(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bill Slavin. Using the contents of an average student backpack--e.g., gym clothes, lunch, homework, cellphone--this book examines each item's "ingredients," how they are manufactured, and how the items can be recycled. Thought-provoking charts, such as one evaluating the ecological footprint of e-readers versus paper books, as well as humorous cartoon art illustrate the approachable text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey