Nobody Particular: One Woman's Fight to Save the Bays

Bang (Common Ground) continues in an environmental vein with this cramped account of commercial shrimper Diane Wilson's fight to protect her native Texas waters from pollution. Taking a chronological approach, she tracks Wilson's growth from ordinary citizen (or ""nobody particular"") to environmental activist; the tale of how Wilson plays David to corporate Goliaths is an inspiring one. Artistically, Bang attempts a new style, apparently in order to shoehorn in a vast amount of information. On most spreads, she floats densely lettered black-and-white comic-book-style panels over full-color backgrounds that depict, variously, everything from the marine ecosystems of the Gulf waters to bird's-eye views of petrochemical plants. Additional elements include newspaper clippings, photographs and sidebars. With so many items vying for attention, the visual presentation is generally cluttered. Several scenes--for example, a lovely, limpid close-up of two whooping cranes feeding--stand out in refreshing contrast. There's much to appreciate here, but it may be for motivated readers only. Ages 11-up. (Jan.) .)