“No matter how you describe it—smelly, foul, fetid, rank, putrid, bad, or reeking—in the summer of 1858, London’s River Thames STANK.” So begins a hilariously straightforward account of a grim subject: the pollution of the River Thames—and thus, Londoners’ drinking water—with sewage, and the eventual creation of a hygienic sewer system. The system, which pumps sewage from underground pipes into a reservoir and then releases it into the Thames as the tide is flowing toward the ocean, was proposed and engineered by Joseph Bazalgette. But in the centuries before he arrived on the scene, things went from bad to worse. Sixteenth-century London’s sewers were meant simply to carry rainwater to the river. As the population grew, toilets and cesspools were connected to sewer lines to carry waste out of the overcrowded city. Polluted drinking water contributed to several devastating cholera outbreaks before Bazalgette’s plan was approved. Back matter provides information on contemporary “poop pollution” and a timeline. (The practice of dumping sewage into the Thames ended in 1887.) (Ages 7-12)

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book!

Discover the true story about the determined engineer who fixed London’s pollution problem in this funny, accessible nonfiction picture book featuring engaging art from the illustrator of Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine.

It’s the summer of 1858, and London’s River Thames STINKS. What is creating this revolting smell? The answer is gross: the river is full of poop.

But the smell isn’t the worst problem. Every few years, cholera breaks out, and thousands of people die. Could there be a connection between the foul water and the deadly disease?

One engineer dreams of making London a cleaner, healthier place. His name is Joseph Bazalgette. His grand plan to create a new sewer system to clean the river is an engineering marvel. And his sewers will save lives. Nothing stinky about that.

With tips for how to prevent pollution today, this fascinating look at science, history, and what one person can do to create change will impress and astound readers who want to help make their planet a cleaner, happier place to live.