School Library Journal

Gr 3?6?Stunning images of undersea life including sunken ships, tropical fish, and marine exploration highlight this diverse work packed with information ranging from the discovery of the sunken slave ship Henrietta Marie to discussions of the wondrous array of sea life that makes its home within such wreckage. Cerullo describes the assortment of knowledge and technologies employed by oceanographers such as side-scan sonar and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle), and shows how ocean currents aid in their search for hidden treasures. One such treasure discussed is the immense, Victorian-style wooden steamship Portland that sank off the coast of Massachusetts on November 26, 1898. The work culminates with an insightful discussion of how readers can get involved in the preservation of these environmental sanctuaries. Combining well-captioned photos, bold text, and a fluid narrative covering a range of ocean life from manatees to zooxanthellae (one-celled algae living in the tissues of reef-building corals), Cerullo has produced a unique look into these underwater communities. Interesting topics, detailed sidebars, and eye-catching photos will draw in readers with an interest in ocean life.?Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL