SLJ calls DIVE! by Chris Gall “gorgeous” and “a first choice for libraries” in starred review
Gr 2-4. Even though about two-thirds of Earth is covered with water, most people never have an opportunity to see what’s down deep and much of the depths of the ocean remain unexplored. Gall covers the history of underwater exploration and the technology that allows people to go deep under water safely. The book opens with the ancient Greek sponge divers and moves forward through history, chronicling not only multi-person diving apparatus, but also single-person diving equipment. Gall discusses the consequences of diving without some of the safety precautions, like ruptured ear drums, hearing loss, and the bends. Also covered are some of the amazing things found underwater: shipwrecks and animals most people never knew existed. The high-level, realistic artwork is a perfect counterpoint to the factual text, showing not only the scientific machinery of diving, but also the beautiful fish, coral, and other facets of the deep. Many readers will want to spend a lot of time looking at the gorgeous pictures as well as reading the short passages of text.
VERDICT Regardless of classroom uses, young readers will enjoy this one immensely; it’s a first choice for libraries needing nonfiction about diving and deep ocean travel.
–Debbie Tanner