Rush Hour

Traffic is about more than irritation. Vehicles of every kind, from private cars and buses to trucks and airplanes, are among the main sources of pollution in North America, and there are now more vehicles on the road than at any earlier point.

The book traces how congestion developed and looks at clever approaches cities around the globe have taken to manage it. It also considers what coming technologies, such as talking cars and electric buses, could change about getting around in the years ahead.

Young readers are not old enough to drive, yet they still have a role to play. The book suggests practical steps they can take right away, like walking to school, sharing rides with classmates, and speaking up to local leaders. Its central message is that protecting the environment begins with changing everyday habits.