, the region is the staging ground for the river’s journey through New York state from the Adirondacks to New Jersey totaling 315 miles, including a watershed covering 13,334 square miles. Six chapters, complete with colorful graphs and photographs, describe the historical, economic, and ecological importance of the Hudson River through the lens of the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association’s Riverkeepers program. Each chapter focuses on one or two Riverkeeper personnel and other volunteers who are dedicated to keeping the Hudson River region safe for the people and wildlife inhabitants who share it. Their work is carefully described with detailed descriptions of data collecting and testing methods. Terms like brackish, salt line, and watershed are well defined, and the importance of each wildlife species to the ecosystem is clearly explained. So too, is the section describing the removal of old dams created by abandoned factories, which reestablished spawning sites for a variety of fish. Teachers and librarians will appreciate the comprehensive appendices that include a glossary, places to visit along the river, additional reading, source notes, and a list of videos. Young readers will enjoy and celebrate the cleanup and restoration of this critical natural resource.