Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill

Montgomery's engaging voice got me over the "ick" factor. I ended up really enjoying this journey through wildlife biology. Excellent narrative nonfiction!

Who would ever think that roadkill could be interesting, well - to anyone besides Granny Clampett? But the intrepid Heather L. Montgomery took the time to research, get her hands dirty (and sometimes more than her hands), and put together a fascinating look at what causes roadkill, how people are working to prevent it, how scientists are using data from it, and how some people are using the roadkill itself in various ways.For instance, did you know that some people collect statistics on what types of roadkill are seen, how often, at what locations, even to the date and time it was seen? Then the numbers are used to help figure out what is causing the collisions between animals and vehicles. Is it low visibility? Are there food sources attracting the wildlife? Is the roadway cutting across a migration path or bisecting a habitat? Once the situation is better understood, sometime there are possible solutions put in place by helpful groups. Bridges or tunnels might give animals a safe path, fences can funnel them toward one of those paths, etc.But our daring author also visited museums and wildlife rehabilitation centers to see how rescued animals were cared for, or how scientists study those who were not so lucky. And she even did some study on her own - including getting covered in scent from a skunk. She also contacted individuals who donate roadkill to food banks and use it to help feed the hungry. And she visited with an artist who creates taxidermy pieces with some of the unfortunate animals.What a weird and wonderfully informative book about a topic that is sure to lure in reluctant readers with its potential gross factor, but can also appeal to those interested in STEM topics in general. Back matter includes a list of books, videos, and Internet sites to find more information; suggestions on science projects to try; and an annotated bibliography.Highly recommended for middle grade readers and up.

It's not everyone who can take a subject like roadkill and discuss/explain it so passionately and persuasively that I begin to think beyond the "ew" factor to the "what happens to all the deer I see on the road in my neighborhood?"point. But that's exactly what happened about midway through Heather Montgomery's SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL.Though there's plenty of technical information, Montgomery's voice is so engaging that she takes even the most complicated issues (not to mention gross!) and makes it accessible for the middle grade reader. The non-fiction text is liberally sprinkled with the kinds of fascinating facts that kids LOVE, along with relatable scientific know-how and creative solutions to a problem that most of us don't give a second thought. As for me, I'll never pass a dead deer on the road--and there are quite a few in my highly residential area in Georgia--without thinking about what I can do. And I feel like that's exactly what Heather Montgomery wants every reader to do, child or adult. Well done!

!!! This is SO GREAT. It's perfect for teens and kids, but as an adult reader I also loved reading it. It reminds me of Mary Roach in all the best ways, funny and inquisitive and gross and bursting with science. I learned so much!

You'll never think road kill stinks again after looking at the science behind death. So many facts about what we think of as horrible, give us new insights about death. A wonderful nonfiction book for middle grade readers who love all things gross and great!

This book will be so appealing to kids! I’m amazed that any author thought to write about roadkill, but I’m glad Heather Montgomery did! This is full of interesting information and great illustrations. Seriously, kids will love it!

We couldn’t put this book down. Engaging, entertaining, and educational. We all loved how Heather Montgomery’s curiosity took us on new adventures and expanded our world. A must-read.