Stremer, Jessica. Great Carrier Reef. Illustrated by Gordy Wright. Holiday House, 2023. 978-0-823-45268-2. $18.99. 40 p. Grades K-5.

The USS Oriskany, nicknamed “The Mighty O” spent 8,784 days in active service as an aircraft carrier for the US Navy. In 2006, scientists were looking for a way to improve ocean life off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. Reef animals were disappearing due to lack of natural protection. Reefs around the world are in danger from pollution, ocean warming, and overfishing. The USS Oriskany was called out of retirement to be converted into an artificial reef. A team of over 150 scientists, engineers, and workers transformed the ship, removing toxic chemicals, metals, and paints. The carrier was transported 20 nautical miles off of the coast. Using precise explosive techniques, The Mighty O – once thought to be unsinkable – was flooded so that it would sink to a sandy area of the ocean’s floor. The artificial reef is now home to a wide variety of ocean life. End pages include additional information about reefs, marine life, the history of the USS Oriskany, selected sources, index, and information on preserving and saving natural reefs.

THOUGHTS: This title presents a very simple and engaging explanation of the need for reefs, the destruction of reefs around the world, and the process used to design and create an artificial reef from a retired Navy carrier. Beautifully illustrations by Gordy Wright enhance the text.

551.424 Islands and Reefs