The Energy Dilemma (Understanding Global Issues)

Gr. 5-8. Part of the new Understanding Global issues series, these nicely designed volumes make readers ponder the price of progress as they tackle timely subjects in a manner obviously intended for classroom use. The style in both is rather choppy, as if the writers think middle-graders can't grasp ideas presented in compound or complex sentences. But there's good introductory information in both volumes, plenty to set young researchers off on the right track: a double-page spread shows a concept web; there's a self-test quiz (with answers); and there are short lists of further readings and Internet sites. The three-column design seems a little cramped for kids, but the photos are excellent, and each book has some very good charts and at least one map. For ests discusses how we use wood products and what deforestation means to the environment and daily life. Energy sticks mainly to fossil fuels and takes a look at their political and economic impact worldwide without giving middle-graders more information than they really need. Stephanie Zvirin
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