Alien Deep: Revealing the Mysterious Living World at the Bottom of the Ocean

by Bradley Hague

Appealing to children over age ten, this engaging reference book depicts adventurous and thrilling elements in oceanographic fieldwork. In conjunction with a National Geographic television show, this book will reach a huge audience of marine lovers, as well as children interested in science and exploration.
"Alien Deep" outshines the competition by following a recent, specific deepwater exploration that illuminates new knowledge about our oceans. Following alongside a current expedition, Alien Deep will enable children to observe the processes involved in marine exploration. As scientists delve into the mysterious depths of the ocean, children will be able to witness the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery through enriching text and stunning photography. By describing a recent exploration, children will be able to read and see the new methods and technology that oceanographers use to conduct research.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2012

Reviews

[Gabriel Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the infographics and pictures. They did a nice job explaining large concepts in comprehensible terms.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best parts of this nonfiction title is the author's admission that sometimes scientists are wrong, and recent discoveries can change the way they view the world. Such was the case in 1977 when an underwater expedition deep in the sea discovered hyrdrothermal vents from which all sorts of lifeforms were growing. Many of these lifeforms were new to the scientists, causing them to question many of their assumptions about life. The book's text is kid-friendly but provides enough details to interest older readers, and the photographs are large and interesting, showing the ocean and its heretofore unknown inhabitants in playful yet colorful images. For instance, an eight-foot long tubeworm rests across the hands of workers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in one photograph, showing one of the amazing discoveries scientists are starting to study more carefully. The book's design is equally attractive, filled with blue bubbles and splashes and a gently swirling font that moves across the top of the book's pages. Instead of assuming that nothing can withstand the pressure of living far beneath the sea, scientists are relying on technology to help them study what lies way down, down, down beneath its surface.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first four chapters of this book! They discuss the discovery and exploration of the hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. The change in scientific thinking, the difficulty of discovery and exploration and the incredible ecosystems and life that are being found are wonderfully shown for an upper elementary or middle school student. The last chapter tried to connect the exploration of life on the ocean floor with the exploration of life in the rest of the universe. I found the switch disorienting. All of a sudden a different type of deep ocean vent us introduced so that the life being found there can be tied with potential life on other planets. It was like the author had a conclusion that he wanted to use and when the vents that the Okeanos and biologist Tim Shank were exploring didn't produce what the author had in mind he didn't go with what was being learned but found evidence to support his ideas. The first four chapters, though, are fascinating and worth the read.

[Kristen Dota · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a great book for children who are interested in learning about the underwater life of the sea. Its almost like a National Geographic kids book, which as a child I always loved to read! The pictures are absolutely amazing in this book, and allow the reader to really imagine what goes on underwater. It also teaches children the importance use of technology and without it, capturing these moments would be impossible. Great book to have in the classroom!

[Samantha Sebastian]

This book was very cool! I enjoyed learning about the ways that oceanographers explore the deep oceans to find new things. I felt like a little kid while reading this because I was so interested in what was going on. I have always enjoyed learning about the ocean and this book and the pictures in it can turn anyone into a lover of oceanography.

[Nitza Campos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a National Geographic Kids book with stunning photography. Students will enjoy this book with its spectacular pictures, maps, fact boxes, and text.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous glimpse into the world in the deepest parts of the ocean for older middle school budding scientists.

[Emily Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ocean is the next frontier. So much hasn't been seen and there could only be more to learn and be shocked and amazed at.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and informative look at exploring the deepest parts of the oceans.