Spring 2024

The Lost Forest

An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found a unique, thriving ecosystem, full of fish, crustaceans, and other unusual organisms.

The region did not contain a reef, a shipwreck, or similar habitat that would attract these creatures. Why were they there? They were feasting on the remains of an ancient cypress forest. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. But how did this forest come to be underwater? And what other treasures might be discovered there?

A group of scientists wanted to investigate this unusual site. Some were interested in an organism found in the underwater forest—the shipworm—that could potentially be used for the creation of life-saving medicines. Others wanted to learn what the forest might reveal about climate change.

Follow along as Jennifer Swanson explores the wonders of the lost forest, from its history and discovery to the scientists’ expeditions to collect samples and map the forest.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-9301-5
$24.99
979-8-7656-0212-6
$37.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Science
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, STEM, STEM: Earth Science, STEM: Life Science/Plants, STEM: Technology
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 56
Publication Date 2024-04-02
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF037040, JNF025150, JNF051100
Dewey 577.709163/64
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Features Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Index, Maps, Page Plus™, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, and Source notes

Author: Jennifer Swanson

Jennifer Swanson is the author of 45+ nonfiction books for kids. Her passion for science and technology resonates in all her books and her work has won multiple awards including a Green Earth Book Honor Award, three Florida Book Awards, California Reading Association awards, a Parent’s Choice Gold award, and a 2021 Kirkus Best Books Award. Jennifer is an accomplished speaker at events and schools around the country, the Highlights Foundation, the National NSTA conferences, the World Science Festival in NYC, and the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband and two dogs.

The Lost Forest: An Interview with Author Jennifer Swanson

After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan… View →

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Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This book details the fascinating story of the dedicated scuba divers and their work to locate and preserve the area. No one has ever found such a unique habitat, and hopefully, no one will be able to disturb it as scientists work to keep it safe. Readers who enjoy earthly mysteries will enjoy this title. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

Booklist

“Swanson, who shadowed the scientists, documents their methods and discoveries in an appealing narrative, complemented by photos of the scientists in action. In the process, readers learn such amazing details as the dangers of diving, organizing experiments, gene sequencing, and finding new species.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“Features photographs of the dives to the forest and the surrounding ecosystem. Scientific processes are explained and illustrated, and several at-home experiments are provided.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“A detailed, thought-provoking account of the work of scientists.”—Kirkus Reviews