Plastic is everywhere, but where it eventually ends up is a huge world problem. Unique solutions are being created by individuals. More often than not, it is our youth leading way in solving this crisis.

National Geographic for the past few years has actively promoted the decreasing use of plastics. An eyeopening web site full of videos and articles provide testament to the level of importance of educating and ensuring kids take action. The release of kids vs. PLASTIC provides a great companion to what is found online.

The seven chapters go full circle covering the problem and solutions:

1. PLASTIC 101
2. AN OCEAN OF PLASTIC
3. WASTE WARRIORS
4. PARING DOWN ON PLASTIC
5. PLASTICS REPACKAGED
6. THE END OF THE LINE: RECYCLE
7. LOOKING AHEAD

All 128 pages are an explosion of color filled with eye opening facts and articles. Here are a few teasers. Did you know:

*Plastic bottles take 450 years to biodegrade

*8.8 million tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean every year

*Recycled plastic is being used in some road construction

Especially enjoyable are the features on young people already making a difference. Examples include an Australian teen who created a new plastic product from shrimp shells that takes only 33 days to decompose; and an eleven-year-old who owns his own recycling company. Inspiring work that encourage others to get involved.

The book is geared toward middle grade readers but even teens and adults would benefit from reading. A fantastic resource for all.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.