In 2014, Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch written by Patricia Newman with photographs by Annie Crawley captured the attention of young readers everywhere. Ten years have come and gone, and the discoveries shared in Plastic, Ahoy! are just as important today as they were back then.
Try as we might, it’s almost impossible to avoid plastic these days. It’s used to make everything from drink bottles and bags to toys and toothbrushes. But what happens when it ends up where it doesn’t belong—like in the Pacific Ocean?
A team of researchers went on a scientific expedition to find out. They explored the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have collected. The plastic has drifted there from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world. After all that travel, it has largely broken down to pieces the size of confetti.
The expedition gathered these bits of plastic and ocean organisms to help them learn about the effects of plastic in the ocean. Plastic, Ahoy! documents their alarming discoveries and shares what young readers can do to reduce plastic waste.
Associate Publisher Carol Hinz reflects on publishing this nonfiction book saying, “It’s amazing to think that when I started editing Plastic, Ahoy! I was pregnant with my youngest child. He’s now reaching the end of fifth grade! Plastic, Ahoy! was the first book I ever worked on with Patricia Newman, and since that time, we’ve worked on a wonderful assortment of photo books and picture books. Patricia has a real passion for environmental topics, and her commitment to being a good steward of the Earth shines through in everything she does. As an editor, it’s really heartening to see books on topics that are close to my heart get a great reception. It’s also tremendously meaningful to know that Plastic, Ahoy! has been out in the word reaching readers for a decade and will continue reaching new readers for many years to come!”
Earth Day is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to collectively take stock and recognize our impact on the planet. Plastic continues to play a large role in daily life and find its way into Earth’s oceans. Patricia Newman says, “Plastic marine debris is a human problem with a human solution.”
Raising awareness and educating young readers is the first step toward that human solution.
Classroom Connections
This LitLinks article by Patricia Newman shares the 3-step plastic trash motto, interviews with the scientists, plastic trash activities, and more!
School Librarian Karen Homer explains the impact Plastic, Ahoy! made on her students ten years ago — and today. Students in her school worked on various projects including art and science activities to increase awareness of plastic marine debris pollution.
STEM educator Joe Ryan discusses the curriculum they developed around the themes of Plastic, Ahoy! for middle school students!
In this video activists Gabriella and Francesca share the ways Plastic, Ahoy! inspired them to conduct and experiment in Costa Rica.
Interview
Patricia Newman spoke with Bill Sullivan at PLOS SciComm about the 10th anniversary and the origins of the book.
Reasons to add Plastic, Ahoy! to your library
- Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year
- Green Earth Book Award Winner
- AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Finalist
“An engaging and worthwhile read, this will surely make young readers think twice about their trash.” — Booklist
“The balance between text, graphics, and photographs is ideal. . . . Recommended for all general collections needing an attractive and informative look at the environmental effect of plastics that encourages young readers to take meaningful and doable action.” —School Library Journal
“Newman does a solid job of walking readers through the trio of studies in an orderly fashion, and plenty of color photographs convey a sense of ship life for readers more drawn to the adventure than the science.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Happy 10th Anniversary to this vital and informative nonfiction!
Related reading
After reading Plastic, Ahoy! share these books with students to further reading and inspire new ideas!
Washed Ashore: Making Art from Ocean Plastic by Kelly Crull
Biology meets art in this book with photos of incredible animal sculptures created from ocean trash. The sculptures are accompanied by key facts about the featured animals and tips for how to reduce plastic use.
★ “An excellent work on an unusual topic and a must for school and library shelves.” — starred, Booklist
“A visually and factually compelling call to environmental action that will speak to children.” — School Library Journal
Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean by Patricia Newman, photography by Annie Crawley
Travel beneath the waves and visit three distinct ocean zones to examine climate change, pollution, and sustainability, and find out what you can do to protect the sea. Page Plus QR codes link to videos of the featured sites.
“Presenting a good deal of information within a well-organized framework, the book conveys a strong sense of urgency to clean the global ocean and restore the ecosystems it supports.”—Booklist
“[A] clear narrative that combines science, images, and the voices of young divers and Indigenous peoples to get across their point. . . . Worth exploring in depth.” — Kirkus Reviews