Wheeler-Toppen, Jodi Lyn. Recycled Science.

Wheeler-Toppen, Jodi Lyn.  Recycled Science.  Capstone Publishers  2017  111p.  $27.99  ISBN 978-1-62370-697-5        all ages  Nonfiction  VG-BN

Recycled Science encourages its readers to dig through their recycling to find simple, everyday pieces, like potato chip bags, soda bottles, and paper towel tubes, and design fun experiments around them that are sure to engage young readers. 
           

This book includes 37 experiments that are detailed (and in many cases pictured) step-by-step.  They are, for the most part, simple enough so that a middle-school student could do it on their own.  There is an indication for when a young reader should get a parent involved (for instance, when using a hot glue gun).  The experiments are also accompanied by indications of what form of science is being used, reusable knowledge sections that delve deeper into the investigation, and fast facts.  These “extras” are also highly interesting and engaging.  Recycled Science could become a wonderful addition to any school’s maker space collection, but it also is written at a high enough interest level so that it would most likely circulate well in the main collection as well. This book would be an excellent addition to a middle school or high school young adult library makerspace or collection.

Summary: Recycled Science encourages its readers to dig through their recycling to find simple, everyday pieces, like potato chip bags, soda bottles, and paper towel tubes, and design fun experiments around them that are sure to engage young readers. 

Recycling, Science experiments                                                                                  --Michele Nass

Otfinoski, Steven. Recycling and Upcycling.

Otfinoski, Steven.  Recycling and Upcycling.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2016  64p  $30.00  ISBN 978-0-531-23002-2  Series: Calling All Innovators  ms/jr Nonfiction  VG-BNS     

This introduction to the topic of recycling is very optimistic, which is good since it is intended to encourage young people to enter a career connected to the environment and recycling. There is some mention of reusing, as in the discussion of bottle returns, as well, but most of the book is about recycling and the ways it is done, plus a little bit of history.  Some of the pages include a timeline for specific things, like highlights in the history of recycling technology, which enhances the sense of progress that the author is trying to convey. In addition, there are interviews with people involved in the field, which are very interesting, and demonstrate that a love for the environment can lead to action and a viable career. The author stays away from depressing topics, like the ways in which many electronics are recycled by poor people in third-world countries, but this is a good thing, as he is trying to recruit young people to the field, not depress them.

Illustrations are appropriate and attractive full-color photos. There are career statistics for the careers of environmental scientist, environmental engineering technician, and MRF (materials recovery facility) handler. In addition, there is a glossary, a list of resources for further information, and an index.   

Summary: This introduction to the topic of recycling is very optimistic, which is good since it is intended to encourage young people to enter a career connected to the environment and recycling.

Recycling careers, Environmental careers        --Carol Kennedy

Walker, Kate. Recycling series

Walker, Kate Clothing
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2011 32p 22.80
978-1-60870-128-5 elem Recycling clothing E-BNes Recycling (MC/Benchmark)


This book introduces the concept of recycling clothing for the very young student, and discusses ways in which this phenomenon effects the environment.
This series introduces various materials that are currently recycled, and the impact that recycling these materials has on the earth╒s environment. It is written simply, illustrated beautifully with full-color photos, and infused with a can-do enthusiasm that will appeal to young children. Examples are given of projects that actual students are involved in, there is one craft project described, and the science is touched on as well. There is a good index and a glossary as well.
Each book has a section on the ways in which recycling a particular material will benefit the earth╒s animals, which is sure to appeal to children. Kennedy, Carol

Walker, Kate Food and Garden Waste
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2011 32p 28.50
978-1-60870-129-2 elm/ms Recycling--Juvenile literature; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Juvenile literature. VG-BNS Recycling (MC/Benchmark)


"Food and Garden Waste" encourages readers to learn where food and garden waste come from and how we can reduce or recycle this waste to benefit the environment. "Food and Garden Waste" explores recycling the waste resulting from food or the garden. It discusses the difference between a compost heap and a worm farm, and provides guidelines for creating a worm farm. Two school projects involving recycling lunch scraps are also described. Readers also learn how to evaluate whether an item should be reused, recycled, or thrown away.

Colorful photographs are helpful in highlighting concepts -- although some readers may be turned off by pictures of meat scraps heaped on a plate, or a fleshless fish (except for the head and tail...). But squeamishness aside, the charts, tables, and photographs are helpful and support the text. A brief glossary explains unfamiliar terms.
This slender volume packs a lot of information! Welliver, Hilary

Walker, Kate Paper
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2011 32p 22.80
978-1-60870-132-2 elem Recycling VG-BNes Recycling (MC/Benchmark)


An interesting overview of the recycling of paper. Readers will get full details about the how, why, where off saving the environment by making used paper into other useable items. The author has written an interesting book filled with facts for young readers who have an interest in recycling paper. The text describes the process of making paper and the importance of saving the environment.

After the importance of an informative text, the most important factor of this book is visual appeal to young readers. The simple layout of the various pages is diversified and well balanced between text and full color illustrations and photographs so that concepts are easily understood. The flow and balance of both the text and visuals are integrated to present a very informative book for both young and reluctant readers.
The book is supported with an index and glossary. McNeil, Linda