Why Is Our Lake Off-Limits?: Inside Eastside’s Polluted History (The Eastside Extra)
Written by Anita Storey
Illustrated by Nathalie Ortega
Published by Jolly Fish Press
Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams live a short drive from a small lake, but they’ve never been swimming in it. It’s closed off as a “Superfund” site, a mysterious phrase they’ve never heard elsewhere.
When Benny’s out-of-town uncle brings him fishing gear as a present, only to find out no one is allowed to fish in the lake, the friends determine their next big question to explore: Why is the lake off-limits? As the friends interview their neighbors and explore their community’s history, they’ll find that not being able to swim or fish in the lake might actually be a good thing.
Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging stories.
For even more adventures with The Eastside Extra, explore:
- How Did We Get Here?: Exploring the Ancestry of Eastside Residents (The Eastside Extra)
- Public Funding, Public Decisions: How Eastside Schools Spend Their Money (The Eastside Extra)
- Still Serving: The Inside Scoop on One Veteran’s Life (The Eastside Extra)
Primary ISBN: 9781631636547
Publication Date: September 2022
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Chapter Book, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Cuban/Cuban American, Indian/Indian American
Themes: Cross-Group Friendship, Family Relationship: Extended, Generation: 1st, Generation: 2nd, Outdoor Exploration, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Jewish
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant, 1st Generation, 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.