Astronauts often describe what has been named the “Overview Effect”, the sense of global interconnectedness and awareness one experiences when viewing Earth from space. Overview, originally published in 2016, returns in this abridged format for younger readers, but readers of any age will delight in stunning aerial photography and fascinating captions that offer a thrilling new perspective of the world from above. It is an utterly fascinating, informative, and at times, startling way of looking at the very BIG picture. Initial chapters focus on Mother Nature’s colorful creations, like Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Barrier Reef. The book then progresses through the massive impact that humanity has played through agriculture, urban planning, transportation, and mining. Many of the views help readers understand their true immensity, such as the Dutch port of Rotterdam with its dozens of docked gigantic cargo ships loaded with shipping containers, each container just a colorful speck. Arguably the most haunting are the images of pollution, Amazonian deforestation, climate change, and human displacement, some with startling before and after pictures. For example, a 2011 photo shows a barren open space in Jordan, and by 2014, it is the Zaatari Camp, made up of over 80,000 displaced Syrian refugees and spanning over two square miles. Perhaps not wanting to end on such a disheartening note, the last chapter looks at human wonders, such as the pyramids of Giza, Angkor Wat, and Central Park, but the book’s biggest takeaway is that the impact that humans have on our planet is massive and undeniable. The accompanying text is descriptive, and in cases of man-made destruction, poignant without being preachy, and the pictures speak for themselves. Additional resources include information about the Maxar satellites that are responsible for the photography, the author’s Daily Overview Instagram account, a loaded bibliography, links to environmental websites, and an interesting index with coordinates of all the locations featured in the book so readers can explore them with Google Maps. Recommended for grades 4 and up, and a worthwhile addition to any elementary, middle or high school library.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library