Fleischman, Paul. Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2014. 978-0-7636-7102-0. 203 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.

When Paul Fleischman began finding dead bees in his driveway, he wondered not only what was going on with the bees but also what was up with the environment in general. Through seeking answers to his questions, he discerned the “patterns and principles that are driving the headlines” (4). Fleischman divides the book into five sections: Perception, Defense Mechanisms, Systems, Attitudes, and Eyes Abroad and Ahead. Each section provides a different lens with which to interpret how history is happening right now, all around us. Through topics such as Vested Interests, Denial, Capitalism, and Conflict, he discusses both what’s in the headlines and what’s hidden behind them. To say it’s food for thought is an understatement; this riveting book is truly “a door leading to many other doors” (8), with sidebars pointing the reader to books, articles, Web sites, documentaries, and TED talks. Eyes Wide Open would make a great campus-wide read selection, and would pair well with an eco-themed novel such as Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen (Alfred A. Knopf, 2014).

363.73; Environment            Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

Some readers will take issue with Fleischman’s portrayal of the Republican Party as climate change deniers, but he provides solid examples and statistics to back up his argument, as well as links to resources on the opposing point of view. This book will spark very interesting discussions, and will truly have an impact on how student interpret what they read, hear, and observe about the environment.