Not Just Dirt!: How Soil Supports Our Planet

By Sheryl Normandeau

Dirt is essential to life on Earth.

Farmers grow food crops, such as wheat, barley and corn, in soil. We mine the soil for resources that we use in manufacturing and for fuel. Soil is used in the construction of roads and buildings, and it provides food and habitat for animals that live both underground and above ground. But soil can be easily destroyed by human activity and natural disasters. Pollution, deforestation and the effects of the climate crisis are damaging soil at an alarming rate. Explore the biological and economic importance of soil to living organisms, the threats it faces and why we must preserve and conserve soil for the future. Let's dig in and get the dirt on soil.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Praise for Sheryl Normandeau:

"Exploring seeds more broadly than most children's books on the topic, this volume encourages readers to collect, plant, and share seeds--a small, yet powerful resource."--Booklist review for Save Our Seeds

"Normandeau conversationally provides readers with amazing facts and ways to utilize what they learned, including steps everyone can take to save seeds. Readers will be left empowered to help protect seeds."--Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) review for Save Our Seeds

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1459839757
• ISBN13: 9781459839755
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.2" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7