AT THE EDGE OF THE ICE (ECO WARRIORS)

What a great read for any age, especially those concerned with helping to save our planet from from changes in climate. This book is fun, witty and packed with an incredible amount of information presented in an easy and credible manner. The interaction between all the characters is realistic, and Sierra,s chatting with the animals seems almost a believable possibility! Look forward to the next book of this delightful and educational trilogy.

(Kara G)Super addition to middle grade fiction shelf ! Story highlights the intelligence, responsibility and empowerment of two sisters, set against the back drop of climate change. Twins Sierra and Sydney accompany their photo journalist parents on assignment to the arctic circle. They encounter polar bears (way too far inland), ringed seals (surprisingly helpful) and polystyrene or non recyclable trash amidst the ice. The message is clear: what happens on one side of the planet affects another part of the world. The rivalry between the sisters was believable. I liked the element of adventure travel. Readers learn about tracking animals for purposes of conservation, identifying icebergs by size, even something called energy transfer theory. A layer of magical realism keeps young people engaged. This is about encouraging the characters in this book and their counterparts to be eco-warriors. Well done.

Bought two copies of this book: one for me (I know the author) and one for some 9-year-old boy-girl twins I'm friends with...I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters and felt like I learned a lot myself about this part of the world and what it's telling us about our climate change challenges. In addition to the clever animal interaction sections, I especially liked Armstrong's realistic portrayal of families living and traveling together. Captured the questions and frustrations middle schoolers experience. Informed about the realities and concerns of our planet's warming without being too preachy or judge-y. End#1 and End#2 were brilliant. The further reading section was one of my favorites and is helpful/entertaining across many different dimensions and age groups. Looking forward to the next Eco Warrior book. Will be interested to hear how my friends the twins like this book when they get home from camp!

I loved the story of 11 year old twins Sydney and Sierra on their adventure to the Artic with their world traveling environmental photographer parents! The author totally understands the dynamics between twins and between twins and their parents. The descriptions of the Artic and the danger due to global warming that it is in, will not only inform the reader but call the reader to action. There is humor, suspense, and at least for one twin, the ability to communicate with two animals everyone loves-- a polar bear and a ringed seal. I loved it as an adult, and wish I had an 8-12 year old grandchild with whom to share it. It would be very fun to read this aloud. There is a great section at the end for further reading, more information, a glossary, and a list for those who want to do more! The best news is the announcement of another Eco Warriors adventure to come!

I thoroughly enjoyed At The Edge of The Ice. Each chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next. I bought several copies for my middle school nephews and nieces. This is a great book that can help teachers and home schooling parents to learn more about the Arctic ecosystem while also encouraging students to be leaders in preserving the environment.

I’m not at all sure that this book is just for 7th grade children. It is so impactful in content!. True the interactions between Sydney and Sierra at 11 will appeal style-wise to the middle graders age group but the message and thoughts are for adults too.The exploration of different approaches, interests and styles in the twins is so engaging and written in an easy, breezy style but with an economy of words. The retorts of the sisters to each other, and their inner thoughts ring so true.Not to be overlooked is the extensive section as FURTHER READING. eg definitions of sea ice versus icebergs…. Oh My! What a wealth of thought and information for today….. including what one can do for the climate now. I mean “Pick up trash now” is just 1 suggestion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book- EVEN though there are some dismaying truths: it just illustrates our world today.

My son read it and it was great to share and chat together about our experiences. He thought it was "cool that the animals were goofy and funny even though some of them were really dangerous."Showing the perspective from the animals allowed us into their world and allowed us to see what they see. Allowing empathy and the fun family dynamic and explosive personalities to create this incredible storyline made for a fun fast exhilarating read! So good and fun to share together.

A wonderful story following a child named Sydney through her adventures in search of polar wildlife. She has many interesting adventures along the way and better understands ways to help protect natural environments and our climate. My wife has been an elementary school teacher in the north suburbs of Chicago for over 20 years and I have been a substitute teacher in her district for the past year. This book would be a wonderful addition to elementary school library, not to mention a child’s collection too.

This is a nicely put together story with interestingly contrasting main characters. I hope there are more adventures to come!