Junior Library Guild

Nuclear energy provides 15 percent of the world’s global energy and is created by nuclear fission, or the splitting of atoms. This informative title covers not only the science behind nuclear power, but also the controversy surrounding its use. Advocates say it’s efficient and better than fossil fuel alternatives, while critics worry about the effects of radiation and long-term waste disposal. Chapters include such topics as “Radioactive Waste,” “The Cost of Nuclear Power,” and “The Future for Nuclear Power.” Photos, diagrams, maps, and sidebars containing case studies and additional information, break up the spreads. A glossary, further reading list, Web site address, an activity, and index conclude the volume.