Dark Matters
Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution
by Joan Marie Galat
Red Deer Press, 2017
ISBN 9780889955158
$19.95 (hc), 70 pp, ages 10 –13
reddeerpress.com
In light of the great environmental issues of our time, we often forget how our need for comfort and convenience have led to the problem of light pollution. Dark Matters is a first-person narrative by a young person coming to an awareness of how her world is influenced by artificial light. As the narrator passes from childhood to adulthood and becomes an adult ecologist, she examines the effects of light pollution in our cities, our ability to view the night sky, and its effects on sea, land and airborne animals. In addition to travel anecdotes and reminiscences, Dark Matters is filled with scientific information and facts. The publisher says it best: Dark Matters contains facts and illustrations, as well as tips and suggestions on how young people can reduce light pollution.
Classroom Connections: This book is a great way to introduce the problem of global light pollution. With 14 excellent chapters, it can be used as a starting point in science projects, or to inspire young people to environmental activism or careers in the sciences.
Review by Kent Miller.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Winter 2018 issue.
