WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
NON-FICTION - GLOBAL ISSUES
THE ENVIRONMENT
DK My First Green Book: A Life-Size Guide To Caring For The Planet (Angela Wilkes) $7 HB EC Aimed at a younger audience than most recent guides to becoming a "green" consumer, this lovely book explains environmental concerns clearly without oversimplifying them. In addition to delivering her message succinctly, Wilkes provides hands-on activities that demonstrate the importance of pitching in to protect our planet. Similar in format to the publisher's popular Eyewitness series, the book is filled with large-scale, color photos that effectively illustrate such experiments as those that show how clean the air is, how acid rain affects plants, how various objects biodegrade at different rates (if at all) and why rain forests are so crucial to the Earth. Other projects include creating a wildlife garden in a flower box, planting a tree and organizing a "green campaign" with one's friends. This practical book teaches critical lessons that even the youngest readers should learn. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/First-Green-Book-Angela-Wilkes/dp/0679817808
Saving Our World “Climate Crisis” (Nigel Hawkes) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Examines changing local and global weather patterns and looks at their effect on the environment. It introduces readers to the science behind the greenhouse effect and global warming, and encourages discussion of how human activity affects weather patterns. Gorgeous layouy with highly interactive text and great illustrations. 8+ http://www.amazon.com/Climate-Crisis-Saving-Our-World/dp/0761311556
Earth Watch “Changing Climate” (Sally Morgan) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) (2 copies) Examines environmental problems and solutions in a child-friendly way. The issues of global warming and the greenhouse effect are presented to young readers. Complementing the concise text with numerous photographs and illustrations, the author examines the basics of climate and its natural variability, the causes of recent climatic changes due to human activity and their effects on our planet as well as several strategies for reducing the problem of global warming through the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy, by saving energy and by planting trees. 8-11 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Changing-Climate-Earth-Watch-Sea/dp/1597710679
Go Green! What You Can Do To Help Save Our Planet (John Elkington, illustrator Tony Ross) $7 PB EC A wonderful book compiled with the help of Choice magazine. Shows how everything we do has an effect on the environment and how we can make a difference with choices as simple as buying a can of drink or brushing our teeth! Includes simple projects, success stories from around Australia and checklists to use within the home to see how environmentally aware you are! Recommended! 9+
Free Trees (Pat Tayor) $3 PB EC (Ex lib) The people of Bunyip Bend all wanted to plant trees to feed the koalas, but they discover that other animals also live in trees. There are noisy, colourful parrots, Christmas beetles, hairy spiders, hordes of caterpillars and other animals. This children's picture book is about the creatures who live in a tree and the importance of planting trees. 5-9 YO
Extinct: Fact Files (Simon Furman) $6 PB EC (Ex lib) Did you know that 99.9% of all species that have ever existed on Earth are now extinct? Now six of them are brought back to life using 3D computer technology and animatronic models. Follow the amazing stories of these creatures: the mammoth, saber–toothed tiger, Irish elk, dodo, great auk, and Tasmanian tiger. Based on a six–part British television series, gives young readers a chance to learn more about these unique animals and birds. With original illustrations, maps, and timelines, we explore how and where each creature lived, how it hunted, and what hunted it. The book explains why these species died out and explores the impact of climate change and human interference. With countless more species balancing on the brink of extinction today, this book provides useful information on what we can really do to help. 7-13 YO http://www.amazon.com/Extinct-Fact-Files-Simon-Furman/dp/0752219928
Survival “Pollution And Wildlife” (Michael Bright) $3 HB VGC (Ex lib – front endpaper missing) Discusses various types of pollution and their impact on insects, animals, fish, and birds around the world. Great book with wonderful pictures and layout. Very moving. 8-12 YO
Earth Alert! Helping To Save Our Planet (Carole Davis) $6 PB VGC A lovely Usborne-style book with cartoons and captions in a lively, full colour format. Covers forests, greenhouse, ozone, pollution, along with a glossary and index. Further reading suggestions included. Recommended! 8+
Learn About The Environment “What Is Biodegradability?” (Stephen Ray) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Great format with clear text and lots of illustrations and diagrams. Topics include decompsers, nature’s balance, biodegradability, toxic buid-up, composting, permaculture and recycling. 9+ (2 copies)
Learn About The Environment “Solving Our Rubbish Problems” (Jim Howes) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Great format with clear text and lots of illustrations and diagrams. Topics include dealing with and preventing future waste problems, the waste mentality, where does rubbish go and more. 9+
21st Century Debates “Waste, Recycling And Reuse: Our Impact On The World” (Rob Bowden) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) The 21st Century Debates series looks at the impact human development is having on the planet and how this could affect our future. Every day each human being on the earth produces waste in many forms. The milk carton thrown into a school cafeteria rubbish bin, dishwater rinsed down the kitchen drain or emissions from the power plant that heats our home are just a few of the many forms of waste that human beings create daily. Since the world contains finite resources and space, the problem of waste disposal is one that societies across the globe must address. Provides readers with a thoughtful analysis of the complicated issues linked to waste management. Bowden provides a comprehensive background for readers in areas such as waste disposal, pollution, recycling and reuse. 11+ http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/7129466/used/Waste,%20Recycling,%20and%20Reuse:%20Our%20Impact%20on%20the%20Planet
The Eco Series “Travel And Transport” (Helen Whitty) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) ($27.95 in shops) A series looking at ways we can use resources and how we can work with nature, in a sustainable way, rather than against it. It gives eco warnings of some of the ways people are wasting the world's wealth, and discusses eco solutions in the world of travel. The material for this book is largely based on curatorial research for the Powerhouse Museum's exhibition, EcoLogic: creating a sustainable future. 9+
Earth Watch “Fuelling The Future” (Richard Hatton) $3 HB VGC (Ex lib) Earthwatch is a series that explains how human activities affect our Earth and shows how you can help to improve your local environment. Greenhouse effect ... Solar power ... Nuclear waste ... Discover why we need energy, how the production of energy has affected the environment, how scientists are experimenting with alternative forms of energy and how we can help to conserve the Earth's energy sources. 7-10 YO http://www.earthangel.co.nz/shop/bookstore/childrens-books/earthwatch-fuelling-future
Energy “Power From Plants” (Sue Bullen) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Plant energy as food or fuel is examined as well as the environmental implications of plant energy by discussing how it is used today and the consequent possibilities for the future. Illustrated throughout with colour artwork and photographs. Great for the young reader with clear, simple text and great photos. 6-9 YO
Alternative Energy “Bioenergy” (Graham Houghton) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) A good book for the young reader describing the various kinds of bioenergy, ways we are using it today, and its advantages and disadvantages. One of a series of books examining alternative energy projects and their possibilities for the future, this book discusses the advances in the use of bio-fuels. It examines specific schemes around the world and different ways of using bio-energy, showing how bio-mass is replacing fossil fuels. Lots of piccies and clear text. 7-10 YO.
Saving Our World “Genetically Modified Food” (Nigel Hawkes) $5 HB EC (Ex lib) Looks at what genes are, how they can be modified and the wider environmental and health implications of GM foods. Lovely design and illustrations are a feature of this book for the early reader. 7-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/Genetically-Modified-Foods-Saving-World/dp/0761311548/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209351202&sr=1-7
OTHER GLOBAL ISSUES
The Big Book For Peace (Ann Durell) $8 HBDJ EC (ex lib) In this era of glasnost and breathtakingly rapid political change, it's hard to imagine a more timely and welcome book for children. The range of material included under the general umbrella of "peace" is wide, and includes original fables, poems, biographies, illustrations, etc. from such distinguished contributors as Katherine Paterson, Maurice Sendak, Lois Lowry and Jerry Pinkney. The stories about the roots of war are told on a scale that children can grasp: envy between two girls in neighboring treehouses escalates into a cold war; a pair of princes squabble over their turf and eventually destroy each other's kingdoms. Equally useful for home, library or classroom--where more and more teachers are including units on peace--this thoughtfully written, attractively designed volume is a winner in every way. Royalties will be donated to a selection of organizations that champion world peace. 5-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Peace-Ann-Durell/dp/0525446052
What Do You Know About Racism? (Pete Sanders) $4 HB EC (Exlib) A great book which explores racism by interspersing explanatory text with fictionalized comic-strip scenarios. Full-color photographs illustrate the text, and full-color cartoons illustrate the stories. http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Racism-Pete-Sanders/9781562949419-item.html
Understanding Social Issues “The Drug War” (Steve Parker) $3 HB EC Discusses various aspects of the war against drugs, including the debate whether the focus should be on controlling domestic users and sellers or on fighting foreign drug barons. Outlines the problems the illegal drug trade has created globally and explains what is being done to combat these problems. Many photographs, maps and graphs are helpful. 10+
Crime, Justice And Punishment “Terrorism” (Ann G. Gaines) $4 PB EC (Ex lib) Examines the history, mentality, goals, and acts of terrorists and discusses what a free society can do to protect itself against them Not a new phenomenon but an increasingly deadly one is put in perspective. Pan Am's Flight 103 bomb explosion over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 provides a lead-off point to a discussion of modern terrorist activities. Twentieth-century actions of terrorist groups in the Middle East, Japan, South and Central America, and the United States are described without a surplus of graphic detail. The four general types of terrorist groups and their purposes form a basis for grasping the concept of using violence to achieve a goal. These points reduce generalization about such groups and put to rest some commonly held misconceptions. 12+ http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Terrorism-Crime-Justice-and-Punishment-by-Ann-Gaine_W0QQitemZ140218998143QQihZ004QQcategoryZ279QQcmdZViewItem
World Organizations “Amnesty International” (Reg Grant) $5 HB EC (Ex lib) (2 copies) Examines how the charity works to prevent atrocities and protect human rights around the world. The series looks at key international organisations, how and why they were set up, their structure and organisation and the different things they do. Wonderful layout and illustrations. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Amnesty-International-World-Organizations-Grant/dp/0749636920
The Young Library “Disaster! Fire” (Jason Hook) $6 HB EC Young readers can safely sit in the hot seat as they learn about some of the most tremendous fire catastrophes in history. One of humankind's greatest discoveries also has the power to wreak great destruction. Readers will learn about everything from the Chicago and San Francisco fires to the burning of Rome and the more recent smoldering of Kuwait's oil wells. 7-11 YO http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2268929#About+the+Book
Earthforces Of Australia “Drought” (Bruce McClish) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Examines the relationship between this natural disaster and Australians. What do we do to encourage it? Is there hope in the future? What can we do to prevent further loss in the future? Great book for middle school students with lively format and information. 8+