John F. Mongillo, middle school science teacher and author of other science reference books such as the popular Teen Guide to Environmental Science (Greenwood, 2004), has brought his skills to another timely work. Designed for use by middle and high school students, this multifaceted set provides students with grounding in basic energy concepts as well as discussing the need for both the development and management of energy resources. The set is divided into 5 volumes. Volume 1 deals with oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy; volume 2 covers solar energy and hydrogen fuel cells; volume 3 deals with wind energy, oceanic energy and hydropower; volume 4 includes geothermal and biomass energy; and finally volume 5 focuses on energy efficiency, conservation and sustainability.

Within each volume there are a number of accessible chapters devoted to a specific type of energy or topic. Each chapter orientates the user with a quick historical overview and explanation of the specific energy type. The rest of the meaty chapter provides in-depth treatment of the energy form, has interviews with scientists, and information boxes titled “Did you Know?” which draw attention to facts one might have missed. Each chapter also contains cross references to other volumes, a short unannotated bibliography, a suggestion of something to do, and a list of websites and videos. The text is illustrated with diagrams, black and white photographs, graphs and charts which help extend the text.

Each volume has the same useful appendixes including an index to the entire set, an energy timeline (3000 BC to AD 2009), energy data tables, a list of governmental and nongovernmental organizations with their web addresses, a list of books and other reading material for the entire set, a list of opportunities in renewal and nonrenewal energy careers, a list of energy product developers and manufacturers, and the National Science Education Standards and content standards that are applicable.

The topic of energy is very important. The prices for energy seem to be driving the economy of the world in the twenty-first century. Scientists and inventors are struggling to harness the power of the wind, sun and water while trying to create a clean environment. Keeping up-to-date on the topic of energy seems like an almost impossible task but this set should be popular with students (and their teachers). There are very few current reference works which deal with the topic for students. Smith and Taylor's Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook (ABC-Clio, 2008) could be used by motivated high school students interested in researching emerging technologies but it does not have the depth and breadth of this set. This set has a multinational focus that will be helpful.

I recommend this for middle and high school libraries where there is curricular need and student interest in the topic.