The notion of “green” has become a hot topic — and rightly so. Future generations deserve to live in a world that is in the same condition, if not better, than it is today. Wind farms are impacting our environment in an extraordinarily positive way. They produce clean, renewable energy that helps maintain air quality, preserves natural gas and reduces our dependency on traditional energy sources.

The creation of this book began with teacher requested wind energy materials for students. Educators are beginning to see science standards including content on renewable energy.  There is a growing desire to learn about clean energy. So why not use our knowledge as a leading builder of wind farms to educate children about this growing industry?

Catch the Wind takes readers on a journey that will teach them about wind energy and the importance of making environmentally responsible choices.  It was developed with input from educators and experts from within the wind industry. Children can follow Nels, an inquisitive boy, as he visits a wind farm with his father to discover the power of the wind.   Diagrams of wind turbines and their components as well as key terms, defined in a glossary, make up the educational content of Catch the Wind. While exploring topics such as renewable energy, the history of wind power, and the steps to building a wind farm, Catch the Wind also raises awareness of wind power as a viable source of clean, renewable energy. 

This book is a nonprofit effort courtesy of Mortenson Construction. Proceeds will be donated to nonprofit entities promoting the development and use of renewable energies.

About the Author

Anne Johnson works for the Renewable Energy Group at Mortenson Construction and is excited to work in the field of renewable energy.  Mortenson is a 54-year old family construction business that started building wind energy projects in 1995 and is now a leading builder and design-builder of wind power facilities in North America.  This book is an effort to share our collective knowledge of this rapidly growing industry.

This book is a nonprofit effort.  Proceeds will be donated to nonprofit entities promoting the development and use of renewable energies.

What's being said

"Your book is a great resource for the classroom teacher. Renewable resource is a difficult concept for young children to grasp.   This book not only addresses the concept at a level which third graders can comprehend, but also incorporates reading concepts such as informational text features (diagrams, pictures, definitions), and covers numerous state content standards across the curriculum. It would be a welcome addition to the classroom teacher’s library."

- Nancy McCracken, Media Specialist, Freedom Elementary, Liberty Township, OH