Booklists

CCBC Review:

This engrossing, detailed work of nonfiction delves into not only the behaviors and characteristics of monarch butterflies, but also the long history of human fascination—and, unfortunately, interference—with monarchs. Beginning with a description of the monarch life cycle, from the insect’s perilous caterpillar days on milkweed leaves to its metamorphosis into its distinctive adult form and eventual migration, this account provides ample explanations of the experiments and efforts of scientists both professional and amateur to learn more about this long-admired insect. A substantial portion of the narrative covers the history of how monarchs’ overwintering sites in Michoacán, Mexico, were “discovered.” Credit is usually given to Dr. Urquhart, a white Canadian whose National Geographic article revealed the approximate location of the sites. Urquhart failed to properly credit Mexican naturalist Catalina Trail, who had searched for and informed him of the exact site. Even before Urquhart and Trail, however, Indigenous peoples had long lived in and cared for the forests where the monarchs spend their winters. The account also covers efforts to conserve overwintering sites (and the unintended, negative consequences of these efforts), monarch migration patterns, and the recent sharp decline in monarch populations. It concludes by urging all who live in monarchs’ natural habitat to help cultivate conditions that will lead to the preservation of these marvelous butterflies. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center 

CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 11 and older
Age Range: Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13) Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format: Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects: Insects (Informational) Nature/Environment Science and Scientists

Publishers: Scholastic, Scholastic Focus
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 309
ISBN: 9781338749229
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 595 Church

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