Bound To Stay Bound

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 Buzzkill : a wild wander through the weird and threatened world of bugs
 Author: Maloney, Brenna

 Publisher:  Holt (2022)

 Dewey: 595
 Classification: Nonfiction
 Physical Description: 378 p, ill., 23 cm

 BTSB No: 598569 ISBN: 9781250801036
 Ages: 10-14 Grades: 5-9

 Subjects:
 Insects -- Conservation
 Rare animals
 Extinction (Biology)

Price: $23.98

Summary:
This compelling narrative tackles both the wacky and weird, as well as threats to insects and their habitats, their possible extinction, and ways that everyday people can prevent their decline.

 Illustrator: Mottram, Dave

Reviews:
   Kirkus Reviews (+) (08/01/22)
   School Library Journal (+) (11/11/22)
   Booklist (+) (03/01/23)
 The Hornbook (00/09/22)

Full Text Reviews:

School Library Journal - 11/11/2022 Gr 4–9—Maloney uses a humorous conversational tone as she begins with comparisons of size, then moves on to the role of insects as pollinators, decomposers, and even food sources. Readers will goggle at the idea of a bug as large as a Quarter Pounder but also learn the importance of insects to forensic scientists and which species are in danger of extinction. The author warns, "I just need to blurt stuff like that out…I lose friends this way; I really do." It is not an idle warning; there are graphic descriptions of the destruction a swarm of locusts can cause or how mosquitoes spread diseases. Tales of how her family reacts to experiments with chocolate chip cricket cookie mix or having to catch escapees from her ant farm give the book a personal, rather than a dry scientific feel. Illustrations, such as that of a bug slowly roasting on a spit over a fire in the section on insect-based food options, reinforce the humor. Back matter includes organizations to contact, books to read, and actions to take to help support insect populations. This title is densely packed with information and a bit lengthy for primary grade readers, but should please middle grade bug enthusiasts. VERDICT An approachable text on a wide range of insect lore, this title has high appeal for those curious about bugs and would also be helpful for research.—Suzanne Costner - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2023 *Starred Review* Maloney champions the much-maligned insect in this work of narrative nonfiction, which shows readers how these critters' weird bits and behaviors not only bolster their survival but also can benefit humans, too. At first glance, the lengthy text might seem like, well, a buzzkill, but from the first page, the author delights with fascinating details in a jaunty, conversational style, periodically accompanied by funny cartoon spot art. Opening with insects basics (physical characteristics, defense mechanisms, their scale in the world, etc.), the book continues with thematic chapters, such as how insects pollinate plants (it’s not just bees!), insects as a food source (for humans!), and their role in decomposition (and forensics!). Maloney uses her own encounters with insects, like ordering a Madagascar hissing cockroach online (but receiving three cockroaches, resulting in 51 babies after 15 minutes in her home), to introduce such broader topics as insect reproduction. She’s also mindful of the myriad ways that insects help the planet. In addition to describing their impact in medicine, the soil, and more, the author calls out the impact humans have on the insect world, namely a negative role in its endangerment and extinction. And in a final chapter, Maloney offers ways that readers can protect these perhaps still creepy yet necessary species. A buzzy account for budding entomologists that’s sure to fly off the shelves. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

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