On the Wing: American Birds in Migration

From School Library Journal Grade 3-6-An in-depth look at the process, the types of patterns, and the research that has helped us to understand how and why birds migrate. Lerner concerns herself with the birds of the Americas and uses specific examples to explain partial migration, migration within continents, east-west migration, and other patterns of seasonal movement. The birds mentioned are illustrated in crisp, realistic paintings, and a map shows their summer, winter, and year-round ranges. Other pictures and diagrams clarify flight and gliding patterns as well as experiments performed by ornithologists. With current nonfiction books so often broken into "fact-bites," it is a pleasure to find an attractively illustrated book that offers young readers the opportunity to delve into a fascinating topic. Children who read the book straight through will come away with a comprehensive view of bird migration, but there is an index for those interested in particular species. Suggestions for field guides and bird-watching are appended. A sterling addition to library collections.