Hydrogen Fuel Cells

April 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-Fact-filled and thorough, this well-written collection covers a vast array of sustainable power sources, from the familiar (Solar Energy; Wind Energy) to the less common (Biofuels; Ocean Energy). Text-heavy yet comprehensible, each book delves into the specific energy source's origins, current applications, and outlook; addresses its benefits and drawbacks; and encourages readers to come to their own conclusions. For instance, -Stop and Think- explicitly invites readers to think critically about the subject in four different ways, such as taking a position on the topic and defending it or conducting independent research with the help of a librarian; similarly, students are challenged to paraphrase a provided primary source for a specified audience in -Straight to the Source.- VERDICT With its impeccable content, this dynamic series is a must for school and public libraries.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 As awareness of the dangers tied to global warming and fossil fuels grows, green energy is playing a bigger part in how people are powering their communities. Each of the books in the Alternative Energy series introduces an ecofriendly energy source by explaining its history, how it works, its pros and cons, and its future potential. In Hydrogen Fuel Cells, current impracticalities such as high production costs and storage challenges are addressed while calling attention to the beneficial clean aspect of this energy source. All volumes suffer from a lack of clarity in their scientific explanations, but they succeed in contextualizing each resource within a larger conversation on the relationship between energy and the environment. Critical-thinking questions linked to the publisher's website join primary source excerpts, sidebar facts, and color illustrations for a rounded learning experience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)