Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Schwartz's guiding titular question draws together human biology and water ecology for a playfully wide-ranging, informative, and conservation-leaning exploration. Chatty prose grounded in basic science examines urine from every angle, touching on how and why the body creates it and where one should and shouldn't feel free to let loose. Dispersed throughout are deep dives into marine science, covering such topics as fin whale waste, algal blooms, and single-use plastics. Shaded boxes offer historical and mythological context, propose experiments ("Sea it for yourself"), or make a connection to environmental stewardship ("Be the change"), while Williams's grayscale cartoons help visualize the text, including figures of varied skin tones. A simple message ties it all together: "Peeing in the ocean isn't a problem. It's all the other stuff humans do that is harming the seas, and, by extension, our planet." Back matter includes an ocean protector pledge. Ages 8--12. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A steady stream of information about marine chemistry and ecology…with a few drops of common sense. Yes, the author concludes, after describing in some detail the main components of urine and how our bodies produce it, peeing in the ocean is OK--after all, not only is the ocean really big, but whales and fish do it on a much larger scale, and smaller organisms like phytoplankton and corals actually depend on that for nutrients. How about elsewhere, like showers and swimming pools? Fine for the former, since the water isn't lingering (though, Schwartz, cautions, avoid doing it in public showers); not OK for the latter, though from a scientific standpoint less because it's gross than because it promotes unsafe bacterial growth. Schwartz directs her narrative flow away from issues connected to solid biowastes but does go on to sprinkle facts and insights on an impressive array of broad environmental topics from marine noise pollution to the effects of oil spills and plastic waste on oceanic acidity and habitats. She also stirs in directions for several simple demonstrations using, mostly, water and food coloring and closes with feasible suggested activities and a blank journal page for young "ocean protectors." The two human figures who pop into view most often in Williams' informally drawn spot art are both people of color. Well worth a go for being so expansive and a bit more than ankle deep. (author's note, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
