In this series, the impact of polar bears, bees, monarch butterflies, frogs, dragonflies, and coral reefs are discussed alongside their predicaments in our world. Each volume includes facts and activities at the end of each chapter to help students and young readers explore the topic further. . .[and] has a “Straight to the Source” section that helps students analyze the main ideas, author’s purpose, and text evidence, which are helpful in finding informational texts for today’s CCSS-related activities.

This well-organized set explains the role of animals in measuring ecosystem health at a level that’s just about right for upper-elementary grades. Opening chapters provide species information and introduce survival threats. Subsequent sections explore threats in more depth, discuss possible effects on both the animals and the environment, and conclude with potential positive solutions. The text covers related topics with clarity. . . . Good introductions to a current and relevant topic.