Readers get a close-up look at all the changes our planet has gone through over billions of years. One of five in the “True Book Extreme Places” series, this title examines the changes Earth has experienced, both natural and human, and specific examples of both types of change, including the oldest burial site in existence, the oldest living plant on the planet, the formation of an island in 2014, and the formation of a new country. Readers learn about the scientific methods used to learn about these changes over time, such as radiocarbon dating and counting a tree’s rings, and concepts, such as adaptation, that living things undergo to survive these changes. Also included are brief discussions on the famous pyramids of Egypt, the oldest living animals and plants, and the youngest countries of the world. Each page includes easy-to-read and well-spaced text and large, colorful, and relevant photographs. Small maps pinpoint the location of each topic. This volume is an interesting and engaging primer on the fascinating extremes that exist on this planet. Reviewer: Ann L. Kreske; Ages 5 to 9.
