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From Booklist

February 1, 2020
Grades 2-4 This is the story of Mario Molina, a Mexican chemist who was responsible, with his colleagues F. Sherwood Rowland and Paul J. Crutzen, for the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica. Readers learn how Mario's parents converted an old bathroom into a laboratory for their son and how his aunt, Esther Molina, also a chemist, helped and challenged him. The story follows Mario's trajectory as he continues his medical studies abroad and ends up in California studying the chlorofluorocarbons that had been amassing and damaging the atmosphere. Engaging illustrations and information presented in an easy-to-read format make this title an excellent addition to any Spanish-language nonfiction collection. An epilogue, compare-contrast chart, bibliography, time line, and an author's note are included.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

From School Library Journal

November 1, 2019

Gr 1-4-Growing up in Mexico, Mario Molina loved exploring the world around him and performing experiments with his microscope. After attending boarding school in Switzerland and receiving his PhD, Molina began work in the United States, where he made a horrific discovery: CFCs, chemicals used in countless everyday items, were damaging the environment by destroying the ozone layer. Despite Molina and his colleague F. Sherwood Rowland's attempts to publicize this discovery, they were not taken seriously until scientists discovered a huge hole in the ozone above Antarctica. Finally, Molina and Rowland's hard work led to almost every country agreeing to stop the production of CFCs. Vibrant, imaginative illustrations convey the possibilities of science and the urgency of Molina's discoveries and depict Molina's interest from an early age. Both English and Spanish texts flow smoothly. VERDICT An excellent addition to children's nonfiction collections, and sure to be a great highlight of Hispanic Heritage Month biography collections.-Selenia Paz, Harris County Public Library, Houston

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Kirkus

Starred review from September 15, 2019
"The sky is falling, the sky is falling"--but unlike the supporting cast of "Chicken Little," no one pays attention to Mexican-born chemist Dr. Mario Molina's call to action. Rusch's compelling narrative captures the dread and frustration felt by Molina and fellow University of California-Irvine chemist Sherwood Rowland as they race to head off the depletion of the ozone layer. Excessive amounts of chlorofluorocarbons are being released into the atmosphere from air conditioners, refrigerators, spray cans, etc. at an alarming rate. Their initial, unsuccessful efforts to convince the media and Congress about the serious chemical threat to everyone on this planet parallels Nobel Prize winner Molina's current struggle to address our current crisis of global warming. Martinez's Disney-esque illustrations, set against dark or murky-colored backgrounds, detract only slightly from the strong storyline. A succinct epilogue summarizes Molina's many accomplishments, and a chart comparing the similarities between ozone depletion and global warming is appended. Additionally, a suggested reading list and corresponding links are provided. Unfortunately, the timeline is printed across the endpapers--limiting access to the information once the protective jackets are affixed to school or library copies. A Spanish-language edition will be simultaneously released, with a translation by Carlos E. Calvo. A timely and fascinating look at what courage and focused, informed action can accomplish. (Picture book/biography. 6-11)

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