Making Cities Green

Children's Literature - Nancy Garhan Attebury

Skyscrapers on the cover of this book from the "Going Green" series have rooftops and ledges full of green foliage. It's a great way to introduce readers to the idea that cities can be made green. An introductory spread alerts readers to the fact that cities use huge amounts of fossil fuels and that 250 million people in the U.S. population live in cities. With that in mind, the text then discusses reasons for going green, how to generate clean, green energy and green buildings, and how keeping cities cool can make them more green. In addition, recycling of trash and water is discussed. A spread about the future is also included. Concise sentences written at a third grade level make comprehension easy. The material covered is of interest to students from second through seventh grades. Several "Just the Facts" spreads follow the main body of text and offer information about how six U.S. cities are working to be green. Excellent well-captioned photos add to the book. Students can learn more with a page called "How to Help," which includes a website with more information. A glossary, index, bibliography, more books to read, and a short author blurb make up the rest of the book. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7–Students and teachers will appreciate these books’ straightforward format. Each title outlines how individuals can treat the environment better by changing their transportation habits, food consumption, and living and working conditions. Color photographs (most full page) and a few diagrams accompany the informative texts. Long “Just the Facts” sections highlight examples of how people are going green around the world. Useful glossaries and indexes are included. Overall, the series is user-friendly and covers topics that are not easily found elsewhere.