The Wind at Work

April 1, 2013

Gr 4-9-This edition is similar in scope, organization, and format to the 1997 volume, but has expanded from 9 chapters to 10 and includes developments in wind technology since publication of the earlier book. Once again, the author covers the history of windmills, and looks at the types and purposes of European and American varieties, the life of a windmiller, evolving wind technology, and possible future uses of wind as an alternative energy source. Captioned black-and-white reproductions of photographs, paintings, and diagrams appear throughout, but lack contrast. For example, it is difficult to see the differences in the key accompanying a map on "United States-Annual Average Wind Speed at 80 m." Each chapter ends with one or more related activities that include experiments, crafts, recipes, and energy-conservation exercises. Appropriate notations indicate when adult supervision is needed. Titles of these projects are on the contents pages, which is in contrast to the first edition, which referred to them generically as "Activities." Topics in the appended materials remain the same with the addition of websites to the bibliography. Useful for classroom or home science studies, this book explains wind power in an understandable style. Libraries needing more materials on alternative energy or wanting to replace the earlier volume should consider it.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2013
Grades 4-8 Windmills and wind power hold a certain fascination with young people, and this volume provides information and gives answers about their development throughout history, as well as examining the future of wind as a renewable energy source. As with other activity guides from the publisher, each chapter concludes with related projects. Some of these are geared to younger readers, while others require independent consideration and research more appropriate for older teens. Generously interspersed photographs and diagrams with detailed captions make the book a strong resource for students, teachers, and librarians. The robust back matter includes a section on where to find windmills, windmill careers, a picture key, and more. A good resource for considering questions about the future of wind power and its impact on humans, animals, and the environment. Woelfle acknowledges in an author's note how the Internet has changed and strengthened her research techniques since this book's first edition in 1997.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

Starred review from October 1, 1997
Gr 4-8-This combination of science, history, and activities centers around the use of wind as a source of power. The historical information is excellent, and includes Persian windmills of 1000 years ago, Dutch windmills of the 17th century, and modern wind turbines. Amusing anecdotes and intriguing facts are woven into the text, keeping it lively. An American farmer brags about all of the tasks his windmill accomplishes, including sawing wood, running a washing machine, and powering a pipe organ. A fascinating section on a windmiller's daily life reveals how the expression "rule of thumb" came to be. Black-and-white historical prints, photographs, and diagrams appear throughout. The mechanics of various windmills are briefly explained, but the emphasis is more on what the machines can do rather than on how they work. The well-balanced presentation offers worldwide coverage and objective information regarding the pros and cons of wind power compared to other sources. Each chapter ends with instructions for several projects. Some, like making a wind sock and wind vane, are directly related to wind power. Many others, though, have a vaguer connection. Activities such as "Create Landscape Art" and "Sing a Song of the American West" may not capture the imagination of children exploring the book on their own, but could work perfectly as resources for teachers or parents. Appendixes include a list of windmills and turbine sites, energy associations, environmental groups, and related career opportunities. A worthwhile purchase.-Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library, OR