AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

A bestselling tie-in book, now adapted for middle- and high-school readers by Jane O’Connor, accompanied the award-winning documentary film about global warming, from Vice President Gore. Gore has contributed a new introduction, and a new table of contents clarifies his argument. Most of the illustrations have been retained. Beginning with an introduction to the issue, the evidence is presented in striking then-and-now pictures, simple graphs and straightforward, clearly written text. Some of the logic of individual bits of his original presentation has been lost in the simplification, but readers are likely to be familiar with his examples and the potential consequences: storms, floods, droughts, changes at the poles and in the oceans, public-health issues and even the rhythm of the seasons. Gore points out the effects of the population explosion and political denial but holds out hope that this crisis can also provide an opportunity for change. Four simple action steps are suggested, and readers are referred to the website from the film for further information. Multiple copies should be in every school and library. (acknowledgements, credits, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)