Nuclear

Nuclear

Author: Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman

Page Length: 48

Reading Level: 6

Genre: Non-Fiction

PLOT SUMMARY: Nuclear is a book about nuclear energy and how it is used in all parts of our life and in the world and universe.  It begins with describing nuclear energy components and make-up, and the origination of the atom.  It then goes on to explain how radiation affects living things.  The book describes how nuclear power is used on earth, at sea, and in space. 

 REVIEW: This is a very informative book about nuclear energy and power.  The pictures are beautiful and quite vivid.  At the bottom of each page, is a “word store” which has definitions of some of the terms used in the book. Besides giving information, the additional window pictures and news briefs give examples of where actual relating events have occurred.

This would be a great book to use in the supplemental study of energy in a science class or for a science project.

AREAS OF TEACHING: Main Idea and Supporting Details

RELATED BOOKS: Science Topics: Energy, Energy for Life: Nuclear Energy

RELATED WEBSITES:

www.nrc.com

www.greenpeace.org/nuclear/

REVIEWED BY: Shirley Wagner

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Author: Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman

Page Length: 48

Reading Level: 8.9

Genre: Non-Fiction

PLOT SUMMARY: Renewable Energy is a non-fiction book full of facts about the sources of renewable energy.  It begins with a two-page explanation of energy.  Then, the book proceeds to discuss the various types of renewable energy that include:  energy from the sun, biomass energy, wind energy, and energy from moving water.  In each discussion, the pros and cons of that type of renewable energy are listed.

REVIEW: The authors have done an excellent job of presenting scientific facts about renewable energy in a concise book that has colorful pictures, a glossary at the back of the book, and a “word store” at the bottom of each page with definitions of probable unknown words.  In addition, “fast facts” and inset notes and graphs are used. 

This is an excellent book to use as a supplement for an energy study. I would recommend it for boys who don’t think they like to read. The pictures and short entries make it a fast and interesting read. With all the discussion of our world becoming “more green” it is an informative book for teens to read to become more knowledgeable about the choices of the future for accessing energy.

AREAS OF TEACHING: Supporting Details, Making Predictions, Cause/Effect, and Comparison and Contrast

RELATED BOOKS: Fossil Fuel, Nuclear, Science Topics: Energy, Energy Files: Water, Solar, Wind, Energy Essentials, Energy for Life, Energy Alternatives

MOVIE, MUSIC, ART CONNECTIONS: Renewable Energy (History Channel, 2008), Never Blend In (2004), An Inconvenient Truth (2007)

RELATED WEBSITES:

www.energy.org.uk

www.eere.energy.gov/kids

www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable

www.kyrene.k12.az.us/…/4th/4_Renewable and Nonrenewable_unit_revised.doc

www.stewardship.nacdnet.org/downloads/EducatorsGuideSSW07.pdf

REVIEWED BY: Shirley Wagner

Energy Transfers

Energy Transfers

Author: Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman         

Page Length:  48

Reading Level: 6

Genre: Non-Fiction           

PLOT SUMMARY: Energy Transfers begins with the definition of what energy transfers actually are and what happens in an energy transfer.  Then, the book describes the many different types of energy, including: chemical energy, nuclear energy, and sound energy.  It describes how energy is stored and lost.  Also, the book discussed electricity and the energy that it produces.

REVIEW: This is the second non-fiction book I have read by Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman. Again, they use a format of writing the text in the center of the pages, then enhancing the information with “Fast Facts”, a “Word Store”, authentic pictures, graphs, and diagrams to support their information. 

This is an excellent book for teaching about energy transfers, but is also a good book for those who love science, facts, and non-fiction books.  It could easily be used as a source for the lower level reader to use for a science project.  It has a wealth of information about energy.

AREAS FOR TEACHING: Main Idea and Supporting Details, Informative Texts, Cause and Effect, Compare and Contrast

RELATED BOOKS: Energy Files: Water, Solar, Wind, Science Topics: Energy, Energy Essentials: Fossil Fuels

RELATED WEBSITES: 

www.energy.org.uk

www.ftexploring.com/

www.energyquest.ca.gov/

REVIEWED BY: Shirley Wagner

Fossil Fuel

Fossil Fuel

Author: Nigel Saunders and Steven Chapman         

Page Length: 48

Reading Level: 6

Genre: Non-Fiction           

PLOT SUMMARY: Fossil Fuel begins with a description of fuels and the three different types: coal, oil, and natural gas.  It describes how each of the fuels originate, how they are extracted from the earth, and their multiple uses.  Next, the problems of fossil fuels are discussed and then the alternatives that are available for energy usage.

REVIEW: This is an educational and informative book that is written and presented in a format that is eye-catching and interesting.  The text is written on the center portion of the pages, but on the borders there are many supportive facts and illustrations that give additional information.  The pictures are colorful and authentic. In addition, there is a “Word Store” with definitions at the bottom of each page.  At the end of the book, the authors included sources to find more information about fossil fuels and a complete glossary.

This is a great book for boys who prefer non-fiction to fiction. 

AREAS FOR TEACHING: Main Idea and Supporting Details, Informative Texts

RELATED BOOKS: Science Topics: Energy, Energy Files: Water, Solar, Wind, Energy for Life: Fossil Fuels, Energy Essentials: Renewable Energy

RELATED WEBSITES:

www.energy.org.uk

www.fe.doe.gov/education/

www.doc.mmu.ac.uk/aric/eae/

REVIEWED BY: Shirley Wagner