Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* This lively volume from the Scientists in the Field series opens with biologist Tyrone Hayes and his team collecting frogs at a pond in Wyoming. After a short chapter on Hayes' background, the discussion returns to his work: he addresses the general question of why amphibian populations worldwide are declining by studying the effects of atrazine, an agricultural pesticide, on the reproductive organs of leopard frogs from a particular pond. Well organized and clearly written, the text goes into detail about the process of analyzing the chemical's effects on the frogs, but pulls back from specifics to show how the experiment fits into the larger picture. A full-page diagram called Tyrone's Experiment lays out the hypothesis and procedures in a condensed, visual manner. Excellent color photos offer clear pictures of frogs and of this scientific team at work in the field and in the lab. Appendixes include a glossary and lists of books and Internet sites. Throughout the book, Turner portrays Hayes as both a colorful personality and a dedicated scientist: the final chapter opens with a discussion of his four ear piercings and concludes with an overview of his research. A vivid, realistic view of one scientist at work.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Being raised in then strictly segregated Columbia, SC, couldn't keep a smart young African-American man out of college, even prestigious Harvard University. Floundering in an unfamiliar milieu, Tyrone Hayes caught the attention of a serious science professor who recognized the potential of this struggling student and became his mentor. Turner's lucid text and Comins's clear color photos follow Hayes's developing career to his present respected place as a gifted member of the scientific community. Researching the effects of atrazine-contaminated water on vulnerable amphibians, he is surrounded by the "Frog Squad," a group of enthusiastic students pouncing on frogs in ponds or collecting careful data in the lab. Grinning from pierced ear to pierced ear (and that is a story in itself), the genial scientist nurtures his assistants, encouraging their enthusiasms while demanding serious work. Of the same sterling quality as Sy Montgomery's engaging The Tarantula Scientist (2004) or her exciting Quest for the Tree Kangaroo (2006, both Houghton), this new addition to a stellar series opens an upbeat window to the adult application of youthful enthusiasms.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
(Intermediate, Middle School) The latest volume in the Scientists in the Field series introduces us to Dr. Tyrone Hayes, who researches the effects of pesticides on frog development as one possible cause of the rapid decline in amphibian populations around the world, a phenomenon not yet fully explained. Turner allows us to accompany Hayes as he travels to a pond research site in Wyoming and back to his laboratory at the University of California- Berkeley, explaining step by step the careful procedures his team follows as they investigate their research questions. Hayes comes across as both a dedicated scientist and a regular person, willing to work hard in pursuit of his scientific endeavors yet quick to laugh and joke with his family and the graduate students he mentors. The result is one of the most compelling portraits of a scientific career the series has produced. Sharp, vivid photographs alternate between portrayals of the scientists -- at work in field and laboratory settings, as well as relaxing at lab picnics and at home -- and the frogs they study. The abundant images of many different frog species allow readers to observe in detail each animal's characteristics, including size, anatomy, and habitat. A glossary of terms and featured species, a list of recommended websites, a bibliography, and an index are appended. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
