When the World Runs Dry: Earth’s Water in Crisis

When the world runs dry book cover
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Author: Nancy Castaldo
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
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What would you do if you turned on the faucet one day and nothing happened? What if you learned the water in your home was harmful to drink? Water is essential for life on this planet, but not every community has the safe, clean water it needs. In When the World Runs Dry, award-winning science writer Nancy Castaldo takes readers from Flint, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey to Iran and Cape Town, South Africa to explore the various ways in which water around the world is in danger, why we must act now and why you’re never too young to make a difference.

Topics include: lead and water infrastructure problems, pollution, fracking contamination, harmful algal blooms, water supply issues, rising sea levels and potential solutions. Reading age: 10-18.

This is a very informative collection of ideas, cases, problems and solutions regarding one of the most concerning issues in the modern world, which is a water crisis. The author thoroughly shows the importance and impact of our activities to the future of water supply and demand. She documents worrying cases from all over the world as specific examples of what is really happening on the matter. Stories and facts inspire curiosity; readers won’t get bored even with the technicalities.

Passionate advocates of the environment should have a copy of this book, as it not only tackles problems, but offers solutions and ways to help different organizations. It is a good read for all ages. The information is well explained and up to date. The author brilliantly delivers her message without guilt-tripping readers, instead presenting facts meant to educate and encourage them.

Overall, it is a well-organized book that cleverly outlines the water crisis we face now and in the future. It will strike the heart of readers, on how serious this issue can be if neglected. After reading this, you might think twice about taking for granted the next clean water you drink or use.

- Kevin Velayo

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