Alternative Cars

February 15, 2008
This offering from the Eye on Energy series, part of the umbrella Checkerboard Science Library, begins with an explanation of the internal-combustion engine and its shortcomings. Wheeler then introduces readers to more efficient methods of powering automobiles, including electricity, a combination of gas and electricity, diesel fuel, hydrogen, natural gas, and ethanol. For each alternative she describes advantages, disadvantages, and the current availability of this technology. Captioned, full-color photographs, mostly of prototype vehicles, appear on nearly every page, complementing the clearly written text; unfortunately, a futuristic-style border intrudes into some of the photos and detracts fromthe otherwise clean layout. Wheeler is careful throughout not to favor any one alternative or to chastise Americans for their dependence on cars; this restraintmakes sense, given howfew of the options she cites are ready for production.A good choice for classrooms studying energy resources or for interested browsers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2008
This series presents basic information about energy use and conservation. The page design is busy, but the text and photographs provide a useful overview of different types of energy. A variety of sidebars adds further background and facts. The pro-conservation viewpoint is clear, though the books discuss both advantages and disadvantages of each form of energy. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)