Celebrate Earth Day - April 22, 2008
We only have one place to call home; our Earth, so we really need to do all we can to take are of it. Among the organizations that support activities and programs are The Earth Day Network which was founded by the organizers of Earth Day 1970. Earth Day Network's mission is to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living by engaging grassroots organizations worldwide in citizen action and organizing, capacity building, environmental education, coordinated global campaigns, and annual Earth Day celebrations. Since its inception, Earth Day has been the first experience in environmental citizenship for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Today, Earth Day Network supports more than 5,700 organizations in more than 180 countries and 95,000 U.S. K-12 teachers. They build the capacity of their members to serve as positive environmental forces by building alliances, teaching mechanisms for community action, and providing direct assistance. Most importantly, Earth Day Network provides sound environmental education coupled with mechanisms for citizenship and service. Another sit of interest is labeled as the Official Site of International Earth Day. It also has plenty of useful information for students and teachers. Visit International Earth Day to learn more.
Reviews
The Dumpster Diver
Janet S. Wong
Illustrated by David Roberts
A self-described "dumpster diver," artist Kerry Wade, who crafts chairs from old skis, is named by Janet Wong as the inspiration for this book. Told by a first-person narrator, it's the story of a neighbor, Steve the Electrician, who "dives for buried treasure/ right smack here/ in our backstreet alley." It's a dramatic beginning to this quirky story, as Steve gussies up for the occasion in a diving suit, and gathers his team. Everyone has a role, and it's clear that dumpster diving is no easy task. But it's after the treasures are collected that the real magic begins. Some things get crafted into lamps and tables, Some are gifts perfect for their recipients. Only the grouchy neighbor disagrees with this endeavor, so when Steve gets injured, it seems she might have the last laugh. Or then again, maybe not. Cheerful watercolor and ink illustrations are enhanced by cut-paper and tape overlays of various kinds that serve to frame the text. The visual clutter is cleverly appropriate to the theme, and will give young readers the opportunity to locate a vast array of objects of varying degrees of eccentricity. A whimsical treatment of the theme of recycled art. 2007, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-763-62380-7
ISBN: 0-763-62380-6
Earth Day
Trudi Strain Trueit
This book comes from the "Rookie Read About Holidays" series. The book explains the history of how Earth Day was created by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson. Each two-page spread has facts about Earth Day and a colorful photograph. Each photograph has a caption under it explaining more about Earth Day. Words like environment, chemicals, and conservation are accompanied by a pronunciation key in the text. The author also includes ideas on how people can conserve the environment now. At the end of the book is a two-page snapshot collection of photographs that highlight vocabulary words from the book. There is no table of contents, but the author does include an index at the end of the book with a short biography about herself. This is an excellent book for introducing the young reader to this important holiday. ("Rookie Read-About Holidays"). Nonfiction. Grades 2-4. 2006, Children's Press, 31p., $20.50. Reviewer: Jan Gregory (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 4)).
ISBN: 053112455X
ISBN: 9780531124550
The Grass Patch Project
Molly Blaisdell
Illustrated by James Demski, Jr.
The teacher has challenged her students to come up with a project for Earth Day. Jason, who recently started attending Sunrise Elementary, is a little unhappy because there is no grass around the school. He proposes that the kids plant grass to make the school yard more attractive. The students have other suggestions, but his garners the most votes. It is hard work, and it takes a few weeks for the grass to grow. Readers follow the students' activities while inset fact boxes provide more information about plants and their importance as well as specifics about grasses. Does the class win the prize? Will Jason make new friends? Read the story and then stretch yourself a bit more by trying out the activities at the end of the text. There is also a glossary and time line showing the life cycle of grass. The cartoon style illustrations are well matched with the text. The books in the "learn more" section are quite up-to-date, and FactHound is available to help kids find sites on the Internet. This is a Green Level book in the "Science Read It Readers" series, which presents more complex ideas, extended vocabulary, and language structure. 2008, Picture Window, $19.93. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4048-2292-4
ISBN: 1-4048-2292-5
Mercer Mayer
Little Critter learns about Earth Day in school and the most alarming news for him is that the polar bears' habitat is disappear. He decides that he needs to find a way to keep the Polar ice from melting. He and his dad do some research at home and Little Critter takes things a bit too far-turning off lights is good, but not when you are in the room. Turning off computers and the like that draw energy is also good as is using water more carefully. Projects like recycling cans, newspapers and the like generate money that can be used for causes such as the one Little Critter is supporting -We Love Polar Bears. On Earth Day his class planted trees-which is a fairly traditional activity-trees help clear the air. He papers the town (probably not the best idea) with signs that say-reduce, reuse, and recycle. The story gets a bit far-fetched when he tries to develop a climate control machine, but as his dad points out-all of his efforts have brought much needed attention to the things that we can do to conserve and protect the Earth. Kids will enjoy the antics and also get the message-conservation is good whether or not you accept the remise of global warming. 2008, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 978-0-06-053959-7
On Meadowview Street
Henry Cole
When Caroline and her family move to Meadowview Street, she searches in vain for any meadow. Caroline is an environmentalist at heart. First, she protects a small flower in the lawn from her father's mower. Soon, her "wildflower preserve" covers the entire lawn. Agreeing that her garden needs shade, her parents add a maple tree. Caroline and her father then build birdhouses for the birds in the tree. By the time they have added a pond, the neighbors have begun to change their yards as well, making friendly homes for nature's flowers and creatures. This modern, simply-told tale is visualized in acrylic paintings that are positive in their simplified naturalism. There is neither weed nor hole-digging dog in this suburban development of identical houses and fences. Vignettes depict Caroline and her family's activities clearly enough to be used as instructions for creating "meadows." A double-page spread just before the end depicts and names the many inhabitants to be found in Caroline's meadow. 2007, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $17.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-056481-0
ISBN: 0-06-056481-4
ISBN: 978-0-06-056482-7
ISBN: 0-06-056482-2
Super Science Projects About Earth's Soil and Water
Robert Gardner; illustrations by Tom Labaff
Most young students like to play with mud and water. Little do they know they are actually learning about soil, water absorption in soil, and how these two materials combine. In this beginning chapter book, there are several experiments laid out to learn about soil and water. Simple drawings and some pictures illustrate the written material. Some of the experiments can be used for science fairs. Questions and answers with related experiments help young readers identify some basic aspects of soil and water. What is soil, how is it layered, what is an aquifer, and what happens when aquifers are polluted? How do plants absorb water and raise water from the soil? Some discussions, however, are taken for granted (a better explanation of subsoils would help young readers). This book can be used to provide simple experiments using household and garden materials. Words to know are identified and defined. Further reading references and a book index are provided at the back of the book. 2007, Enslow Publishing, $23.93. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Lisa P. Hill (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-27350
ISBN: 0-7660-2735-X
Earth
Thomas K. Adamson
This engaging book about Earth will teach young readers about the only planet where people and animals live while introducing them to the pleasures of well-written nonfiction. This user-friendly book about Earth contains interesting facts and up-to-date information. For example, readers learn that most of the earth's surface is covered by water and the center of the Earth is hot molten metal. The carefully-labeled colorful photographs and detailed realistic captioned illustrations complement the text and support young readers in understanding the subject matter. Each page is rich with information. The detailed content about the planet Earth and its characteristics supports national science curriculum standards, making this text valuable in the elementary school classroom. Cleverly presented in large-type print composed of high frequency words, repetitive phrases, and important subject-specific vocabulary, this book, as well as the other books in this fantastic series about planets, will support beginning readers' acquisition of reading skills. Most importantly, readers will realize the pleasure of reading good nonfiction while they learn about our planet Earth. Includes a table of contents, an index, a glossary, a resource page for additional books to read, and a list of related Internet sites to explore. 2008, Capstone Press, $19.93. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Borges (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 978-1-4296-0731-5
ISBN: 1-4296-0731-9
Earth
Henry Pluckrose
This volume attempts to explain to young children the many facets that make up the earth. The pages describe some aspect of the earth with an accompanying color photograph to further enhance the explanation. Since the text is limited to not more than forty or so words per page, the information provided is very basic. Topics covered include soil, mud, chalk, fossil fuels, and caring for the earth. Facts are simply stated and should lead to questions for discussion between the child and adult as this is definitely a book geared to sharing between adults and children. While there is an index, a glossary would have been a useful addition to help youngsters with pronunciation and meaning of terms that are unfamiliar. This is recommended as a first purchase only if the collection requires new materials in easy science concepts. Part of the "Let's Explore the Elements" series. 2007, SeaToSea Publications, $ 27.10. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781597710367
ISBN: 1597710369
Earth-Shaking Science Projects About Planet Earth
Robert Gardner
Illustrations by Tom Labaff
Written by a retired high school teacher of physics, chemistry, and physical science, this book has many great ideas for the middle school or high school student for science fair projects. Some experiments may require additional help from a parent, but many can be done by the student himself. Experiments include measuring air temperature and air pressure; making a model of the moon, earth, and sun; fitting continents on tectonic plates; and mapping their own backyard. Several projects include ideas for additional projects so the student can design his own original project. Students can use the sun, the moon, soil, sand, water, coins, straws, beach balls, Frisbees, thermometers, and light bulbs in many of their projects. Some may require hard-to-find equipment, but the author usually gives substitute suggestions. This is one of three books containing science projects. It includes a resource list of science supply companies, additional reading materials, and Internet addresses. Students will enjoy science as well as understand it by using this book. 2005, Enslow Publishers, $26.60. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Debbie West (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-2733-6
ISBN: 0-7660-2733-3
ISBN: 0-7660-2362-1
ISBN: 978-0-7660-2362-8
Funny Weather: Everything You Didn't Want to Know About Climate Change But Probably Should Find Out
Kate Evans
Introduction by George Monbiot
This graphic nonfiction book from England rocks with a sense of urgency in both words and pictures. Cartoonist Evans has the facts at hand and presents them boldly in four chapters, detailing causes of the greenhouse effect, the ways that warming accelerates and feeds on itself, what is being done (not enough), and what needs to be done. The list of sources she referred to in researching this book is extensive. Performing throughout are three lively main characters: a concerned teen in a miniskirt, crew cut, and glasses; an energetic, frizzy-haired scientist; and a bloated, money-mad capitalist in a pin-striped suit. Evans deploys her caricatures to deliver the information with authority and humor, painting a frightening picture of the worst that can (and very well may) happen if peoples of the world do not take action now, before we reach the carbon tipping point. The rich nations take most of the blame in this book, as shown in clever graphics of some real politicians and arrogant profiteers. Some solutions proposed (urged by a smiling Mahatma Gandhi) include: eating locally, keeping appliances turned off, eliminating air travel, riding bikes and public transportation, and assigning each person in the world a carbon limit. Obviously, these changes would transform society and require a world movement for implementation. Evans cheers readers on to do just that, reminding them that we are simultaneously the ones who need to be outraged. In short, we are both the engaged scientists who will attack the problems and, unfortunately, the lazy, greedy consumers who compromise the planet. Brilliant! Introduction by George Monbiot. 2007 (orig. 2006), Groundwood/House of Anansi, $9.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-88899-838-5
ISBN: 978-0-88899-841-5
ISBN: 0-88899-838-4
ISBN: 0-88899-841-4
Generating Wind Power
Niki Walker
Scientists estimate the earth's supply of gas and oil will last less than 100 years and its supply of coal about 250 years. Part of the "Energy Revolution" series from Crabtree Publishing Company, this book explores the use of wind as a means of cutting down on the world's dependence on such fossil fuels. Topics covered include the reasons why there is a need for alternative energy, wind turbines, wind farms, the history of wind power, the drawbacks, and making the change. Conservation tips are scattered throughout using an updated image of the WWII era, "Rosie the Riveter" in her "we can do it" pose, emphasizing that we can come together as a society to reach a common goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Also included are a timeline, case studies, an index, a table of contents, and a glossary. With its easy to follow text, full color photographs, and detailed drawings, this book is an excellent research tool for upper elementary students interested in learning more about wind power as an alternative energy source. 2007, Crabtree Publishing Company, $8.95, $25.95, and 10.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-2913-6
ISBN: 0-7787-2913-3
ISBN: 978-0-7787-2927-3
ISBN: 0-7787-2927-3
The Greenhouse Effect: Warming the Planet
Darlene R. Stille
Stille provides a brief, yet accurate introduction to the arguments for and against global warming. Large, intriguing photographs should help attract even reluctant readers. The text covers six main topics surrounding the greenhouse effect and its connections to global warming. First, the question of whether the earth is in fact growing warmer is discussed. Statistics are cited that support global warming, such as the fact that the ten warmest years of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries occurred between 1985 and 2006. However, the author does emphasize that predicting climate change contains many uncertainties, and further studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions. The second chapter focuses on the natural greenhouse effect and why it is important, while the third examines the differences between weather and climate. The fourth chapter continues an examination of how climate can change, particularly examining the so-called runaway greenhouse effect. The fifth and sixth sections look at how the greenhouse effect is studied, and what its effects on life may be. One intriguing page even considers the question of whether the greenhouse effect is all bad, by considering its effects on plants and on some regions where the weather would actually improve. Overall, the book provides a nice, even-handed look at this controversial topic. 2007, Compass Point Books/Coughlan Publishing, $26.60. Ages 12 to 14. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-1956-8
ISBN: 0-7565-1956-X
An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming
Al Gore
There is no doubt that the climate of the Earth is changing. Scientific studies support the fact that global warming not only exists but is increasing at a faster rate than anyone thought possible. The author was moved to action by a book read to him in his teenage years by Rachel Carson called Silent Spring, which showed how humans can either take care of the Earth and have it respond accordingly, or abuse the earth and suffer the consequences. This message is clear throughout this book, without a preachy tenor. Page after page of the fifteen chapters details the worldwide crisis we are experiencing through text, data, charts, illustrations, and visually stunning yet repulsive photographs. This book is a young person's version of an adult book that accompanied a documentary by the same name in 2006. The author is a former U.S. Vice President and also wrote Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit. A "must read" for young people as well as adults. Highly recommended. 2007, Viking/Penguin Group, $23.00. Ages 11 up. Reviewer: Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-670-06271-3
ISBN: 978-0-670-06272-0
ISBN: 0-670-06271-5
ISBN: 0-670-06272-3
Let's Reuse!
Sara E. Nelson
Here's another social studies series for the youngest learners--this one, called "Caring for the Earth," intends to introduce early readers to the concepts of conservation and recycling. Each slim, square book starts with a statement of the problem and then offers two short chapters with ideas that kids can use to help solve it. With simple sentences on the right-hand pages and a large-scale color photo on the left, this title explains that garbage we throw away daily is quickly filling up our landfills. As Beth and Max demonstrate ways to reuse items like plastic tubs, yogurt cups, and milk cartons, students are challenged to think of creative ways to transform paper bags and plastic containers. Kim's family chooses a good-quality backpack she can use for a long time; Maria passes on outgrown toys to others. Final advice to readers: "Reusing items makes less garbage. Less garbage keeps the Earth healthy." While the color photos are cheerily bright and attempt to draw in viewers by using children as models, the brief text makes rather obvious suggestions (some depending on the cooperation or decisions of parents) that many teachers already incorporate in their lessons. Still, building values begins with creating awareness--these small books can be used as introductions to units or as starters for discussion; they could also form a classroom library for kids to read on their own. Included for more advanced readers are a glossary, a short bibliography, a Facthound code for Web sites (very limited), and an index. 2007, Pebble Books/Capstone Press, $15.93. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7368-6325-4
ISBN: 0-7368-6325-7
To view reviews of books on Earth Day from a previous year, click here.
Added 03/24/08
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