Starred Review This lively volume from the Scientists in the Field series opens with biologist Tyrone Hayes and his team collecting frogs at a pond in Wyoming. After a short chapter on Hayes' background, the discussion returns to his work: he addresses the general question of why amphibian populations worldwide are declining by studying the effects of atrazine, an agricultural pesticide, on the reproductive organs of leopard frogs from a particular pond. Well organized and clearly written, the text goes into detail about the process of analyzing the chemical's effects on the frogs, but pulls back from specifics to show how the experiment fits into the larger picture. A full-page diagram called "Tyrone's Experiment" lays out the hypothesis and procedures in a condensed, visual manner. Excellent color photos offer clear pictures of frogs and of this scientific team at work in the field and in the lab. Appendixes include a glossary and lists of books and Internet sites. Throughout the book, Turner portrays Hayes as both a colorful personality and a dedicated scientist: the final chapter opens with a discussion of his four ear piercings and concludes with an overview of his research. A vivid, realistic view of one scientist at work.

Gr 5-8 Being raised in then strictly segregated Columbia, SC, couldn't keep a smart young African-American man out of college, even prestigious Harvard University. Floundering in an unfamiliar milieu, Tyrone Hayes caught the attention of a serious science professor who recognized the potential of this struggling student and became his mentor. Turner's lucid text and Comins's clear color photos follow Hayes's developing career to his present respected place as a gifted member of the scientific community. Researching the effects of atrazine-contaminated water on vulnerable amphibians, he is surrounded by the "Frog Squad," a group of enthusiastic students pouncing on frogs in ponds or collecting careful data in the lab. Grinning from pierced ear to pierced ear (and that is a story in itself), the genial scientist nurtures his assistants, encouraging their enthusiasms while demanding serious work. Of the same sterling quality as Sy Montgomery's engaging The Tarantula Scientist (2004) or her exciting Quest for the Tree Kangaroo (2006, both Houghton), this new addition to a stellar series opens an upbeat window to the adult application of youthful enthusiasms. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Readers are introduced to Dr. Tyrone Hayes, who studies the effects of pesticides on frog development. Hayes travels to a pond research site and back to his laboratory, explaining step by step the careful procedures his team follows. Sharp, vivid photographs alternate between portrayals of the scientists--at work and relaxing--and abundant images of the frogs they study. Websites. Bib., glos., ind.