Galápagos Islands - by Karen Romano Young (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Far off the coast of Ecuador lies a group of volcanic islands unlike any other. Home to species as diverse as giant tortoises, salt-snorting marine iguanas, and the birds that made Charles Darwin famous, the Galâapagos are a living laboratory for scientists working on the most urgent problem of our times: How can humans exist in harmony with nature on the only planet we are ever likely to have?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Welcome to the Galapágos Islands, a pristine archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, where locals and visiting scientists work among giant tortoises, salt-snorting iguanas, diving penguins, and erupting volcanoes. They are looking for just the right balance between humans and nature to lead the world to a sustainable future.

Far off the coast of Ecuador lies a group of volcanic islands unlike any other. Home to species as diverse as giant tortoises, salt-snorting marine iguanas, and the birds that made Charles Darwin famous, the Galapágos are a living laboratory for scientists working on the most urgent problem of our times: How can humans exist in harmony with nature on the only planet we are ever likely to have? Karen Romano Young, author of Antarctica: The Melting Continent, again takes to the field, visiting the archipelago to observe its environments first-hand and to interview the people who are lighting the way for the rest of us. Illustrator Amy Grimes brings Karen's experience into vivid visual life for those of us who haven't been there - yet.

Includes a glossary and index.

Review Quotes

"An in-depth investigation of one of the most naturally biodiverse places in the known world." - Starred review, School Library Journal

"An engaging non-fiction book that will inspire middle school readers to learn more about this special place." - YA Books Central

"This book is a window into a fascinating world."- Youth Services Book Review

"Readers will appreciate the vivid, exciting facts which embrace not just natural, but the human history of this special ecosystem." - Donovans Literary Services

"The illustrations are gorgeous. They capture the spirit of adventure and highlight the differences between species." - Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's and Young Adult Literature

"Of interest to kids interested in unique and endangered animals as well as providing a vehicle for teachers to explore current scientific research and sustainable living." - Flying Off The Bookshelf

"Young readers will appreciate the vivid, exciting facts." - Midwest Book Review - Children's Bookwatch

"A stunning chapter book every middle grader should read." - Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk blog

"An engaging nonfiction book that will inspire middle school readers to learn a lot more about this special place." - YA Books Central

Shortlisted for The Green Earth Book Awards 2025

Recommended reading title in the 2025 Children's Nonfiction category - Nature Generation's Green Earth Book Award

About the Author

Karen Romano Young is a writer, illustrator, science communicator, and polar explorer. She has written more than two dozen books for children, and has illustrated several. Her acclaimed science books include Try This!, Mission: Sea Turtle Rescue, Shark Quest, and Antarctica: The Melting Planet. She is a veteran of seven ocean science research voyages, including dives to the bottom of the ocean. Karen lives in the woods Connecticut, USA, with her husband and a big furry dog.

Amy Grimes loves working with the natural patterns found in her subjects. She uses a variety of hand-painted textures, which she scans and assembles to create digital collages.