This author does a fine job at providing the very basics of sea turtle life. The first chapter describes sea turtle habitats, including coral reefs. The next chapter goes over some biological basics, including classification, environmental requirements, and skeletal structure. They also have a special section that describes the 8 different species of sea turtles. The next chapter discusses their reproductive tactics and the many obstacles that sea turtles face during this crucial time, such as the human development along beaches and the dangers of fishing nets on new hatchlings. This leads into the description of the scientific research that helps to discover the patterns of sea turtle life in order to help conserve the 8 either threatened or endangered species. The author provides many useful prospective on how to help these innocent creatures for anyone who is concerned with animal conservation, or just wild life biology in general. Web-sites for further explanation are suggested along with a useful glossary, bibliography, and an index. A table of contents is also provided.
I would introduce this book in a 10th grade biology class during a lesson on conservation. It provides many useful tactics in the tough world of conservation that can be applied to other types of animals as well.
There is one error that the author makes when she says that some scientists classify these sea turtles into 7 different species and some classify them with 8 different types. The author also says that it does not make any difference to the turtles how the humans classify them, which is far from the truth. While it is true that the turtles are mindfully unaware of the classification system, it is this classification system that could either protect or not protect them in terms of conservation. If less species are classified, the amount of protected area is increased, thus inevitably reduced because the abundance of 1 species is increased. Thus, the classification system that defines 8 different species, as opposed to 7, will allow more turtles and ocean area to be protected.
Another thing that the author does is that she assumes that the reader lives in a big inhabited city. This is obvious when she compares high rise apartment buildings to coral reefs and check out counter scanners to the tags that are placed on these turtles by wildlife biologist. She also repeats herself 3 times when she states that many times sea turtles mistake plastic garbage for jellyfish, which makes them choke and die after they eat the trash. Perhaps this is 1 of the author’s biggest concerns, which could be justified.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in some basics about sea turtles and conservation.

Review by: Mikie

The book I read is Sea Turtles Ocean Nomads. The author is Mary M. Cearulio and the photographer is Jeffrey L. Rotman. The book talks about Sea Turtle Island, how sea turtles are different and how to save sea turtles from extinction. Sea Turtle Island is a tropical island in the western Pacific Ocean. Sea Turtle Island has a cave known as turtle tomb because lots of turtles get trapped in there and they can’t find their way out. Sea turtles are different from other turtles because they can hold their breath under water for a longer period of time. Paddle shape flippers can make them excellent swimmers. Sea turtles grow larger than other turtles. There are 8 different kinds of sea turtles. Sea turtles live for 80-100 years. There are people who are trying to save the sea turtles from extinction. One way people try to protect the turtles is by protecting the eggs. The second way is teaching people not to littler in the ocean. Also teaching fishermen to be careful with their nets. I would recommend reading this book if you like turtles. I learned that there are more than 1 species of sea turtles. I learned that sea turtles don’t have gills. Hope you enjoy this book. ( )

An all about sea turtles book that would satisfy any secondary student seeking information about them. It contains scientific names for different species and reviews the lifestyles of them. Many pictures with caption compliment the writings throughout the book. The sea turtle life is presented as time on land and time at sea. This categorization is a really intriguing way to analyze the life cycle. Scientific work being done with sea turtles is visited and shown in many pictures. This could give students an opportunity to learn about the history and conservation efforts associated with sea turtles. Another good one! ( )