Unloved and Endangered Animals

July 1, 2011

Gr 6-9-Tackling a variety of green topics, these titles range from good to merely okay. "What You Can Do" appears on the cover of each one, but the quality, location, and presentation of this information varies greatly. Air Pollution is the best of the bunch as it contains a full chapter of proactive and practical ways that kids can make a difference. Minor problems show up in several titles: a mislabeled photograph, choppy sentences, confusing narrative, and some vagueness. The information is here, but it isn't consistently served up in the best package. There are plenty of quality titles on these topics available, including Robert Gardner's "Team Green Science Projects" (Enslow) series. Consider Air Pollution; skip the rest.-Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

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January 1, 2011
These volumes on environmental topics include both subject-specific information and suggestions for teens about how to be mindful on an individual level. Issues such as resource conservation and pollution control are examined from scientific and historical perspectives; possible solutions are also discussed. The texts, accompanied by stock photos and sidebars, are somewhat hindered by uninspired layouts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

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