As greenhouse gases warm the planet and the climate crisis looms, students are understandably concerned about the future. Students wonder what can be done to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and what the future of energy will look like. Susan Wroble’s new book Energy from the
Earth (part of an educational series titled “Energy for the Future”) offers positive information and hope to students. Her book focuses on geothermal energy and how it can be an important part of our energy future.
The author, Susan Wroble, one of my critique partners and fellow “Story Spinner,” has a passion for teaching science and writing children’s books. Her concise, information-rich book offers an introduction to alternative energy. The overall tone of the book is positive, looking indepth at fossil fuel alternatives to combat climate change.
Aimed at the elementary school reader, the language is simple and specific, making difficult concepts accessible. Interesting photographs, explanatory diagrams, and informative sidebars enhance the text and draw the reader into the topic.
The book explains that geothermal energy makes use of the vast amount of heat under the surface of the earth. Scientists have learned how to tap into this heat and use it as an alternative energy source. This clean, renewable energy is making scientific advances and is growing in popularity. Young readers are given an up-close look at how geothermal energy is created, harnessed, and used. Emphasizing the need for sustainable energy, the book offers specific historical examples and highlights various geothermal technologies.
As a literacy tool, the book contains all the elements of non-fiction, including a table of contents, pictures with captions, labeled diagrams, a glossary, and an index. A short quiz tests for comprehension and the book includes resource material for students inspired to learn more. It is an excellent classroom resource, both for the science information it imparts and for its use in teaching about non-fiction books.
The Next Generation Science Standards requires the nation’s 4th grade students focus on “Energy,” including alternative energy. Energy from the Earth is a valuable introductory resource for students to learn more about the science and engineering behind geothermal energy.
Congratulations to Susan on the publication of her first children’s book!
The book is available at your local, independent bookstore (special order) or online at:
https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Earth-Future-Susan-Wroble/dp/1637390580
“We fight for those/ Who cannot fight for themselves…
Goade’s illustrations, vibrant, multi-hued watercolors are the highlight of the book. Swirling, flowing strokes of paint bring the natural world to life. The theme of water flows through every illustration and connects everything with blue and green cascading colors. Linstrom’s text makes effective use of a chorus, “We stand/ With our songs/ And our drums./ We are still here,” emphasizing the enduring connection that native peoples have with the land.
For the reader, the choice is clear. The book then calls people to action. The young Ojibwe narrator, with hair that spills like water across the pages, joins others in protest of the pipeline. She evokes the stories of her people and the spirits of her ancestors to give her strength to stand strong for the water and the land, against the black snake. She invites other children to join her as Earth stewards and water protectors.