Life on Surtsey

Starred review from December 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* A violent volcanic eruption off the coast of Iceland in 1963 marks the beginning of this informative entry in the Scientists in the Field series, as well as the formation of a brand-new island, Surtsey. After almost four years of eruptions, the volcanoes quieted and Surtsey was declared a nature preserve, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study the entire evolution of a land relatively free of human influence. Burns chooses not to focus on geology, as one might expect when dealing with volcanoes (though it is touched upon), but on how life has taken hold on this young island. She centers the book on entomologist Erling Olaffson, who made his first trip to Surtsey in 1970 and has been studying the island ever since. For one week each summer, Olaffson joins a scientific expedition to the island, which collects samples and observes all the changes the year has brought. Burns clearly conveys the long hours and spare conditions for such work (there's no bathroom!), as well as the research team's unmitigated enthusiasm. The numerous photographs illustrate the changing conditions on Surtsey, from its altered shape to the arrival of plants, nesting birds, and, of course, insects. Appendixes offer insights into Iceland's culture and extreme climate, all of which enrich this unique demonstration of life's awe-inspiring tenacity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
Burns travels with entomologist Erling Slafsson on one of his yearly expeditions to Surtsey, a pristine volcanic island that formed off Iceland's coast in 1964. Burns meticulously documents life in a remote field station as researchers record Surtsey's unfolding ecological dynamics, observing growth and diversification of life. Vivid photographs convey the rocky landscapes of Surtsey and its inhabitants. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from October 15, 2017
Visit a nearly pristine world with an entomologist who's studied this new island almost since its birth in 1963. Burns describes field research on Surtsey, weaving the geological and ecological history of the island, raised from the ocean by volcanic eruption, into a fascinating account of scientists at work, with particular emphasis on the life's work of Erling Olaffson, who studies the island's insects. The author was privileged to join him and eight other researchers in July 2015 for a five-day visit to this natural laboratory for watching the progression of life; this once-barren island is still open only to scientists. She's chosen details that will particularly interest her readers: the mechanics of insect capture, discovery of new species, day-to-day life. The seven men and three women (Icelandic except for the American writer and a Polish botanist; all are white) came by helicopter, stayed in a hut built for researchers, used designated bathroom areas (No. 2 goes under rocks near the ocean to be washed away), and left nothing but wooden stakes marking research squares and new-to-island plants. Photographs by the writer and several team members, especially the entomologist who first visited Surtsey in 1970, include gorgeous scenery, the changing face of the island, team members, and close-ups of plants, animals, and even the lava itself to help readers picture this unique experience. An amazing science adventure well worth the trip. (glossary, further information resources, source notes, bibliography, acknowledgements, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

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Starred review from December 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-A baby boy was born in Iceland on September 28, 1949. As is Icelandic tradition, he was not named until his parents got to know him better-eventually, he become Erling. In 1963, when he was 14 years old, an epic volcanic eruption gave birth to a new island, named Surtsey, just off the coast of Iceland. This provided scientists with a rare opportunity to study how life takes hold in a sterile environment, and so the Icelandic government made Surtsey a preserve. Science writer Burns tells two parallel stories in this fascinating and informative entry in series-that of Erling's life and of his lifelong fascination with and study of Surtsey. The author traveled to Surtsey with Erling and a team of scientists in the summer of 2015. They stayed on the island for five days meticulously collecting samples of plants, insects, and soil, as well as counting birds and their nests. The fascinating, careful text not only explains the science cogently but adds insight into Icelandic culture and language. The book's design is clean and eye catching, and full-color photographs of the island, the scientists at work, their living quarters, and the flora and fauna that they study are sprinkled throughout. VERDICT A plethora of curriculum connections make this a STEM title not to miss; budding scientists will return to this again and again.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ

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