Leslee
11th Grade
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
By: Richard Louv

In 'Last Child in the Woods,' Richard Louv addresses the troubling fact that many children in today's society are lacking an exposure to nature, thereby hindering their emotional and physical development.  Through demonstration of numerous studies, Louv explains that nature is crucial for our health.  Evidence has shown correlations between health issues such as obesity, attention disorders, and depression.  Throughout the novel, factors are presented as to why there is a decline in exposure to nature occurring.  These include society's increasing dependence on technology, a growing fear (most people do not let their children go roam around outside unattended like past generations have done), etc.  The effects that this lack of nature seems to be having on society is deemed as the Nature-Deficit Disorder, and this novel encourages people to get outside in an attempt to save future generations from the severe consequences this deficit may cause.

I picked up this book right before I attended the Wyoming Youth Congress.  Upon being accepted to go up to Teton Science School to participate in the event, they asked all attendees to read it before coming.  I kept reading because I found the points very fascinating and alarming.  It made me consider how frightening society's dependency on technology truly is.  However, while I think the information presented in the book are important and worthwhile, I found it to be a very slow, boring read. 

I would recommend this book to adults who love being outside, have kids, realize the negative effects technology could be having on society, or simply want to make a difference in the world.

I give this book a 3*** rating.