David Suzuki: Superstar of Science

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

Suzuki is well known to most Canadian schoolchildren through the media.
This new biography, written for junior or early intermediate students,
tells the less well-known story of his childhood in Vancouver, the
wartime camp at Slocan where six-year-old David and his family were
sent, his Ontario home, and finally the doctorate in genetics he earned
from the University of Chicago. It deals with the racism encountered by
the Suzukis and explains his concern for aboriginal peoples and the
South Moresby rain forest, as well as offering information about his
family. Suzuki’s stand on such issues as economic growth, the effects
of logging, acid rain, and endangered species are written about. His
writings and television programs, and the awards he has won, are
included.

Webb’s book about has a highly attractive format with large print and
many coloured photos. It also has a glossary, an index, and 13 short
chapters with clear subheadings. It is very readable and should appeal
to students doing research on scientists or interested in reading
biographies. David Suzuki is part of Copp Clark’s Scientists and
Inventors series and would be a useful addition to public and school
libraries.