The author has a degree in biology from U.C. Berkeley and so seems qualified to write a great book about invasive species of organisms. The author included a list of people who helped with information for the book by sections. The author takes on a neutral tone using precise language and a topical arrangement for a wonderful narrative about scientists who are studying or trying to prevent invasive species from destroying native ecosystems. The content is organized logically with discussion of four main species of invasive organisms beginning with the brown tree snake, the red fire ant, melaleuca trees and the zebra mussel. The text does not include a table of contents but does includes fabulous photos to tell the story. In each chapter/section the reader meets a scientist and others who are working to prevent the invasive species from entering a native ecosystem or who are working to eradicate the invasive species. The author's main focus are the four invasive species mentioned but within the text other invasive species are mentioned. The author includes a guide to stopping invasive species, a glossary of more invasive species information, and an index. This is another great book taking a look at real life scientists in the field and the important work that they are doing to battle invasive species in native ecosystems. ( )

Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species of the Scientists in the Field series published in 2008 with ISBN: 0-618-75636-1 is arranged in a sort of narrative/compare and contrast method by first introducing the concept of an invasive species, then one in-depth example of an invasive species (red imported fire ant) its introduction, what characteristics make it invasive, and how it is impacting the other species as well as the work of biologist Larry Gilbert in the introduction of phorids to parasitize the ants to control their population. Next is another example of an invasive species (melaleuca or paperbark tree) its introduction, what characteristics make it invasive, and how it is impacting the other species as well as the work of Dr. Ted Center who introduced two organisms (Oxyops vitosa and Boreioglycapis melaleucae) to feed on the malaleuca to control its population. Next the author emphasizes preventative measures against introducing invasive species in the first place because means of controlling the population for some invasive species aren't known. ( )

Non-Fiction book that explains and describes the many different invasive species that they have in dogs, airplanes etc. This is a good book to be able to explain to older students. This book was more for an older audience, but interesting to learn and know facts about it. ( )

This is the fascinating story about a modern war - the fight against invasive species. Using several main examples - fire ants, melaleuca trees, zebra mussels, and brown tree snakes, Collard shows how non-native species can devastate the landscape and how scientists are fighting back.

The book discusses past methods, such as pesticides and importing other species, and shows how sometimes the cure was worse than the disease. New methods of controlling and destroying invasive species are given, as well as how scientists study and test the new ideas. There are plenty of photographs, information sidebars, and resources, including how everyday people can help.

Verdict: An excellent addition to the Scientists in the Field series, suitable for older elementary up through middle grades and high school.

ISBN: 978-0618756360; Published October 2008 by Houghton Mifflin; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

A detailed, readable book about invasive species and the harm they cause to their environment. A species is invasive when it is relocated to a new area and does harm to its new home. Science Warriors gives information about some of these species and the work that scientists do to neutralize their effect on the environment. Great for budding scientists and environmentalists.

Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review-science-warriors.html ( )