Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science 2)

by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano (Author) Giovana Medeiros (Illustrator)

Reading Level: K − 1^st Grade

Series: Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science 2

The sun is a source of energy for living things. Energy that comes from sunshine is called solar energy. But how does solar energy work? And how can we use solar energy to not only stay on the cutting-edge of technology, but to help keep the environment healthy? This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Read and find out about solar roads that light up when there's danger ahead, like a moose on the road--and did you know that someday tiny solar chips placed in someone's eyes could help a blind person see? Learn all this and more!

Running on Sunshine comes packed with visual aids like charts, sidebars, an infographic, and a hands-on activity--how to direct sunlight using mirrors! Both the text and the artwork were vetted for accuracy by Dr. Bart Bartlett, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Michigan.

This is a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science title, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

Common Sense Media Review

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Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review

An introduction to solar power.

DeCristofano’s engaging, conversational text compares how solar panels work to plant photosynthesis, though it never uses that scientific term. Nor does it name climate change, though it identifies pollution caused by generators at energy plants as a main culprit behind negative “changes to weather patterns” and suggests solar energy as a clean alternative. The text excels at clearly describing how solar energy is gathered, stored, and used, and it also highlights current innovations and anticipates new developments to make solar energy use more widespread and effective. The hopeful, aspirational tone is downright sunny and is well-matched with Medeiros’ clear, graphic illustrations, which she created digitally. While neither pictures nor expository text follow specific characters, the artwork depicts diverse people of varied skin tones, genders, and abilities interacting with solar-powered devices and working with solar technology, including two spreads with women of color wearing the hijab in different settings. The text also examines current difficulties and limitations of solar technology, though it doesn’t explore specifics about the process of manufacturing solar cells and panels.

A necessary, engaging book that shines a light on solar energy. (experiments, glossary) (Informational picture book. 4-9)

Review quotes

A necessary, engaging book that shines a light on solar energy.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano

Classification

Non-fiction

ISBN-13

9780062473110

Lexile Measure

Guided Reading Level

Publisher

HarperCollins

Publication date

May 20, 2018

Series

Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science 2

BISAC categories

Library of Congress categories

Solar energy
Renewable energy sources

Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science 2)

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