300s: Making a Difference: Series Nonfiction on the Environment

Reviewed by Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota -- School Library Journal, 11/1/2008

Also in this article: Disgusting but Fun The Bottom Line

Whether negotiating treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or setting up school and community gardens, people around the world are taking action on environmental issues. These series cover a broad range of topics, from habitat destruction to alternative fuels to green living. Some concentrate on immediate changes that groups and individuals can make to halt environmental damage through conservation programs and recycling initiatives. Others explain long-term alternatives to fossil fuel consumption. Ongoing scientific discoveries, advances in technologies, and political changes nationally and internationally require that collections on the subject be monitored regularly to provide users with current and thorough coverage.

ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Biofuels diags. ISBN 978-1-60472-321-2. LC 2008025133.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Going Green diag. ISBN 978-1-60472-323-6. LC 2008025137.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Solar Energy diag. chron. ISBN 978-1-60472-325-0. LC 2008025136.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Wind Energy diags. chron. ISBN 978-1-60472-326-7. LC 2008025138. ea vol: 48p. (Let’s Explore Global Energy Series). chart. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rourke. 2008. PLB $31.36.

Gr 3-5–Large photos accompany past and present examples of how different energy sources can help fuel human activities. The clean layout will facilitate sharing with small groups. All the books include the same chart contrasting nonrenewable and renewable energy sources, but most of the information in Biofuels, Solar, and Wind does not overlap. Going Green devotes 12 pages to these same sources and adds information on hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal energy alternatives. A spread in that book suggests ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, while text boxes elsewhere offer additional ideas, including brewing sun tea, a questionable activity because of concerns about bacteria growth. The other three volumes could serve beginning report writers, and the attractive design may draw browsers and general readers as well.

BENDUHN, Tea. Ethanol and Other New Fuels ISBN 978-0-8368-9260-4; ISBN 978-0-8368-9359-X. LC 2008014483.
BENDUHN, Tea. Nuclear Power ISBN 978-0-8368-9262-8; ISBN 978-0-8368-9361-8. LC 2008012020.
BENDUHN, Tea. Oil, Gas, and Coal ISBN 978-0-8368-9261-1; ISBN 978-0-8368-9360-1. LC 2008015517.
BENDUHN, Tea. Solar Power diags. illus. ISBN 978-0-8368-9263-5; ISBN 978-0-8368-9362-5. LC 2008015515.
BENDUHN, Tea. Water Power diags. illus. ISBN 978-0-8368-9264-2; ISBN 978-0-8368-9363-2. LC 2008012021.
BENDUHN, Tea. Wind Power diag. illus. ISBN 978-0-8368-9265-9; ISBN 978-0-8368-9364-9. LC 2008012019. ea vol: 24p. (Energy for Today Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Gareth Stevens/Weekly Reader 2008. PLB $21; pap. $5.95.

Gr 2-4–Significant overlap of information occurs among these books. Common topics include renewable versus nonrenewable resources, kinetic and potential energy, fossil fuels and pollution, global warming, and conservation. Variation occurs in explaining how a specific power source such as wind or solar rays is converted to energy plus the advantages and drawbacks of the process. Beginning report writers might consult an assigned volume to glean basic information, but there is little incentive to read other titles.

HEWITT, Sally. Reduce and Reuse ISBN 978-0-7787-4095-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-4102-2. LC 208023287.
HEWITT, Sally. Using Energy ISBN 978-0-7787-4096-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-4103-9. LC 2008023288.
HEWITT, Sally. Using Water ISBN 978-0-7787-4097-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-4107-7. LC 2008023289.
HEWITT, Sally. Waste and Recycling ISBN 978-0-7787-4098-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4105-3. LC 2008023290.
HEWITT, Sally. Your Food maps. ISBN 978-0-7787-4099-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4106-0. LC 2008023291.
HEWITT, Sally. Your Local Environment ISBN 978-0-7787-4100-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4107-7. LC 208023292. ea vol: 32p. (Green Team Series). diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2008. PLB $19.95; pap. $8.95.

Gr 3-6–Hewitt introduces readers to ways they can improve the environment individually and collectively. Besides standard suggestions for conserving energy, recycling, and reducing waste, the author notes how local actions such as buying fair-trade products can have a global impact. Although some vocabulary and photos reveal the books’ UK origins, case studies and photos highlight environmental projects around the world, including the work of international organizations such as Water Aid and UNICEF. Small photos and headings over brief paragraphs lend a busy quality to spreads that consider multiple aspects of a topic. Action suggestions appear throughout each volume along with a larger project, such as setting up a family recycling program, outlined in a couple of pages at the end. Some overlap exists between Reduce and Waste as well as between Environment and Energy, Waste, Reduce, and Water.

KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Care About Nature? diag. map. ISBN 978-1-59920-266-2. LC 2008011372.
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Recycle Garbage? ISBN 978-1-59920-267-9. LC 2008011374.
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Switch Off the Light? diags. ISBN 978-1-59920-263-1. LC 2008011375.
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Turn Off the Tap? ISBN 978-1-59920-264-8. LC 2008011377.
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Walk More Often? chart. diag. ISBN 978-1-59920-268-6. LC 2008011378.
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Shouldn’t I Drop Litter? chart. ISBN 978-1-59920-265-5. LC2008011379. ea vol: 32p. (One Small Step Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Smart Apple Media 2008. PLB $27.10.

Gr 2-5–Knight tackles a wide range of issues, combining treatments of topics such as food webs (Nature) and the water cycle (Tap) with actions readers can take to make positive changes. Illustrations and diagrams share the pages with numerous photos from around the world. Almost every spread includes a text box with suggestions for ways “I Can Make a Difference.” Good use of white space reduces visual distraction. Nature and Light cover broad subject areas and thus provide cursory overviews of many potential energy sources from geothermal to nuclear to biomass. Walk and Litter have more focus, but the best of this bunch are Tap and Recycle, which offer simple and clear explanations and practical suggestions to implement at home and at school.

ORME, Helen. Climate Change diag. maps. ISBN 978-1-59716-723-9. LC 2008021020.
ORME, Helen. Energy for the Future charts. diag. ISBN 978-1-59716-727-7. LC 2008021611.
ORME, Helen. Garbage and Recycling charts. ISBN 978-1-59716-726-0. LC 2008022361.
ORME, Helen. Habitat Destruction map. ISBN 978-1-59716-725-3. LC 2008022224.
ORME, Helen. Living Green chart. diag. ISBN 978-1-59716-728-4. LC 2008022250.
ORME, Helen. Pollution maps. ISBN 978-1-59716-724-6. LC 2008023660. ea vol: 32p. (Earth in Danger Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Bearport 2008. PLB $25.27.

Gr 3-6–Each of the first 20 pages of each book features a large photo on a full spread, with related text next to or superimposed on the striking visual. Smaller photos, maps, and text boxes add information, but since the topic changes with every page turn, coverage is necessarily basic and simplified. For example, Energy talks about “clean” coal, wind, wave, solar, and nuclear power, plus biomass, “one of the best renewable energy sources for the future.” The final pages in the volumes appear aimed at the older age range, with smaller, denser, colored type presenting case studies, offering suggestions for action, and providing additional background and facts. The introductory overviews would work with small groups, while better readers could delve deeper into a topic by concentrating on the remaining pages.

OXLADE, Chris. Solar Energy illus. by Jeff Edwards. ISBN 978-1-4329-1564-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-1570-4. LC 2007050767.
RAUM, Elizabeth. Fossil Fuels and Biofuels chart. illus. by Jeff Edwards. ISBN 978-1-4329-1562-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-1568-1. LC 2007050861.
RAUM, Elizabeth. Nuclear Energy illus. by Jeff Edwards. chart. ISBN 978-1-4329-1563-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-1569-8. LC 2007050770.
RAUM, Elizabeth. Water and Geothermal Energy illus. by Jeff Edwards. ISBN 978-1-4329-1565-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-1571-1. LC 2007050863.
RAUM, Elizabeth. Wind Energy ISBN 978-0-43111-568-9; ISBN 978-1-43291-572-8. LC 2007050865. ea vol: 32p. (Fueling the Future Series). diags. illus. map. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library 2008. PLB $28.21; pap. $7.99.

Gr 3-6–These clear introductions combine straightforward text with well-designed diagrams to help explain topics such as the workings of wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells, and nuclear power plants. Although some overlap of subject matter and illustrations exists (notably the same diagram of the greenhouse effect in four books), there is enough unique information in each volume to attract general readers as well as report writers. The authors discuss current practices and future developments and provide a balanced comparison of advantages and drawbacks of using the energy source. Each book includes a time line of significant events related to the development and use of the fuel.

DAVID, Sarah B. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Home chart. diag. illus. ISBN 978-1-4042-1772-0. LC 2008002118.
FURGANG, Kathy & Adam Furgang. On the Move: Green Transportation ISBN 978-1-4042-1773-7. LC 2008000677.
HALL, Linley Erin. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen ISBN 978-1-4042-1776-8. LC 2008005614.
NAGLE, Jeanne. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at School map. ISBN 978-1-4042-1774-4. LC 2008000678.
NAGLE, Jeanne. Smart Shopping: Shopping Green ISBN 978-1-4042-1775-1. LC 2008010297.
ROZA, Greg. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint on Vacation ISBN 978-1-4042-1777-5. LC 2008003479. ea vol: 48p. (Your Carbon Footprint Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central 2008. PLB $26.50.

Gr 4-8–After explaining the impact of carbon dioxide on global warming, each book presents ways readers can reduce their carbon footprint in various aspects of their lives. Suggestions range from simple steps such as using cloth bags at stores to complex projects such as conducting a school energy audit. From cooking tips to directions for setting up a school recycling program, the volumes offer practical guidance while acknowledging the complexity of some issues, such as the debate over purchasing local versus other organic food. The attractive layout uses photos, text boxes, and white space effectively. The books’ conversational style will encourage readers to get involved by following suggestions about contacting people in government, industry, and environmental organizations working to solve the problem of global warming. The authors not only suggest books and Web sites, but also thoroughly document their own sources.

FAUST, Daniel R. After Earth: Living on a Different Planet ISBN 978-1-4042-4229-6; ISBN 978-1-4042-4596-9. LC 2007049631.
FAUST, Daniel R.. Energy Crisis: The Future of Fossil Fuels ISBN 978-1-4042-4231-9; ISBN 978-1-4042-4598-3. LC 2007049957.
FAUST, Daniel R.. Global Warming: Greenhouse Gases and the Ozone Layer diags. ISBN 978-1-4042-4260-9; ISBN 978-1-4240-4599-0. LC 2007049817.
FAUST, Daniel R.. Sinister Sludge: Oil Spills and the Environment map. ISBN 978-1-4042-4230-2; ISBN 978-1-4042-4597-6. LC 2007049699.
NELSON, John. Collision Course: Asteroids and Earth ISBN 978-1-4042-4228-9; ISBN 978-1-4042-4595-2. LC 2007049630.
NELSON, John. Polar Ice Caps in Danger: Expedition to Antarctica map. ISBN 978-1-4042-4227-2; ISBN 978-1-4042-4594-5. LC 2007049649. ea vol: 24p. (Jr. Graphic Environmental Dangers Series). illus. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. Nov. 2008. PLB $23.95; pap. $9.

Gr 4-7–These titles in graphic-novel format set up alarming scenarios based on an environmental issue and then characters take the time to explain various aspects of the emergency before dealing with it. For example, volunteers on the way to clean up the sinister sludge of an oil spill stop to listen to a scientist’s illustrated explanation of petroleum formation, and teens at the beach quote a school lecture about ozone depletion to explain the need for sunscreen. The series includes two dramatic topics not covered elsewhere: asteroid collision and colonization of other planets. The former ends with hypothetical responses, while the latter concludes with standard ideas of improving Earth’s environment instead of planning to populate space. Dark illustrations in small panels are usually as static as the text, although depictions of asteroid destruction pack a punch.

FRIDELL, Ron. Earth-Friendly Energy diags. map. ISBN 978-0-8225-7563-4. LC 2007035923.
FRIDELL, Ron. Protecting Earth’s Water Supply diag. notes. ISBN 978-0-8225-7557-3. LC 2007035924.
JOHNSON, Rebecca L. Understanding Global Warming charts. diags. map. ISBN 978-0-8225-7561-0. LC 2007048358.
RAPP, Valerie. Protecting Earth’s Air Quality charts. map. ISBN 978-0-8225-7558-0. LC 2008000907.
RAPP, Valerie. Protecting Earth’s Land diags. maps. ISBN 978-0-8225-7559-7. LC 2008003549.
WELSBACHER, Anne. Earth-Friendly Design diags. notes. ISBN 978-0-8225-7564-1. LC 2007035925.
WELSBACHER, Anne. Protecting Earth’s Rain Forests maps. ISBN 978-0-8225-7562-7. LC 2007038859.
WILCOX, Charlotte. Earth-Friendly Waste Management charts. diag. notes. ISBN 978-0-8225-7560-3. LC 2008001883. ea vol: 72p. (Saving Our Living Earth Series). illus. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner 2008. PLB $30.60.

Gr 5-8–Each volume provides a thorough, interesting discussion of multiple aspects of its topic, including historical origins, the current situation, and potential solutions. Maps, charts, and diagrams help readers visualize subjects such as the carbon cycle and the structure of sanitary landfills. Photos from around the world accompany discussions of problems and strategies for dealing with them in many countries, from air pollution in India to wave farms off the coast of Portugal. While stressing the need for immediate action to reduce threats such as global warming, the books provide a list of ways to “go green” as well as instructions for contacting government leaders to express concern about environmental issues. Solid choices to replace outdated books and/or to fill in gaps.

Disgusting but Fun

BARNHILL, Kelly. Do You Know Where Your Water Has Been?: The Disgusting Story Behind What You’re Drinking diag. ISBN 978-1-4296-1995-0. LC 2008000534.
BARNHILL, Kelly. Sewers and the Rats That Love Them: The Disgusting Story Behind Where it All Goes ISBN 978-1-4296-1998-1. LC 2008000537.
MILLER, Connie Colwell. Garbage, Waste, Dumps, and You: The Disgusting Story Behind What We Leave Behind ISBN 978-1-4296-1996-7. LC 2008000535.
MILLER, Connie Colwell. Getting to Know Your Toilet: The Disgusting Story Behind Your Home’s Strangest Feature reprods. ISBN 978-1-4296-1997-4. LC 2008000537. ea vol: 32p. (Sanitation Investigation). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone 2008. PLB $23.93.

Gr 3-7–These colorful overviews boast compelling facts accompanied by history and science and a little environmental consciousness-raising. Chapters in Water, for example, include a brief history of plumbing (discussing such marvels as the Roman aqueducts), how the substance can be made potable, and how it reaches consumers. Among the subjects discussed in Garbage are recycling and composting and the history of trash collection. But the most popular books will be Toilet and Sewers, which take the lid off some fascinating unmentionables. Hidden among the terrible puns and bend-over-backwards euphemisms is a good deal of information (and, in Toilet, one truly disgusting photo). The books overlap slightly, with both discussing in-home sanitation. Barnhill adds explanations of waste treatment plants and the role of rats. Miller’s history includes short descriptions of older systems, from cesspools to “pit and pot,” and the invention of modern sewer systems, toilets, and toilet paper. The mechanisms of various designs are described as well, followed by some dire warnings about what can happen if you don’t wash your hands properly. Both books have plenty of humorously captioned full-page color photos, schematics, and other drawings. These books will mainly be borrowed for fun, rather than for reports.

The Bottom Line

Rather than making blanket purchases of entire series, librarians often can update selected topics or fill collection gaps by purchasing individual titles. Because of their high quality and wide range of subjects, the volumes in “Saving Our Living Earth” would be first choices as updates and supplements for older readers. Patrons wanting to translate knowledge into conservation efforts will welcome the information in “Your Carbon Footprint,” while selections from “One Small Step” offer environment-related activities for younger students. If buying a series on various energy sources, first consider “Fueling the Future.”

Green Actions, Green Activists: Series Nonfiction on the Environment (Spring 2009)

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