Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun

February 28, 2011
Caduto encourages a hands-on approach to climate change, conservation, and alternative energy by combining conversational text, photographs, and cartoon graphics with dynamic and informative projects. In a section on the sun, readers are invited to "write with sunlight," using wood, safety glasses, and a magnifying glass (under parental supervision); a section on wind power provides steps for constructing a windmill. Other projects suggest small lifestyle changes to benefit the environment, such as spending a day without using electricity or researching and pledging to help countries most affected by climate change. Curious kids should enjoy the hands-on projects with tangible outcomes, while absorbing the lesson about mindfulness. Ages 8–12.

July 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-The promised activities are only part of what this title has to offer. The serious topics of global warming and energy production, use, and conservation are combined with a self-empowerment, can-do message. The inclusion of stories, humor, full-color photos, and cartoon illustrations and diagrams keep the presentation lighthearted. Each chapter begins with background information followed by the projects that range from the intensive bicycle-powered generator to a simpler energy-conservation board game. Several activities, such as the "Personal Solar Power" kit, require a considerable number of specialized supplies, tools, and adult help, while others, like the "Party-Balloon Wind Gauge," do not. Each activity concludes with a series of extension ideas that encourage scientific and creative thinking. Young people or "Green Giants" who have made significant differences to the environment are highlighted. Clear photos and step-by-step instructions modeled by real students accompany the activities. Extensive back matter includes sources for supplies, lists of environmental organizations, and a list of endangered animals by continent. With its solid science and inspirational stories and quotes, this is a great guide for classrooms, youth groups, and motivated individuals.-Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2011
Grades 5-8 The eco-themed activities that Caduto lays out here are only the beginning, as he embeds them in short but clear explanations of relevant scientific facts, profiles of young eco-activists, provocative follow-up questions, photos and cartoon spot art aplenty, folktales, and other enhancements. The projects range widely in difficultyfrom planning and conducting an electricity-free day to constructing solar- and bicycle-powered battery chargersand also in appeal. Budding scientists are not likely to get excited at the prospect of demonstrating how to dry clothes on a line or building a crude little sailboat, but who could resist making a sun-powered cooker from an umbrella or collecting (and, with strenuously emphasized safety precautions, igniting) marsh gas? Closing with relatively extensive annotated lists of organizations and websites, this may not offer experimenters as many ideas as Elizabeth Snoke Harris Save the Earth Science Experiments (2008) or Sherry Amsels 365 Ways to Live Green for Kids (2009), but the generous quantity of enrichment material makes it a worthy addition to the ranks of science-project titles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)