Wild Horse Scientists
Series
Scientists in the Field
by
Kay Frydenborg
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint
Houghton Mifflin
ISBN
9780547518312
Awards and Honors
NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K—12: 2013; Booklist Editors’ Choice Books for Youth, 2012: Nonfiction, Older Readers; Booklist Lasting Connections of 2012, Science; Booklist Top 10 Books for Youth 2013, Sustainability; AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books, 2014 Finalist, Children’s Middle Grades Books; 2013 John Burroughs Riverby Award
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Medical: Animal Anatomy/Reproduction
“PZP [a population-control vaccine] is what makes it possible for wild horses to continue living free on Assateague Island today, as they have for hundreds of years.” Glossary. List of some places to see wild horses in America. Information for readers to help horses. Resources and selected references. Index. Full-color maps, drawings, and photographs.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Medical: Animal Anatomy/Reproduction
Details
Format
Page Count
80
Trim Size
11" x 9"
Dewey
599.665/5
AR
8.4: points 3
Lexile
1210L
Genre
Nonfic
Scholastic Reading Counts
6
JLG Release
Feb 2013
Book Genres
Topics
Wild horses. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia. Wildlife conservationists. Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Montana. Ecosystems. Population control. PZP vaccine.
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Cover Art
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Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Booklist*, The Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Reviews*, School Library Journal*
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
[STARRED REVIEW]
Focusing on the wild horses of Assateague Island, Frydenborg effectively combines scientific facts such as coloration and size, as well as the actual definition of a wild animal, with a compelling narrative about several of the scientists who are working to protect and maintain the wild horse population there. A large chunk of the book describes the horse-population management, from its inception to implementation, through the use of a fertility-control medication called PZP, though the depth of detail on this specific topic might occasionally go over the heads of younger readers. However, intriguing facts, the history of the horses, and the general descriptions of life on Assateague Island make for an excellent read. The dedication and knowledge of the scientists come through, and their work is clearly important. As with other titles in this series, the photography is outstanding, and the images of horses going about their daily business in all kinds of conditions put them front and center. A useful FAQ section, glossary of terms, and a thorough bibliography and list of websites encourage further exploration of the topic. A worthy complement to most collections.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
Horn Book
The wild horses of Assateague Island (well known by fans of Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague books) and the people who study them are the focus of this series entry. Researchers are attempting to control the horse population on this fragile barrier island between Maryland and Virginia (including Chincoteague Wildlife Reserve) by determining the sustainable number of horses and then developing a contraceptive vaccine that limits mares to a single foal per lifetime. Frydenborg describes both the scientists’ failures and their successes, along with some unexpected consequences; for example, once mares have fewer foals, their life expectancy rises, and for a brief time (until the birth and death rates stabilize) the horse population actually increases. The information—a combination of lab and field science details and personal observation—is accessible and engaging. Details about wild horses’ appearance, behaviors, ancestors, and habitat enhance readers’ understanding of the animals’ history and current-day plight. Relevant and clear color photographs show both horses and scientists in situ. Extensive back matter—a glossary, recommended resources (including print and internet sources), source notes, and an index—complete the book. betty carter
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