Review Detail

Growing up only a few hours from Cleveland, I was somewhat familiar with the story of the Cuyahoga River and the multiple times it had caught fire. I did not know, however, that it actually helped start the Earth Day movement.

The Day the River Caught Fire is a well written children's picture book. It's written in a way that is fun and easy for children to comprehend and read aloud, while still getting an important message across.
Kids will enjoy seeing everyone who stepped up to put a stop to the poisoning of our water systems, including Cleveland's first Black mayor, Carl Stokes.

The illustrations do a wonderful job of showing kids what the pollution once was like, and how the Earth could be. They are engaging and help get conversation started.

Included is some interesting information in the back, such as an author's note; an environmental timeline; links to environmental organizations, videos, websites, and books; and the Earth Day website where kids can learn how to get involved.

A perfect book for every day and an important part of our homeschool library!