This latest generation of environmental books stresses the importance of living sustainably. Young readers are introduced to the fact that their actions impact the planet, for good or bad, while older readers are asked to investigate human beings' effect on the environment and reliance on energy resources. Discussions about recent disasters elucidate the concept that the possibility of living without power, proper shelter, sanitation, or food could be only a hurricane or an earthquake away.

Preschool-Grade 4

AITKEN, Stephen. Earth's Fever. ISBN 978-1-61641-670-6. LC 2011001872. ----. Fever at the Poles. ISBN 978-1-61641-671-3. LC 2011001873. ----. Fever in the Oceans. ISBN 978-1-61641-672-0. LC 2011001874. ----. Fever on the Land. ISBN 978-1-61641-673-7. LC 2011001875. ea vol: illus. by author. 32p. (Climate Change Series). glossary. index. Websites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2011. PLB $28.50. K-Gr 3-This series examines climate change and its effects, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, compromised ecosystems, and altered animal migrations. Spreads feature full-page color illustrations and brief, age-appropriate sentences. A negative "Hot fact" or positive "Cool idea" appears in sidebars. Earth's Fever describes how carbon emissions from human activities are causing Earth's rising temperature. The other three titles focus on how climate change impacts plant and animal life. Unfortunately, the texts and illustrations often do not make clear why change is bad. For example, on a colorful image of birds in the sky and along a lake, the text reads: "Some birds no longer migrate at all. They find plenty of food for their chicks right at home." The books may leave young readers confused as to why global warming is harmful. BULLARD, Lisa. Choose to Reuse. illus. by Wes Thomas. ISBN 978-0-7613-6104-6; ISBN 978-0-7613-8511-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-8035-1. LC 2010053465. ----. Earth Day Every Day. illus. by Xiao Xin. ISBN 978-0-7613-6109-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-8512-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8036-8. LC 2010053466. ----. Go Easy on Energy. illus. by Wes Thomas. ISBN 978-0-7613-6107-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8513-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-8037-5. LC 2010053302. ----. Look Out for Litter. illus. by Xiao Xin. ISBN 978-0-7613-6105-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8514-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-8038-2. LC 2010048869. ----. Power Up to Fight Pollution. illus. by Wes Thomas. ISBN 978-0-7613-6108-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-8515-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-8039-9. LC 2010048862. ----. Rally for Recycling. illus. by Wes Thomas. ISBN 978-0-7613-6103-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8516-5; ISBN 978-0-7613-8040-5. LC 2010051509. ----. Watch Over Our Water. illus. by Xiao Xin. ISBN 978-0-7613-6106-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-8517-2; ISBN 978-0-7613-8041-2. LC 2010053299. ea vol: 24p. (Cloverleaf Books: Planet Protectors Series). further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Millbrook. 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $6.95; ebook $17.95. K-Gr 2-Ordinary kids Tyler and Trina are on a mission to save the Earth through green living in this fetching series. Taking what they learned in school, these young planet protectors lead by example, encouraging readers to reuse more, celebrate Earth Day, save energy, clean up litter, pollute less, recycle, and conserve water. The engaging and humorous stories explain how to make greener and smarter choices daily. Sidebars illuminate topics like wind turbines and coal. Each book includes an activity such as vermicomposting. Colorful, full-page illustrations keep the mood upbeat and lively. These appealing books show young readers how they can have a positive impact on the world. GOODMAN, Polly. Coasts in Danger. ISBN 978-1-4339-5996-7. LC 2010049255. ----. Communities Today and Tomorrow. chart. ISBN 978-1-4339-5999-8. LC 2010049257. ----. Energy Today and Tomorrow. chart. ISBN 978-1-4339-6002-4. LC 2010049258. ----. Food, Farming, and the Future. ISBN 978-1-4339-6005-5. LC 2010049259. ----. Rivers in Danger. ISBN 978-1-4339-6008-6. LC 2010049262. ----. Transportation for the Future. chart. chron. ISBN 978-1-4339-6011-6. LC 2010049263. ea vol: 32p. (Earth Alert! Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $26.60. Gr 3-5-This noteworthy series covers history, technological advances, economic factors, health considerations, plant and animal habitats, climate change, and the outlook for the future. By emphasizing the importance of Earth's resources, the books ask readers to be mindful of the environmental consequences of their actions. They show living conditions worldwide and explain how wealthy countries have different options and responsibilities. The compact texts convey information with clear syntax and language. Large, captioned photographs appear on nearly every page. Sidebars deliver interesting facts and figures, including accounts of true, pertinent global case studies. Activities such as games, thought exercises, debate scenarios, and science experiments are included throughout every volume. Absorbing introductions to key environment topics. MCKENZIE, Precious. Cleaning Up the Earth. ISBN 978-1-61741-768-9; ISBN 978-1-61741-970-6. LC 2011924814. ----. Our Organic Garden. ISBN 978-1-61741-767-2; ISBN 978-1-61741-969-0. LC 2011924813. ----. Water World. diag. map. ISBN 978-1-61741-769-6; ISBN 978-1-61741-971-3. LC 2011924815. WEBB, Barbara L. Endangered! diag. illus. map. ISBN 978-1-61741-772-6; ISBN 978-1-61741-974-4. LC 2011924818. ----. Helping Habitats. ISBN 978-1-61741-770-2; ISBN 978-1-61741-972-0. LC 2011924816. ----. What Does Green Mean? charts. diag. ISBN 978-1-61741-771-9; ISBN 978-1-61741-973-7. LC 2011924817. ea vol: 24p. (Green Earth Science Discovery Library Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rourke. 2011. PLB $22.79; pap. $7.95. K-Gr 2-Like the "Green Earth Discovery Library" series (Rourke), these titles introduce simple green-living choices along with science basics. They discuss the harm people have done to the environment and how by implementing eco-friendly changes readers can help save the Earth. The brief, age-appropriate texts deliver excellent information about science concepts, such as the water cycle and ecosystems. Other topics covered include pollution, global warming, organic gardening, water as a resource, endangered and extinct species, habitats, invasive plants, carbon footprints, and living green. Images of pristine landscapes contrast with those of nature blighted by trash and pollution. The close-up shots of wildlife in their natural habitats are especially eye-catching. Recommended for the outstanding photographs and interesting fact-filled text. STILLE, Darlene R. Changing Habits, Living Green. ISBN 978-1-60973-169-4. LC 2011927665. ----. Good Food, Good for Earth. ISBN 978-1-60973-173-1. LC 2011927672. ----. Protecting Animals. ISBN 978-1-60973-174-8. LC 2011927673. ----. Protecting Land. ISBN 978-1-60973-175-5. LC 2011927674. THOMAS, Elizabeth. Clean Air. ISBN 978-1-60973-170-0. LC 2011927666. ----. Clean Water. ISBN 978-1-60973-171-7. LC 2011927670. ----. Conserving Energy. ISBN 978-1-60973-172-4. LC 2011927671. ----. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. CIP. ISBN 978-1-60973-176-2. LC 2011927675. ea vol: 32p. (Go Green! Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. The Child's World. 2011. PLB $27.07. Gr 1-4-Each book opens with a quick overview, introducing environmental concepts such as global warming, conservation, and organic farming. Twelve green tips are showcased in separate spreads, with a captioned photograph facing the text page, which gives eco-friendly advice and reasons why the suggestion helps the Earth. There is some duplication of the tips among the books, making the set feel repetitive. The photographs faithfully represent the advice, often with lackluster results, e.g., images of closed curtains and newspaper stacks. Case studies highlight interesting environment projects by children and schools worldwide. A page listing 10 to 15 more green ideas appears at the end of each book. Buy where demand requires or books featuring eco-friendly advice need updating.

Grades 5 & Up

BARBER, Nicola. Coping with Population Growth. ISBN 978-1-4109-4317-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4324-8. GREEN, Jen. Reducing Pollution and Waste. ISBN 978-1-4109-4320-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4327-9. ----. Sustaining Our Natural Resources. ISBN 978-1-4109-4321-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-4328-6. LANGLEY, Andrew. Avoiding Hunger and Finding Water. ISBN 978-1-4109-4319-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-4326-2. ----. Bridging the Energy Gap. ISBN 978-1-4109-4318-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-4325-5. VICKERS, Rebecca. Promoting Health, Preventing Disease. ISBN 978-1-4109-4322-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-4329-3. ea vol: 48p. (The Environment Challenge Series). charts. diags. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. Heinemann/Raintree. 2011. PLB $32.; pap. $8.99. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-8-Through short sentences and brief paragraphs, this terrific series focuses on the challenge of meeting people's basic needs for food, water, shelter, sanitation, education, and health care in developed and developing countries. Population Growth includes discussions of family planning and contraceptives; Preventing Disease explains the risks of smoking and includes a photo of lungs with cancer; alcohol and drug abuse are also mentioned. Glossary words appear in bold type, and a word bank runs along the bottom of pages. Well-chosen color photographs and illustrations with informative captions appear on every page, and numerous sidebars emphasize research strategies, problem solving, and thought-provoking questions. These books are excellent resources for students, offering constructive lessons on how to think critically. CURLEY, Robert, ed. Fossil Fuels. 142p. charts. maps. ISBN 978-1-61530-491-2; ISBN 978-1-61530-540-7. LC 2010045687. ----. Renewable and Alternative Energy. 121p. ISBN 978-1-61530-488-2; ISBN 978-1-61530-538-4. LC 2010044433. ea vol: (Energy: Past, Present, and Future Series). diags. photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Britannica Educational. 2011. PLB $35.25; ebook $35.25. Gr 10 Up-These titles examine the history, current usage, and future prospects of energy sources. The first book focuses on petroleum, natural gas, and coal. The second discusses solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biofuels, nuclear energy, and fuel cells. International measurements are presented with the U.S. equivalents in parentheses. British spelling is seen in words like "centres," "metres," and "odour." The coverage is comprehensive. The densely written texts utilize scientific and technological language that can be difficult, and the lack of diagrams for how hydroelectric or nuclear power plants work is unfortunate. Nonetheless, these fact-packed volumes document the world's reliance on fossil fuels and explore the feasibility of alternate energy technologies. MAHAFFEY, James A. Nuclear Accidents and Disasters. ISBN 978-0-8160-7650-5. LC 2010046441. ----. The History of Nuclear Power. ISBN 978-0-8160-7649-9. LC 2010043236. ----. Nuclear Fission Reactors. ISBN 978-0-8160-7651-2. LC 2010053705. ----. Radiation. ISBN 978-0-8160-7652-9. LC 2010049237. ea vol: 208p. (Nuclear Power Series). diags. illus. maps. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Facts On File. 2011. PLB $45. Gr 9 Up-This informative series explores the history, science, and technology of nuclear power. Mahaffey also addresses public concerns about radiation and nuclear safety. The coverage is in-depth, detailed, and meticulously researched. These volumes make nuclear technology understandable by explaining how scientists discovered radiation and giving readers a tour of a typical nuclear reactor plant. The author makes highly technical and academic theories accessible and interesting. The sidebars, captioned photographs, and diagrams are outstanding. The March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant in Japan are mentioned in Fission Reactors. SPILSBURY, Richard & Louise Spilsbury. Biomass Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5260-4. LC 2010046941. ----. Fossil Fuel Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5261-1. LC 2010046939. ----. Nuclear Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5291-8. LC 2010046935. ----. Solar Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5262-8. LC 2010046936. ----. Water, Wave, and Tidal Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5263-5. LC 2010046937. ----. Wind Power. ISBN 978-1-4488-5264-2. LC 2010046940. ea vol: 32p. (Let's Discuss Energy Resources Series). chart. diags. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $25.25. Gr 4-6-This terrific series examines the advantages and disadvantages of energy sources, their current uses, and their future viability. Discussion includes descriptions of fuel types, how power plants work, the implications of using different sources for people and the environment, the costs of each system, governments' role in regulating energy, and new and developing technology. Brisk informative texts are enhanced by well-crafted diagrams, eye-catching, captioned photographs, case studies showcasing a global scope, and "Let's Discuss" sidebars that weigh the pros and cons of controversial topics. Each book contains an activity, often science-project inspired, such as how to use a peanut to heat water. Though the absence of a volume on geothermal power is noticeable, this stalwart series is nonetheless an essential purchase. WHITTAKER, Helen. Clothing. ISBN 978-1-60870-572-6. LC 2010044337. ----. Energy. ISBN 978-1-60870-573-3. LC 2010044338. ----. Food. ISBN 978-1-60870-574-0. LC 2010044339. ----. Leisure. ISBN 978-1-60870-575-7. LC 2010044340. ----. Waste. ISBN 978-1-60870-577-1. LC 2010044341. ----. Water. ISBN 978-1-60870-576-4. LC 2010044364. ea vol: 32p. (Living Green Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 5-7-This excellent series explores our impact on the environment and advises readers how to live more sustainably. Each volume is divided into two sections. "Background Briefing" provides data, while "Living Green Projects" offers eco-friendly activities, such as making a biodegradable cleanser or building a solar oven. The books discuss the environmental effects of everyday pursuits such as buying clothing, eating food, performing leisure activities, throwing away trash, and using water. Readers learn how individual choices have serious repercussions and how the way products are farmed or manufactured, packaged, transported, stored, used, and eventually disposed of can harm the Earth. The well-written books blend research material and creative instruction with attractive page design, outstanding organization, and quality illustrations and photographs. Several series have exceptional features that make them noteworthy. For younger readers, Millbrook's "Cloverleaf Books: Planet Protectors," Rourke's "Green Earth Science Discovery Library," and Gareth Stevens's "Earth Alert!" meld appealing illustrations with strong facts. Upper elementary grades and middle school readers get a great overview about energy with PowerKids Press's "Let's Discuss Energy Resources," while Marshall Cavendish's "Living Green" provides creative projects and science information and Heinemann's "The Environment Challenge" includes research tips along with its facts. For the high school audience, Facts On File's "Nuclear Power" series tackles a controversial topic, delivering a fascinating read. These series will inspire readers to learn more.