Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America’s Own Backyard by Mary Kay Carson (review)

Carson explores three national parks beloved by tourists—Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains—and directs readers’ attention to the science behind the oohs and aahs of their natural wonders. Yellowstone boasts hydrothermal theatrics of gushing geysers and boiling mud pots, and grizzlies that require delicate management to keep them in harmony with visitors and nearby residents. At Saguaro, high school scientists assist in inventorying the famous towering cacti that give the park its name and the venomous gila monsters whose lifestyle continues to puzzle scientists. The Smoky Mountains are home to tiny red-cheeked salamanders, whose DNA is helping to shed light on surviving climate change, and the Photinus carolinus, a synchronously flashing lightning bug. Although each section has its charms, treatment is uneven. The Yellowstone entry suffers from several glitches, from the number of geysers in the park (claimed as about 300 in the fast facts and “thousands” in the main text) to a disconnect between the scientists’ examination of a rise in hydrothermal temperature in a section of the park (a sign of possible volcanic eruption) and the sidebar’s reassuring claim that “none of these signs of a stirring volcano is happening.” The Saguaro coverage is light on procedure, with no real explanation of how the featured high-schoolers are using their measuring sticks, and overall, the background of the scientists, which is generally a highlight of this series, is thin. Photographs will draw plenty of browsers, though, and a well-designed page of fast facts and resources is displayed prominently at the opening of each section; a glossary and source notes are included. Kids anticipating a trip to one of these parks may want to study up now and show off their impressive vocabularies when they arrive.