Full Text Review(s)
"These books are not the dry stuff of past science texts. Author Roy Gallant’s introductions draw children into the fascinating world of science. In each volume, Gallant eloquently yet simply explores planet Earth’s resources through an overview of the past, examination of the present, and prognostication for the future. The author reinforces the need to answer such questions as "Where do we go from here?" and "What is the individual’s responsibility to preserve and renew our resources?" Whether readers are immersed in a brilliant Devonian period seascape in History; scanning a staggering span of dead cattle, victims of carbon dioxide in Cameroon in Water ; or awed by human victims memorialized in ash at Pompeii in Structure ; the telling photographs and clear diagrams enrich the text. Bibliography. Web sites. Glossary. Index. Highly Recommended."

[ Atmosphere: Sea of Air, Water: Our Precious Resource ]-"An award-winning science writer tackles life’s basic substances in these volumes in the new Earthworks series. Both books follow a similar format: an introductory chapter summarizes early theories about the formation of the substance; later chapters investigate physical composition and how the substance moves across the earth. Atmosphere looks at the causes of violent storms, awe-inspiring rainbows, sunsets, and the sky’s deep color. Water examines our human dependency and the ingenious technology, such as desalination, that we employ to supply more fresh water. Both books close with a survey of current causes of pollution and the efforts made to curb further devastation and conserve resources. Gallant’s prose is nearly conversational in its easy delivery, but his facts are always thorough and his ideas clearly explained. Best of all, he raises informed points that will help readers rethink their habits and realize the complexity of the issues: seemingly innocent bottled water, for example, represents an industry that generates enormous amounts of plastic and chemical waste. Crisp graphs, maps, and excellent color photos illustrate these fine volumes that teachers will want to use in lesson plans, not just as suggestions for student research."