This should be required reading for everyone. Poisoned Water takes a look at the Flint Water Crisis that was largely overlooked and ignored - and still ongoing past the publication of this book. While fingers are pointed in every direction, inaction led the way as thousands of Flint residents became ill from drinking their tap water. This book made me angry on behalf of Flint citizens (who are STILL dealing with this crisis that began in 2014) and baffled (but unfortunately not surprised) by government denial and lack of concern for their state's citizens. What I appreciated about the book was, although the topic was dismal, there was a ray of hope as the book highlighted how the residents of Flint are fighting to rebuild their community - the same thing that helped them expose the lies about their city's water system perpetuated by the state and federal government.

Wow! This was a powerful read. This broke my heart, I can't imagine what the people of Flint have been going through. Especially the parents! I learned so much from this book and highly suggest others read it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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What is happening in Flint, Michigan is absolutely horrible, and this books goes through all the details. This is an important and impactful read.

A very informative and detailed books about the history of Flint's challenges with racism, segregation, and dangerous and unhealthy water supply. I learned a lot and was outraged that this could happen in present day US.

I'm glad I read Poisoned Water by Candy J. Cooper. The book was intended for young readers and it is perhaps not as in depth as some books on the subject but it is definitely a good stepping off point for anyone interested in learning about the situation in Flint and potentially other cities as well. It shows how many of us trust our government, sometimes to our own detriment. It's an easily digestible way to learn about a very serious matter that concerns all of us. I'm not sure it deserves the full five stars I'm about to give it but it certainly deserves four and a half so I'm bumping it up.

Poisoned Water is a must-read for a detailed, well-written look into the Flint water crisis. This book goes beyond the basic facts and connects the reader to the people who lived, and were harmed, through this disaster. It is infuriating that so many "leaders" along the chain of command allowed such devastation to flow into the lives of the people in Flint; then tried to cover it up while knowing about the health concerns and deaths caused by their negligence.

5 out of 5 🌟 Fast-paced non-fiction political thriller

The modern history of Flint, Michigan isn't an easy one. Once innovative metropolis with high-profit automotive business and progressive citizens, the city was a prospering and vital part of the Midwest. The global financial crisis in 2008 struck Fling really hard - people lost their jobs and crime rates rose. Later the town received national attention due to the water pollution disaster to eventually become almost a synonym of a fallen city.

'Poisoned Water' is an account of Flint City people and their struggle to have normal lives during the water crisis. How they fiercely fought to make their concerns be heard even after Flint officials constantly dismissed them. The narrative starts just after the financial crisis and explains city financial troubles and the origins of that water catastrophe. 

First things first: This is not a middle-grade book! Not even a Young Adult one, it's non-fiction about greedy officials and people who suffered because of them. The narration itself was fast-paced and highly addictive - it's a quick read, although not an easy one. 'Poison Water' contains a great number of records about city residents who have been hurt or traumatized by their experiences.

That book isn't just a historical piece, it shows awful truth about people with power and why we shouldn't trust them. The story of Flint shows people who were lied to because of greed and arrogance and it's something we should be all afraid of.

This is one of those books that everyone should read--and it will absolutely INFURIATE you.

Everything I know about the Flint water crisis pretty much came from national coverage...and it becomes abundantly clear within the first few pages that this was a HUGE mistake on my part. The things that the people of Flint had to endure from their elected officials, the news media, and an uninformed country as a whole are UNACCEPTABLE. (Lots of caps lock, I know...but this kind of outrage demands it.)

Each piece of presented evidence that shows the government's knowledge and absolute apathy is so disheartening and disgusting--quotes from emails and letters and memos that prove how little government cares for people when money is the bottom line. It's no wonder our country is where we are right now.

I got an Erin Brockovich vibe early on as citizens took up their own testing and research and government contacts (Brockovich was eventually even consulted by one of the Flint residents). It was satisfying to watch those responsible eviscerated in front of Congress, but the fact that these things keep happening around our country prove that a massive overhaul is necessary before all Americans are safe.

As someone who grew up in Michigan and has family near Flint, reading the details of the water crisis was absolutely devastating. I thought I knew quite a bit about this tragedy, but I found myself often setting my book down in a fit of rage or fighting back tears. This book will likely make you incredibly uncomfortable as you discover all of the lies the government told the residents of Flint, but it is truly a must-read.

Wow, what an eye opening book!

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the issues in Flint!

Though this book is geared towards middle grade, I think it is more appropriate for older teens and adults that are wanting to learn more about these issues.

I will definitely be recommending this book to the teachers in my school that teach older grades.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book!

I have been aware of this story for years now, but I feel more well educated after reading this story. I think the authors did an excellent job sharing the information of what happened in Flint. And I would strongly recommend this to anyone.

very book I read about the Flint Water Crisis makes me sad and leaves me angry. The stories of the suffering of the citizens of Flint are horrifying. Governing officials assigned by the state made decisions based on economic concerns and not the welfare of citizens.

Candy J. Cooper saw that the excellent books already written about the crisis, including The Poisoned City by Anna Clark and What the Eyes Don't See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, left some untold stories. In Poisoned Water, Cooper considers the crisis through the lens of the citizens of Flint, a predominately African American population, and as an example of racist policies and attitudes.

The story of Flint is centered on General Motors whose plants brought a migration of workers to the city. Workers fought for a union and fair wages. When GM closed plants, those who could left the city. With the tax base decimated, Governor Snyder sent in an Emergency Manager [EM] to balance Flint's budget, disenfranchising elected officials.

Detroit water was expensive and the EM opted to use Flint River water while the city developed a new source. As a cost-savings they omitted the use of anti-corrosives. The Flint River water destroyed the naturally occuring build-up in the lead pipes, releasing lead into the water.

The health impact of the water change was soon manifested in discolored, foul smelling water that caused rashes, hair loss, and illness. People complained and were lied to by authorities who insisted the water tests showed no problems.

It took years before the citizens complaints were investigated and finally addressed.

"Who, then were the heroes?" Cooper notes that the media promoted several well-deserved heroes while forgetting the grassroots activists who struggled for years to be heard. In the end, the crisis, like natural disasters and pandemics, reveal the ugly truth of poverty and racism in America.

The book is promoted for Middle Grade, and perhaps some young people that age will be able to handle it. I would recommend it for older teens and adults seeking a shorter history.

I was given a free ebook by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

I must confess that although I knew about the Flint water crisis I did not really "know" about it. I am not one to follow the news and really delve into issues. This book was eye opening and very sad. That something like this could happen and be covered up is so disturbing. Is it a "good" book - yes in that it is well researched and honest. Was it enjoyable - no. Should it be in my library - yes.