Green Teens
RSSReviewed by Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY -- School Library Journal, 11/01/2009
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Also in this article:
Environment - 300 |
Environment - 300
Environmental issues are currently some of the most publicized aspects of contemporary science. This fall, publishers have responded to the public's interest in green topics, and a slew of new series are available on the topic. Many of these titles will serve as excellent resources for students as they include research projects with environmental themes. They provide insight into a wide range of issues, including alternative energy, sustainable lifestyles, fossil fuels, ecological footprints, and climate change.
BAKER, Stuart Climate Change in the Antarctic ISBN 978-0-7614-4438-1. LC 2009005766.BAKER, Stuart Climate Change in Temperate Zones ISBN 978-0-7614-4441-1. LC 2009005769.
BAKER, Stuart Climate Change in the Arctic ISBN 978-0-7614-4437-4. LC 2009005767.
BAKER, Stuart Climate Change in the Tropics ISBN 978-0-7614-4440-4. LC 2009005768. ea vol: 32p. (Climate Change Series). charts. diags. illus. maps. photos. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2009. PLB $19.95.
Gr 5-8–This series is perfectly organized for students. The books all feature the same introductory information on climate change in general. They then discuss the general climate of the featured zone and the effects of global warming on its various biomes and creatures. Unique layout features serve as signposts and will help focus readers' attention. For example, the books make excellent use of color, including a color-coded table of contents that corresponds to the border color of each section. Each title also features an outstanding chart of possible effects of global warming on the area in question, listing “Possible Event,” “Predicted Result,” and “Impact” in short, bulleted statements. Each section of the chart is then expanded upon in later chapters. The series' only drawback is a lack of in-text references to outside sources and studies.
BALLARD, Carol Sustainable Farming charts. illus. ISBN 978-1-84837-290-0. LC 2009000620.ROONEY, Anne Sustainable Water Resources diags. map. ISBN 978-1-84837-286-3. LC 2009000623.
ROYSTON, Angela Sustainable Cities chart. diags. ISBN 978-1-84837-288-7. LC 2009000618.
ROYSTON, Angela Sustainable Energy charts. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-84837-291-7. LC 2009000619.
SENKER, Cath Sustainable Transportation charts. ISBN 978-1-84837-287-0. LC 2009000622.
SOLWAY, Andrew Sustainable Tourism chart. ISBN 978-1-84837-289-4. LC 2009000621. ea vol: 48p. (How Can We Save Our World? Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Arcturus 2009. PLB $32.80.
Gr 6-8–Except for Transportation, which mixes problems and solutions within each chapter, these titles introduce issues in the first half of the book and then discuss solutions. Transportation also differs in that it has oblique chapter titles such as “A Return to the Rails” and “Across Rivers and Seas,” whereas the other titles assist researchers with titles such as “How Tourism Affects the Environment.” The writing in the books is adequate, though there are few in-text references to outside sources. Each title includes a couple of charts or graphs, and photographs on almost every page.
BARKER, Geoff Water: How We Manage the World's Vital Water Resources diags. ISBN 978-1-59920-379-9. LC 2009006356.ROONEY, Anne Feeding the World: How We Produce the Food We Need for a Growing Population ISBN 978-1-59920-377-5. LC 2009005975.
ROONEY, Anne Reducing the Carbon Footprint: How the Way We Live Affects the World's Climate diags. ISBN 978-1-59920-375-1. LC 2009006355.
SOLWAY, Andrew Climate Change: What Causes Global Warming, and How We Deal with It diags. ISBN 978-1-59920-376-8. LC 2009006133.
SOLWAY, Andrew Resources: How We Manage the Limited Natural Resources of the World ISBN 978-1-59920-378-2. LC 2009005974.
SOLWAY, Andrew Waste Disposal: How We Deal with the Waste the World Creates diag. ISBN 978-1-59920-380-5. LC 2009005973. ea vol: 48p. (World at Risk Series). charts. maps. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Smart Apple Media 2009. PLB $34.25.
Gr 7 Up–The chapters in these surveys provide a paragraph each on a wide variety of subjects. For example, Water's “Clean Water and Wastewater” discusses such subtopics as freshwater, underground and flood water, and problems caused to residents of developing countries by a lack of access to sanitation. This book is the best example of the strengths of the series: logical organization for research and well-constructed diagrams. Although some outside sources, including the World Health Organization, are cited in sidebars, many of the facts in the main text are undocumented and can be difficult to verify. Waste Disposal, for example, states that Australia recycles 70% of its total waste, but a 2008 Australian government study suggests overall recycling rates are closer to 46%. Although the series has promise, the lack of sources and the inability to verify information sets a poor example for researchers.
BJORNLUND, Lydia Deforestation ISBN 978-1-60152-075-3. LC 2008054558.CURRIE-MCGHEE, Leanne Biofuels diags. ISBN 978-1-60152-078-4. LC 2009004289.
FRIEDMAN, Lauri S. Fossil Fuels illus. ISBN 978-1-60152-079-1. LC 2009003498.
KALLEN, Stuart A. Hydrogen Power diags. ISBN 978-1-60152-073-9. LC 2008049343.
PARKS, Peggy J. Solar Power diag. illus. ISBN 978-1-60152-074-6. LC 2008053327.
PARKS, Peggy J.. Wind Power diags. ISBN 978-1-60152-080-7. LC 2009001538. ea vol: 96p. (Compact Research: Energy and the Environment Series). charts. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. ReferencePoint 2009. PLB $25.95.
Gr 9 Up–These titles pack a ton of useful research information into small packages. The organization will appeal to researchers with limited prior knowledge, as the books begin with “At a Glance” summaries and then expand to chapter-length discussions. Chapters pose questions (“How Do Biofuels Affect the Environment?”), explore the issues in a clear narrative, and conclude with sections of primary-source quotes, compact facts, and informative illustrations. Deforestation feels like the odd man out, but it clearly explains the problems with the use of wood as a fuel, and describes efforts to change that trend.
BOWDEN, Rob Building Homes for Tomorrow ISBN 978-1-59920-252-5. LC 2008050436.BOWDEN, Rob Food and Water map. ISBN 978-1-59920-248-8. LC 2008050433.
INSKIPP, Carol Nature for People ISBN 978-1-59920-250-1. LC 2008043702.
RAE, Alison Oil, Plastics, and Power map. ISBN 978-1-59920-251-8. LC 2008050437.
RAE, Alison Trees and Timber Products diags. map. ISBN 978-1-59920-247-1. LC 2008043701.
RUTTER, John Mining, Minerals, and Metals maps. ISBN 978-1-59920-249-5. LC 2008043703. ea vol: 48p. (Development Without Damage Series). charts. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Smart Apple Media 2009. PLB $34.25.
Gr 8 Up–These books investigate the ways in which people use resources and how that usage impacts the environment and society. Chapters cover such topics as “The Global Housing Crisis” (Building Homes) and “Trade and Distribution” (Food and Water). Quotes from experts, case studies, and detailed facts are provided in sidebar entries. The authors provide a balanced perspective, clearly weighing the positives and negatives of resource usage. For example, in a chapter in Nature for People, a statistics-laden sidebar outlines the importance of tourism to developing countries, while the narrative discusses how visitors may cause grave damage to their surroundings. An excellent choice for environmental research projects.
CUNNINGHAM, Kevin Soil ISBN 978-1-59935-114-8. LC 2009010487.GARDNER, Timothy Oil ISBN 978-1-59935-117-9. LC 2009010245.
STENSTRUP, Al Forests ISBN 978-1-59935-116-2. LC 2009031025.
WORKMAN, James Water ISBN 978-1-59935-115-5. LC 2009028708. ea vol: 112p. (Diminishing Resources Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds 2009. PLB $28.95.
Gr 9 Up–This highly readable series provides a unique viewpoint on the utilization of natural resources, as scientific and environmental concerns are discussed from a historical perspective. For example, the first chapter of Soil discusses how depletion of this resource began as far back as the Neolithic age, and the book continues through time, closing with today's efforts to conserve soil in places such as Iceland. In addition to being great research resources, these titles are interesting enough for pleasure reading. They contain beautiful, full-page photographs, as well as a helpful time line. The bibliography and source notes are appreciated, and set a good example for younger researchers.
DELL, Pamela Protecting the Planet: Environmental Activism charts. ISBN 978-0-7565-4248-1. LC 2009008782.HANEL, Rachael Climate Fever: Stopping Global Warming ISBN 978-0-7565-4246-7. LC 2009011448.
RAATMA, Lucia Green Living: No Action Too Small ISBN 978-0-7565-4245-0. LC 2009008779.
RAU, Dana Meachen Alternative Energy: Beyond Fossil Fuels ISBN 978-0-7565-4247-4. LC 2009008778. ea vol: 64p. (Green Generation Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Compass Point 2009. PLB $23.99.
Gr 7-9– Strong visual appeal is this series' best asset. The cover design, layout, and graphics feel hip and of the moment. The clear writing is easy to understand and includes many concrete examples of environmentally friendly practices. Rather than focusing on a small, specific aspect of issues, these chatty narratives take a broader approach, with chapters covering everything from the Clean Air Act (Protecting the Planet) and the politics of global warming (Climate Fever) to using energy-efficient light bulbs (Green Living) and how hydropower works (Alternative Energy). Although there are many charts, tables, and photographs, diagrams are strangely absent from the texts. Nevertheless, these are good choices for both leisure reading and reports.
JOHANSON, Paula Making Good Choices About Fair Trade ISBN 978-1-4358-5315-7. LC 2008053527.JOHANSON, Paula Making Good Choices About Nonrenewable Resources ISBN 978-1-4358-5311-9. LC 2008055409.
LEVY, Janey Making Good Choices About Conservation ISBN 978-1-4358-5314-0. LC 2008046095.
NAGLE, Jeanne Making Good Choices About Renewable Resources ISBN 978-1-4358-5310-2. LC 2008049318.
PETERSON, Judy Monroe Making Good Choices About Biodegradability ISBN 978-1-4358-5313-3. LC 2009001045.
WATSON, Stephanie Making Good Choices About Recycling and Reuse illus. ISBN 978-1-4358-5312-6. LC 2008046094. ea vol: 64p. (Green Matters Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Rosen Central Nov. 2009. PLB $29.25.
Gr 7 Up–Covering a variety of green issues, these books introduce and explain their topic, and then offer examples of environmentally friendly practices and tips for making good personal choices. Their strength is the prolific in-text references to experts and studies, making them great mentor-texts for students learning how to include research in their writing. However, although photographs are frequent, there are few diagrams, charts, or graphs, and many pages are text heavy and lack sufficient subheadings to guide students.
MASON, Paul Cities in Crisis ISBN 978-1-4329-2289-4. LC 2008037068.MASON, Paul Forests Under Threat ISBN 978-1-4329-2288-7. LC 2008037072.
MASON, Paul Grasslands Under Threat ISBN 978-1-4329-2290-0. LC 2008037058.
MASON, Paul Mountains Under Threat ISBN 978-1-4329-2291-7. LC 2008037069.
MASON, Paul Oceans Under Threat ISBN 978-1-4329-2286-3. LC 2008037082.
MASON, Paul Rivers Under Threat ISBN 978-1-4329-2287-0. LC 2008037065. ea vol: 32p. (World in Peril Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library 2009. PLB $28.21.
Gr 3-5–These titles focus on the destruction of natural habitats, except for Cities in Peril, which feels out of place as it focuses on cities' destructive influences on the environment. After an explanation of what the habitat is and what it is used for, the books examine particular threats (“How Does Slash-and-Burn Affect the Rain Forest?”), discuss societal issues (“Who Should the Grasslands Benefit?”), and outline conservation measures (“How Are These People Saving the Mountains?”). The books' strength is their large, colorful photographs that cover almost 75 percent of every page. Spreads frequently provide before and after photos, offering strong visual evidence of environmental change. Each topic is framed with an essential question, and explored and answered in the corresponding text, but the jump from subject to subject feels somewhat disjointed. The layout provides potential for use as a read-aloud.
MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Clothing Footprint? diag. illus. ISBN 978-0-7614-4410-7. LC 2008048101.MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Energy Footprint? diag. illus. map. ISBN 978-0-7614-4411-4. LC 2008048107.
MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Food Footprint? illus. ISBN 978-0-7614-4413-8. LC 2008048103.
MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Shopping Footprint? diag. ISBN 978-0-7614-4414-5. LC 2008048098.
MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Travel Footprint? diag. ISBN 978-0-7614-4415-2. LC 2008048104.
MASON, Paul How Big Is Your Water Footprint? diag. illus. ISBN 978-0-7614-4417-6. LC 2008048108. ea vol: 32p. (Environmental Footprints Series). charts. photos. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2009. PLB $19.95.
Gr 6 Up–An identical introduction in each book explains that light environmental footprints result from “green” practices, while heavy footprints are made by those who create more lasting damage. The volumes are well organized, featuring chapters that discuss aspects such as Clothing's “Artificial versus Natural,” “Light-Footprint Jeans,” and How Full Is Your Washing Machine?” and providing adequate diagrams, photographs, charts, and graphs. They are also written in concise and appropriate language. The series does an excellent job of helping readers understand the process required to transform raw materials into finished consumer goods and provides case studies exemplifying lighter footprints. Shopping is slightly redundant, as much of its material is covered in the other books.
Of this bunch, Benchmark's “Climate Change” is the best laid out and the most friendly for young researchers. The information is comprehensive and hits on some of the most vital issues in the environmental movement. Compass Point's “Green Generation” is also a solid choice, as its broad coverage and strong visual appeal may allow it to do double duty for both research and leisure reading. Morgan Reynolds's “Diminishing Resources” provides an unusual historical perspective and would be an excellent resource for a teamed social studies and science project.
