Alternative Cars (Eye on Energy) [Library Binding]

Jill C. Wheeler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

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 from the otherwise clean layout. Wheeler is careful throughout not to favor any one alternative or to chastise Americans for their dependence on cars; this restraint makes sense, given how few of the options she cites are ready for production. A good choice for classrooms studying energy resources or for interested browsers. Grades 3-5. --Kay Weisman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Checkerboard Books (September 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599288036
• ISBN-13: 978-1599288031
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,706,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a brief overview of alternative energy and cars. Is the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle for you?, May 15, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alternative Cars (Eye on Energy) (Library Binding)

With the cost of gas spiraling, fuel efficiency has become a concern, to say nothing of the emissions continually being poured into the atmosphere. In the 1950s and 1960s more people were able to afford a second vehicle and the rush to the suburbs was on. According to the author there are an whopping "136 million passenger cars in the United States" and about "97 percent of them rely on the internal combustion engine (ICU)."

In recent years there has been a resurgence in interest to find alternative energy resources with an eye on cars that use alternative energy. Green is in, but which vehicle type should we focus on? This book takes a look at electric cars, including the popular Tesla Roadster, but also takes a look at the downside of owning one, including the need to improve its battery. It also explores the hybrid car, the hydraulic hybrid, diesel cars, biodiesel fuel and hydrogen power. In 2007 Project Driveway put one hundred "hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles" on the roads in several major cities. This will be one project you may wish to keep an eye on!

This is a lovely, short overview on alternative energy and cars. Many of the photographs of the cars and their engines are `hot' and grab one's attention immediately. Both the pros and cons of each vehicle or fuel source are briefly explored. In the back of the book there is a glossary an index and additional recommended web sites that can be accessed through the publisher's link. This would be a good stepping stone book for students to think about and perhaps select a topic for further exploration for a school report.