Nuclear Power : Promise or Peril?

Children's Literature - Carolyn Steinla

Global demands for energy, modern civilization's lifeblood, are increasing at an alarming rate. What will happen when the fossil fuels run out? The nuclear industry would have us recommit to reactors. Daley warns that we, as American citizens, must examine both sides of this complex and controversial issue. The book fairly represents the pros and the cons, promise or peril? Should this decision be left to the fallible experts? Do you want a nuclear reactor in your neighborhood? This book is part of a "Pro/Con" series designed to stimulate different points of view on contemporary topics.

School Library Journal

Gr 5 UpA topical, easy-to-understand, and informative overview. Readers are given a succinct explanation of how a nuclear power plant works, a history of energy from the beginnings of civilization through the dawning of the atomic age, and a look at past and current legislation regarding its use. Throughout the book, opposing viewpoints are expressed on all of the critical issues surrounding the use of nuclear powerin particular, pollution, safety, and waste disposal. Resources to contact for additional information are included. The photographs and graphs, many of which are in full color, serve to further explain and/or illustrate these opposing viewpoints. With the depletion of coal and fossil fuels, and the continued increase in energy consumption and demand, humankind must find a substitute energy source. Should that decision lead to a resurgence of nuclear power plants? While not giving a personal opinion, the author indicates that the people of the United States must decide in what direction our search for alternate energy sources will go. This book provides a great deal of the well-documented information that young people will need in order to make those decisions.Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up--A topical, easy-to-understand, and informative overview. Readers are given a succinct explanation of how a nuclear power plant works, a history of energy from the beginnings of civilization through the dawning of the atomic age, and a look at past and current legislation regarding its use. Throughout the book, opposing viewpoints are expressed on all of the critical issues surrounding the use of nuclear power--in particular, pollution, safety, and waste disposal. Resources to contact for additional information are included. The photographs and graphs, many of which are in full color, serve to further explain and/or illustrate these opposing viewpoints. With the depletion of coal and fossil fuels, and the continued increase in energy consumption and demand, humankind must find a substitute energy source. Should that decision lead to a resurgence of nuclear power plants? While not giving a personal opinion, the author indicates that the people of the United States must decide together in what direction our search for alternate energy sources will go. This book provides a great deal of the well-documented information that young people will need in order to make those decisions.--Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA