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.
—Booklist