Alternative Energy

Children's Literature

To understand alternative energy sources, one must first have a grasp of the definition of energy itself. Energy is any source of power that can be used to do work. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas are the kinds used most readily in the United States. Unfortunately, these power sources are finite and will not last forever. Alternative sources of energy include water, wind, sunlight, volcanoes and even trash. The text is double-spaced and in a large font yet contains a challenging vocabulary. Numerous color photographs provide vivid visual aids. Excellent resources to aid readers in their study of alternative energy are found in the back of the book in the form of books, online sites and recommendations of pertinent organizations. An "Important Word" section defines unfamiliar terms or words such as biofuels, hybrid electric vehicles and turbines. The author is a middle school science teacher in Minnesota who enjoys wildlife and was formerly employed by the California Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. Recommended. 2004, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 8 to 10.
—Cindy L. Carolan