Something Rotten - by Heather L Montgomery (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A completely gross and totally compelling book about the author's journey to understand roadkill.

* "There's nothing rotten about this book-it's a keeper." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "A top addition to STEM collections." -School Library Journal, starred review
* "Makes science and investigating roadkill fascinating." -School Library Connection, starred review

An ALA Notable book
An Orbis Pictus Recommended title
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection
A VOYA Nonfiction Honor title
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

When Heather L. Montgomery sees a rattlesnake flattened on the side of the road, her first instinct is to pick it up and dissect it--she's always wanted to see how a snake's fangs retract when they close their mouths, and it's not exactly safe to poke around in a live reptile's mouth.

A wildlife researcher with a special penchant for the animals that litter the roadways, Heather isn't satisfied with dissecting just one snake. Her fascination with roadkill sets her off on a journey from her own backyard and the roadways of the American South to scientists and kids in labs and homes across the globe. From biologists who use the corpses of Tasmanian devils to investigate cures for a contagious cancer, to a scientist who discovered a whole new species of bird from a single wing left behind, to a boy rebuilding animal bodies from the bones up, to a restaurant that serves up animal remnants, Heather discovers that death is just the beginning for these creatures.

Dig into this eye-opening and irreverent look at the dead and dying animals that we pass by without a second thought.

Read Something Rotten if you're looking for:
-a fresh, funny, engaging book packed with firsthand research
-a book that shows the scientific method in action
-approachable, inviting, high-interest nonfiction
-the voice of "the female Bill Nye," or Mary Roach for kids

Review Quotes

"The discoveries that arise from our flattened fauna will amaze you! . . . For all the literal blood and guts. . . there's nothing rotten about this book--it's a keeper." --Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

"With wry humor, gory detail, and great enthusiasm, . . . this book is not for the faint of heart, but be prepared to laugh along the way and to learn a lot. . . Sure to be a hit among students. A top addition to STEM collections." --Starred review, School Library Journal

". . . [A]n extremely interesting treatise about roadkill and how it affects all our lives. . . . Montgomery inspires curiosity, asks excellent questions, and makes science and investigating roadkill fascinating to learn." --Starred review, School Library Connection

". . . [B]udding naturalists or eco-activists will find it a smashing read." --Booklist

About the Author

Heather L. Montgomery has taught for over 20 years (both inside and outside the classroom) as well as directed a school-based environmental center. She has written curriculum; trained hundreds of teachers, naturalists, and librarians; and, helped thousands of children to make friends with the natural world. Each year, she works directly with over ten thousand children at festivals, school visits, and at environmental centers. During a typical presentation, petrified body parts and tree guts encourage scientific thinking and inspire reluctant readers. Her professional development programs for teachers have won awards and rave reviews. She lives in Ardmore, Alabama.

www.heatherlmontgomery.com/

Kevin O'Malley is the illustrator of How They Croaked and the co-author and illustrator of the popular Miss Malarkey series, the New York Times bestseller Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share, and many other books for children. He lives in Maryland.
www.booksbyomalley.com