The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It by Dee Romito

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It by Dee Romito Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Romito, Dee The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It; illus. by Ziyue Chen. Holiday House, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780823449491 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780823455133 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 3-5 Any kid who has been paying even a remote amount of attention on Earth Day knows that the plastic straw is quite literally the bane of our planet’s existence (among a host of other banes). This installment of the Books for a Better Earth series collection takes aim at the plastic straw but draws kids in with intriguing historical facts and a sense of generosity as opposed to lectures or condescension. The book opens with the earliest known drinking tubes, hollow reeds used by ancient Sumerians to avoid undrinkable elements of their barley-based brews. Readers are then taken to the 1800s, when rye stalks were being used to drink, and a disgusting mint julep led Marvin Stone to create a waxed paper straw; in 1937, the bendy neck was introduced, and the introduction of more durable plastic versions meant by the 1960s, plastic straws were everywhere. The presentation of the straw’s history is simple and direct, and it tracks the development as human ingenuity to meet a need rather than purposeful ignorance to an increasing planetary problem. Similarly, the book gives actionable items but also acknowledges that plastic straws are still useful and needed in certain settings. The digital art is somewhat flat and undynamic, but its directness matches the text and illustrates some of the larger concepts. An author’s note elaborates further on one-use plastic, and the list of provided sources will serve as a valuable starting point for young environmentalists. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois