The 20,000 acres of wetlands in New Jersey now known as the Meadowlands were once home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. But in the... read full description
reviews
Nov 05, 2011
Richie
rated it: 
8 March 2011 MEADOWLANDS: A WETLANDS SURVIVAL STORY by Thomas F. Yezerski, Farrar Straus Giroux, March 2011, 40p.. ISBN: 978-0-375-34913-4
"Long may you run, long may you run,
Although these changes have come.
With your chrome heart shining in the sun,
Long may you run."
-- Neil Young
"But even after being dug out, filled in, run over, and dumped on, the wetlands still showed signs of life. The Hackensack River still flowed south. The More...
"Long may you run, long may you run,
Although these changes have come.
With your chrome heart shining in the sun,
Long may you run."
-- Neil Young
"But even after being dug out, filled in, run over, and dumped on, the wetlands still showed signs of life. The Hackensack River still flowed south. The More...
Jun 30, 2011
Mrs Bond
rated it: 
I'm a lifelong resident of New Jersey who avoids that part of the state as if my life depended on it. Growing up not far from the hustle and bustle of the Meadowlands, I longed for the day when I would move to an area that is less congested and more abundant in nature. It is very difficult to imagine the place as a beautiful, nature filled wetland.
Fact filled overview of the history, development and natural habitat that is the Meadowlands. The author discusses the human development, More...
Fact filled overview of the history, development and natural habitat that is the Meadowlands. The author discusses the human development, More...
May 02, 2011
Stacy
rated it:
"Meadowlands - A Wetlands Survival Story" traces the historical significance of the Meadowlands. From the beginning readers understand that this is a worthy topic of discussion, "From the top of the Empire State Building in New York City, you can see a flat, wet place in New Jersey." From this point, the reader is able to see how the estuary was created. Weaved throughout the book are glimpses of Native Americans, Colonial Settlers, Industrial Revolution, Landfills and a r
More...
Jan 17, 2012
Joan
rated it: 
The author tried to pack too much into a beginning book on wetlands, the environment, the various animals affected by the pollution and cleanup and then suddenly focuses on a little girl named Karrin who learns about the area through a field trip and will go home and tell her family to recycle more and use less power to reduce air pollution. This is a book that wants to do a wonderful thing: show kids specifically why they should conserve and recycle so they can see the connection. However, ther
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 26, 2011
Tasha
rated it:
This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the history of the wetlands that are now known as the Meadowlands in New Jersey. From hundreds of years ago, when the wetlands had 20,000 acres of marshes through to the 1800s when the land was drained and filled in with dirt to the 20th century when the industries came to surround the Meadowlands with their factories. The wetlands were used as a garbage dump, filled with waste and filth. It became a problem area in New Jersey until the state de
More...
Dec 26, 2011
Laura
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Dec 02, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
I really appreciated the matter-of-fact tone of the text. There were no heavy-handed moralizing over the pollution and overdevelopment, and no sanctified epiphanies about saving the earth. It actually felt more hopeful that way: We made the stupid decisions, but we can make the smart decisions, too.
I liked that all of the pictures had some indications of urban development in them (trains, electric wires, bridges, buildings) even after the conservation efforts started to show effects. More...
I liked that all of the pictures had some indications of urban development in them (trains, electric wires, bridges, buildings) even after the conservation efforts started to show effects. More...
May 03, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
Loved this exploration of a relatively local environment and its natural history--the abuse it has withstood and how it's bounced back. Kids in our area drive through the Meadowlands on their way to the sports arena, or to he Jersey shore or D.C., so it's nice to be able to give them some historical and ecological context. And that what looks like "just empty space" from the car window is really a vital and living ecosystem.
Apr 25, 2011
Keturah
rated it:
Although it's written for young people, it taught me much about the meadowlands of New Jersey. The book was well organized and well written. I enjoyed the illustrations and the small pictures around the edges of the book. It is a unique book which made me really appreciative of my home in a rural area with a great deal of wildlife.
Jan 19, 2012
Michael
rated it:
Though Yezerski's art is wonderful and quite memorable, especially his fine watercolor depictions of wetland animals and plants, his text, which is quite informative, never draws the reader into the world of the Meadowlands. It must do this to encourage an appreciation of this often overlooked natural marvel.
May 31, 2011
Samantha
rated it: 
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. I found the borders rather distracting (am I supposed to be looking for those items in the picture?) and I didn't find the text as engaging as I hoped. Other reviews seem to really like the book, so maybe I am just missing something.
Aug 03, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
I never thought much about the place that I used to drive through to get to Connecticut, but the Meadowlands is not just where Giants Stadium is. It's a rich wetlands habitat with many species that depend on it. A fascinating look at this beautiful place.
Feb 05, 2012
Caro
rated it:
I loved the tiny drawings in the borders of the birds, trash, insects, fish, etc. to be found in the gradually recovering wetlands, and the way Yezerski captures the details of nature against a backdrop of highways, buildings and traffic.
Feb 04, 2012
Deb
rated it:
A beautiful book that I found in Cleveland! Especially wonderful for my NJ peeps. The tiny illustrations framing each larger picture are delightful and informative. Gratifying to know that this treasure is slowly, slowly renewing itself.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 06, 2011
Shawn
rated it:
This story in picture book format is packed with information about the natural world that coexists with the human enterprises in the area of New Jersey known as the Meadowlands. Gr. 1-4.
Jan 07, 2012
Sam
rated it:
One of the best nonfiction books of the year - love the design and layout, but mostly love the author's ability to avoid didacticism in the narrative. Impressive.
Dec 05, 2011
Ms.Gaye
rated it:
Very cool book. Tiny illustrations around the edges of each page add a nice dimension as well as detailed information conveyed by pictures rather than by words.
Jan 22, 2012
Amy
rated it:
Very interesting story of how progress both positively and negatively affects the natural world.
Jun 12, 2011
Mary
rated it:
This book gives society a sliver of hope that things can be done to reverse our damage to the environment.
Oct 21, 2011
Courtney
rated it:
Not a favorite, but and important book about taking care of our Earth.
Oct 19, 2011
Ross
rated it:
A very educational and enjoyable read for kids or adults or both (together)!
Apr 02, 2011
Natalie
rated it:
A bit like "I AM" the book. Very well made and leaving us with shade of hope...
May 16, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
This is a simple story of the history of a specific wetlands, and how it has changed over time. The illustrations are very nice, and around the edges there are pictures of the different plants and insects, and birds with their names, so you can learn even more.
Starred Kirkus Review
Starred Kirkus Review
Nov 06, 2011
Dawn
rated it:
This is a great companion book with The Great Garbage Barge ( also on my list). Read this one first to give an overall picture. Talk about where they put the garbage and read the second. Great for Earth Day.
Feb 22, 2012
Feb 22, 2012
Feb 16, 2012
