Dive headfirst into the history of environmental activism in the Hudson River watershed and learn how you can help organizations like Riverkeeper protect clean water around the globe!

Every inch of the United States is in a river’s watershed. But in 1966, one of our most important watersheds was dying. Dead fish washed up on the Hudson River’s shores, and the once-clear water reeked of oil. With too much pollution to support human or animal life, America’s “First River” was in too deep—until a Riverkeeper, a pioneering group of environmental activists, fought to get rivers around the globe out of troubled waters.

Nonfiction pro Nancy Castaldo showcases Riverkeeper’s achievements and the intersection of science and activism. With profiles of prominent water protectors, this resource-packed text is both a deep-dive into the history of the environmental movement and a guidebook for how individuals and communities can shape its future.

● Plunge into the dirty history of America’s “First River” and learn how one of America’s first environmental movements changed the course of activism around the world.

● Meet trailblazers like Tracy Brown, the first female Riverkeeper, whose clean water advocacy offers a blueprint for generations of future scientists.

● Learn about groundbreaking laws like the Clean Water Act, and how the hard work of activists—including people like you—has led to modern-day legislation that will help to heal our waterways for decades to come.

● Discover surprising (and surprisingly effective!) methods for ecological conservation, like granting legal personhood to bodies of water.

● Join the movement with engaging and accessible suggestions for cleaning up your local river, whether you’re finding your local river sweep, volunteering as a water tester, or small things you can do at home!

● Explore the outdoors! Complete with a list of fun Hudson River activities and annual events all around the United States, this text celebrates rivers wherever they flow—and invites you to join in on the party!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection