Swanson, Jennifer. Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery Beneath the Waves. Lerner / Millbrook, 04/2024. 56pp. Nonfiction. Trade $33.32. 978-1-7284-9301-5. GRADES 5–9. ADDITIONAL.
Detailed text and photographs explain a research team’s investigation of an ancient forest (60,000 years old) found off the coast of Alabama, under the ocean’s surface. Swanson provides explanations about how it survived this long, what likely uncovered it, and other details. Readers discover how difficult underwater exploration can be, what items and creatures were brought up from this forest, the specific scientific analyzation processes used, and what they hope to learn. Especially interesting is shipworm bacteria and how this might help medical and climate-related research. Most useful for readers who want to explore the scientific process and learn what scientists do.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library