Microbes to the Rescue

Microbes are tiny but mighty, and they're everywhere!

When left alone, microbes such as bacteria, fungi and algae are experts at adapting, surviving and thriving under extreme and constantly changing conditions. These natural problem solvers can help fight the climate crisis by gobbling up pollutants, breaking down plastic, generating clean energy and capturing carbon. By harnessing the power of microbes, we can create eco-friendly packaging, farm-free food, and even make it easier to live in space! Microbes to the Rescue will introduce young readers to life on a microscopic level and explore how bacteria, fungi and algae play a key role in the connection between all life on Earth. Let's get microscopic and learn about how microbes can create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Key Selling Points:

• This book explores current and future ways that microbes can be used to help tackle big environmental challenges facing the planet. There's increasing interest in exploring their potential to make the world more sustainable.

• This STEAM title includes basic science concepts explained in an age-appropriate manner on topics such as carbon capture, photosynthesis, genetic engineering and the effects of the climate crisis.

• Includes step-by-step instructions for microbial activities for young readers such as growing mycelium, baking focaccia and composting.

• The book provides young readers with hope for the future while still conveying the negative consequences of pollution and the climate crisis.

• Author Yolanda Ridge has a master's degree in science and a proven ability to distill complex scientific ideas for this age group. She has written several middle-grade nonfiction titles on everything from evolution to genetics.
Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book explores how microbes can help address some of the most pressing environmental challenges on Earth.
Yolanda Ridge is the author of three other juvenile nonfiction titles, What Poo Can Do: How Animals are Fighting the Climate Crisis (Orca Book Publishers, 2024) Evolution Under Pressure: How We Change Nature and How Nature Changes Us (Annick, 2023) and CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA (Annick, 2020). She's also written several middle-grade novels, including two environment-themed titles for Orca Young Readers. She has a master of science degree and is adept at making complex concepts understandable, a skill she uses in her science writing and teaching. She lives in Rossland, British Columbia. Kids ask hard questions about social and environmental issues in their communities and around the world. The Orca Footprints series answers those questions with well-researched, straightforward information and powerful images. With topics such as sustainable energy, fair trade and community building, these books will inspire kids to take action. Let's get microscopic!

Microbes are tiny but mighty, and they're everywhere! Bacteria, fungi and algae are natural problem solvers that can help our planet by gobbling up pollutants, breaking down plastic and generating clean energy. With the power of microbes, we can clean polluted water, create eco-friendly packaging and even make it easier to live in space.

Let's get under the microscope and explore how microbes play a key role in the connection between all life on Earth and a more sustainable future. Let's get microscopic!