"In 2013, snowy owls made an unusual trip south, but that detour is only part of the story acclaimed science writer Markle shares in her latest book. Markle starts with background information, revealing why so many snowy owls traveled south, and then explains how scientists quickly capitalized on the circumstances to tag the birds and follow their migration routes. The story gains momentum as Markle details the importance of the food chain and provides insight from scientists working with the owls. These interviews and accompanying photographs set the book apart and bring the story to life. The writing is easy to understand and never boring. The main narrative is laid out in full-color spreads, accompanied by photographs (some stock, some provided by the scientists) and maps. Full-page sidebars are differentiated from the main text by changes in backgrounds and typefaces. The distinctions are subtle but make the reading experience flow that much more easily. Similarly, definitions are addressed naturally within the text, providing no interruptions. Markle's author's note ends the tale and is also a good read. She explains how she tracked down sources and why it was important to talk to the scientists. It’s a terrific note that encourages both budding naturalists and science writers of all ages. Verdict: An excellent purchase for STEM collections." (School Library Journal, starred review)

"At the wintry end of 2013, bird watchers and biologists in the northeastern US noticed a peculiar thing: they were spotting high numbers of snowy owls, a bird predominately found in the Arctic and northern Canada. During the 2013-14 winter, however, the owls were spotted even as far south as Florida. For scientists, determining the cause of this irruption - the sudden increase of an animal population in areas it doesn’t usually inhabit - meant taking a look at the environmental factors, such as population boom in lemmings, the owl's primary food source, that led to increased survival rates, and increased competition, among owls. In clearly designed pages featuring frequent, glossy photos, this book introduces the life cycle, usual tundra habitat, and habits of the snowy owl, before it delves into Project SNOWstorm, an initiative which focused on gaining insight into migration patterns. Reasons irruptions occur and advances in technology that allow scientists to glean more knowledge than ever before are thoroughly explored. A solid pick for aspiring biologists and techno fans alike." (Booklist)