REVIEWS


Whales are vital ecosystem engineers, playing an important role in maintaining a healthy ocean and influencing the atmosphere as they swim, dive, eat and even poop. Whales to the Rescue: How Whales Help Engineer the Planet presents scientific information in easy-to- understand chapters, complete with captivat- ing pictures, diagrams and text boxes. To give readers a sense of the size of


WHALES TO THE RESCUE: HOW WHALES HELP ENGINEER THE PLANET by Adrienne Mason Illustrated by Kim Smith Kids Can Press, 2022 40 pages, $19.99. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Amanda Anderson


these magnificent creatures, author Adri- enne Mason uses vivid similes to describe whale species, such as “its tongue is as heavy as two hippos.” Te book explains the dif- ferent components of a whale’s food chain and how the process of photosynthesis is involved. In a subsequent chapter, it exam- ines a study that shows how disturbances in one part of the food chain affect the entire ecosystem. Te author shares how Indigenous Peoples


who live on the world’s coastlines traditionally harvested whales for survival, and that some still do in their communities today. Mason points out, however, that commercial whalers from Europe and America hunted whales ag- gressively from the 1800s until the end of the 1960s, endangering whales to feed pets; make


Teaching Fairly in an Unfair World was writ- ten to help teachers consider what makes an inclusive curriculum. It offers teachers challenging, open-ended ideas to help give students voice and to better understand their world. As a reader, it encouraged me to think critically about an educator’s role in culturally responsive and relevant peda- gogy and in ensuring that our students feel appreciated and valued. Each chapter provides important insight


into creating a culture of fairness and inclu- sivity. Chapter topics include inclusive cur- riculum, critical thinking, emotional literacy and social justice. Author Kathleen Gould Lundy includes real-life stories and connec- tions and poses thoughtful questions. In the preface, Lundy writes that this book


TEACHING FAIRLY IN AN UNFAIR WORLD, 2ND EDITION By Kathleen Gould Lundy Pembroke Publishers, 2020 160 pages, $32.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Jessica Tutin


46 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2025


is for educators who are “confident enough to look critically at their privilege and power and be mindful about how these elements play out in their classrooms and pedagogy.” Tis book is meant to challenge us personally and professionally to be committed to mak- ing real changes in our classrooms and our school communities.


umbrellas, hoop skirts and brushes; and to extract oil for various products. Tankfully, some whale populations are recovering. Te book helps readers understand the carbon cycle. Whales,


like all living crea-


tures, contain carbon, the building blocks of life. Massive carbon-filled whales help make Earth a livable planet. More whales means more poop, which leads to more phytoplank- ton, more carbon in the ocean, and less car- bon in the atmosphere. Whales to the Rescue delivers a message


that we should protect our oceans to ensure whales can thrive. Teir existence is inter- connected to all life, and this book makes connections between the impact of climate change on biodiversity and how protecting it can have a positive effect. A resource section provides ways indi-


viduals can contribute to environmental protection and website links to learn more, along with a helpful glossary. Tis is a great non-fiction book to add to your Junior- Intermediate science book collection.


Amanda Anderson is a member of the Bluewater and Upper Grand Occasional Teacher Locals.


When reading this book, you will find


yourself reflecting on your practice and chal- lenging yourself to make it better through the lens of social justice, fairness, inclusivity and culturally responsive and relevant peda- gogy. Tis resource provides a plethora of strategies, activities, ideas and opportunities to bring into your classroom. Curriculum connections are made to the arts, literacy, history, social studies and so much more. While this resource is geared to grades 4


and up, most of the activities can be adapted to the younger grades. Many of the strategies listed are familiar to us, but I love that their focus is on social justice, inclusivity and a sense of self and community. Tis book encourages educators to take a


courageous stand for and with students. We can be agents of change!


Jessica Tutin is a member of the Grand Erie Teacher Local.


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