Connect Magazine—Energy Investigations: Why We Need Power & How We Get It, by Kathleen M. Reilly, is a good collection of information and activities that introduce and compare both renewable and nonrenewable resources. Twenty-five projects are included for cre- ating a variety of models, simulations, and experiments to give readers hands-on experiences in energy and power genera- tion. As is true of many of these resources, some explanations of manufacturing and risks may seem biased, so it would be good for a classroom study to include other sources of information to see how they com- pare. This book has many good ideas for activities that can be completed as a class, in small groups, or individually. Students in second through sixth grade would benefit most from this book, a 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Winner.

School Librarian's Workshop— "Energy is a necessary resource that comes in many forms and is used in many different ways. This book defines and explains a dozen kinds of energy from electricity and petroleum to solar power and geothermal energy in a way that middle grade students will understands. It includes illustrations, sidebars and 25 projects to help them comprehend the text plus an interesting chapter on “The Future of Energy” and how students can perform a home energy audit."

CLEAR REVIEW—"Giving kids a hands-on opportunity to see energy in action, these 25 projects are an exciting introduction to the ways this hot topic affects both world politics and everyday lives. The tough topics of energy shortages are covered with enthusiasm in a lively discussion so kids can make educated, positive changes for their future."

National Science Teachers Association—"Why We need power and how we get it are the topics addressed by this wonderfully informative book for middle school children; it teaches them about the sources of the energy used in everyday life. In this day and age, our students need to be educated on which resources are renewable and nonrenewable and why it is important that all resources be utilized."

Old Schoolhouse Magazine—"Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It is a wonderful book for a science-loving kid. It's recommended for ages 9-12, but my 7 and 8-year-old sons enjoyed it as much as my 10-year-old son. This is one of those wonderful books that you can leave strategically placed for your child to pick up, and the next thing you know they're coming to you asking for supplies to do the activities. They're learning and don't even know it! ....I learned a lot about energy from reading this book, and so did my sons. I would absolutely recommend Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It."

Dan Kammen Professor of Energy at the University of California, Berkeley Founding Directror, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory—"This book is great fun, with energy education and visualization projects that will inspire middle-school to high school students and adults alike.  It is high-time that someone captured the excitement and importance of energy, and Kathleen Reilly has done a clear and engaging job, and one that I can see capturing attention in schools, science camps, and in homes across the country."