After a discarded plastic straw is blown out of the trash, it finds its way into a storm drain, traveling through the sewers until it ultimately ends up in the ocean. It is there that an unsuspecting sea turtle ingests it and, in an effort to throw it up, finds the plastic straw lodged in its nostril. It is weeks later before a team of researchers find him and are able to remove the straw.
This inspirational nonfiction book is based on a true story which became viral following a YouTube video made by one of the research team members. Also included at the end is an author’s note with photographs of the actual event, and a section about actions that kids have been helping to reduce ocean pollution. An “Explore Further” page includes several books and online resources that readers can use to learn more about this topic. Overall, One Turtle’s Last Straw is a powerful book with an important lesson. The story, combined with engaging digital illustrations, shows readers the dangers of plastic materials on marine mammals. This book will work well for classroom units about the environment and ocean life as well as for readers interested in real-life examples of threats to marine life.
Grades 1-4

Reviewed by Regan Parker, Buxton Center Elementary School/MSAD 6