• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

What happens when the needs of people and nature collide?

More than 13 million miles of roads crisscross landscapes in 222 countries. Roads offer many human benefits, but they also create problems for nature. Their construction leads to a loss of biodiversity through habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. Roads isolate wildlife populations, impede migration and allow invasive plant and animal species to spread, while giving rise to pollution from garbage, light, noise and airborne contaminants. With innovative tools, like wildlife overpasses to reconnect landscapes, smart roads and vehicles to maximize safety, and a little hands on help, we can create environmental harmony. And sitting in the passenger seat, young people can play a part in helping highways and habitats coexist.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Joan Marie Galat
lives in the Alberta countryside near Edmonton, where she can often be found gazing upwards. She shares her love of the sky in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, which offers both science and stories from ancient cultures about our environment and the night sky.

Joan's writing career began with a weekly newspaper column when she was 12 years old. Now an award-winning and best-selling author, she has written more than a dozen books for both children and adults. She provides freelance writing and editing through her communications business, MoonDot Media, and is a frequent presenter at schools and libraries.

While Alberta's long winter nights and big prairie sky are ideal for stargazing, Joan also enjoys other pastimes such as reading, camping, kayaking, spending time outdoors, and even stiltwalking. She likes to travel and picnic, which led to her book Day Trips from Edmonton.

Joan Marie Galat's profile page

• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

“A fascinating, invaluable and enlightening tool for libraries, schools and homes alike. Wildlife Crossing will empower all readers to do their part when it comes to road ecology and will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations about what it means to coexist with nature. Very highly recommended.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

“Well organized and includes clearly explained examples from many locations…This volume offers considerably more information for students researching the topic. An intriguing subject and a good resource for middle-grade reports.”

Booklist

“Wildlife Crossing gives an intriguing overview of the topic in just 48 pages, but it is a good addition to science collections with a focus on the environment. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Gorgeous, crisp photographs complement the well-written text…A first purchase for libraries that need more books on the topic of conservation and the impact of development on wildlife.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)