Chernobyl's Wild Kingdom

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion left many scientists and laymen alike under the impression that the areas surrounding the plant would be a lifeless, barren wasteland that could not support life. Humans who lived within the Exclusion Zone were evacuated within days and many who were exposed to the worst of it immediately following the explosion grew sick or died from the exposure to radioactive fallout. The wildlife, however, stayed in place and to the surprise of many, some appeared to be thriving and perfectly healthy. Although scientists don't agree on whether certain levels of radiation are helpful or harmful to living creatures -they have evidence to argue both sides of the matter- they continue to study the wildlife in an attempt to determine the long-term effects of living in such a hotbed of radioactivity. Tables, maps, and occasionally haunting, occasionally disturbing images support accessible and informative, but always fascinating, text. Johnson does an exceptional job of presenting pertinent background information to a generation that is likely entirely unfamiliar with the accident and expertly provides multiple viewpoints on the state of wildlife in the zone, making it clear that science isn't always clearcut. An abundance of captioned, large color photographs as well as historical images are coupled with in-text definitions and supplemental breakout boxes to make this well-designed title visually appealing and easy to navigate. The well-rounded back matter includes author's note, glossary, source notes, a selected bibliography, print and digital additional resources, and an extensive index. This title would make an excellent resource for those studying the environment but would serve equally well as a source of pleasure reading to those interested in wildlife, world history, or the sciences.

Wonderfully written and very important part of history we should never try to hide away. A must for school libraries!

Fascinating, completely Fascinating. I know a little about Chernobyl but admittedly not much. This book was about the incident, and what has happened since to the animals in the "dead zone". Compared to current scientific thoughts, not everything died off. Many of the animals have see increases in species numbers and are thriving in the unintended wildlife reserve. I love how this book talks not only about what happened in Chernobly but what has happened since then, such as in Japan after the earth quake. Great Book, great source.