Alternative Energy

Gr 6 Up—Updated from 2007, this set covers fossil fuels, bioenergy, and geothermal energy, along with hydrogen, nuclear, solar, water, and wind power. An additional section discusses conservation methods (the use of hybrid cars, alternative building design) along with lifestyle changes that reduce energy consumption. Each volume begins with an identical chronology, glossary, and overview, and individual chapters offer a specific "Words to Know" section, along with occasional definitions within the text. The layout is visually appealing, with color photographs or text boxes on almost every page, which indicates an intended middle school audience, but those readers might be stymied by the vocabulary and concepts, which are often at an eighth-grade or high school level. The presentation is even-handed and sometimes-complex concepts are well explained, offering a discussion of benefits and drawbacks, environmental impact, and issues and obstacles for each energy source. Although statistics and research in the book will become dated, the closing section, "Possible Future Energy Sources," includes ideas that are just beginning to be explored. Each section concludes with a further-reading list that recommends print resources (many of them from 2005–2009) and websites. A list of contact information for relevant organizations is provided. This reference set will be useful for reports. The index in the print edition is comprehensive and easy to use, though students may prefer the ease of searching the ebook, which is available through Gale Virtual Reference Library.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX