Going Green

These books describe different ways we can address environmental issues, on a large scale (e.g., building environmentally friendly skyscrapers) and in everyday life (e.g., riding bicycles or walking, being aware of food growth practices)…. Accessible diagrams and attractive photographs illustrate the information.

These books describe different ways we can address environmental issues, on a large scale (e.g., building environmentally friendly skyscrapers) and in everyday life (e.g., riding bicycles or walking, being aware of food growth practices)…. Accessible diagrams and attractive photographs illustrate the information.

This series discusses five different issues related to the topic of green living. Each book explains how a specific environmental problem affects the world and gives examples of things society and individuals are doing or could do to reduce human impact on the environment. Page spreads with full-color, captioned photographs illustrate the subject matter. Each book concludes with a How to Help section, listing simple, actionable ways readers can make a difference. The series is supported with a website where readers can find additional information and activities. Although some titles in the series neglect alternative viewpoints such as the potential negative repercussions the suggested changes could have on industry, these books have timely topics that will engage students in environmental issues. They are a good starting point for thought and discussion. Recommended.

Students and teachers will appreciate these books’ straightforward format. Each title outlines how individuals can treat the environment better by changing their transportation habits, food consumption, and living and working conditions. Color photographs (most full page) and a few diagrams accompany the informative texts. Long “Just the Facts” sections highlight examples of how people are going green around the world. Useful glossaries and indexes are included. Overall, the series is user-friendly and covers topics that are not easily found elsewhere.

As an environmentalist, I want children to begin thinking about protecting the environment at as young an age as possible. The Going Green series helps to educate young readers while also showing them the practical uses of scientific knowledge and technology. The editors sum up their objective this way: “In this eco-friendly new series, children are about to discover the ways people are protecting Earth and its precious resources.”This colorful book is filled with interesting illustrations and photos. It’s aimed at the third grade reader but can be read with interest by students in grades 2 through 7. It’s a small book but is packed with useful information. The editors note that it’s sure to engage young environmentalists as they learn all about the current efforts to make their planet greener—and they’ll discover ways that they can help, too!