Geothermal Energy

Alternative energy is not a new topic, but books on this aspect of it are uncommon. The title's opening lines, which describe how black ants move underground in the fall to stay warm, will draw kids into the narrative that covers aspects of the subject in chapter spreads from "Where on Earth is the Heat?" to "Problems with Geothermal Energy." Along the way, the author outlines how naturally heated water and steam have been used through the ages in times and places as diverse as ancient Rome and modern Reykjavik, and how scientists are searching for ways to use dry heat from the earth to heat buildings. Though there is a thorough glossary, in-text definitions are also provided, and take no knowledge for granted. Hansen explains, for example, how heat from the earth's core is a clean source, and "we do not pollute when we use it. Geothermal energy is also renewable. That means we cannot use it up." The plentiful information is supplemented by full-page photos and by a link to the publisher's website, where an up-to-date webliography is maintained.