Reviews

Champion: The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut Tree by Sally M. Walker

erin_hibshman's review against another edition

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informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

Interesting  and clearly written book about the mighty American Chestnut tree, seemingly felled by a fungus. Thanks to researchers, volunteers, and the rare chestnuts that have survived the blight, strides are being made to help bring them and their place in the food chain back. I certainly learned a lot and think middle school botanists would enjoy this book. I do wish I could see a full grown chestnut tree - they were magnificent. 

emilydittmar's review against another edition

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2.0

Having just finished "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes," I really wanted to like this book. I heard a wonderful book talk about it and was very motivated to read it. However, I didn't capture my attention. It felt like some parts were overly simplistic and then others were too scientific.

maidmarianlib's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting topic and filled with lots of great science, fells a little dated though wish it was had more of the current happenings.

amdame1's review against another edition

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2.0

The chestnut tree almost died out due to a fungus. Scientists have been trying to find a way to save it. Almost all black and white. Photos, maps, good science.
2.5 stars

thisgrrlreads's review against another edition

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4.0

The thrilling story of a blight that killed most of America's chestnut trees! It's thrilling! It's orange! Actually, it is. That's what's so amazing about this book about a kind of tree I now want to see in person. Yes, a tree. This book opens like a thriller--there's a problem and no one knows how to solve it. What to do? It's secondary that the problem is in a tree, although that certainly impacts the timeline of this story. It's really amazing to see the kind of work and time that goes into saving a plant from something that was introduced by a non-native species...which is also kind of the answer to the problem. I will never have to read another book about the American chestnut tree, and I won't need to because I know a ton about them.
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