  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 01/01/2021 Gr 2–6—This title explains the science of climate change and profiles young activists from around the world. Following the author's note, the introduction spotlights Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, who stresses how individuals and collective groups can make an impact. This is perhaps the book's most important takeaway: Each person makes a difference, and each choice makes a difference. The featured youth climate activists come from diverse backgrounds and include Indigenous people, who are represented as powerful agents of change. The activists' own words are quoted and highlighted prominently, reinforcing the idea that young people have agency in their world and its future. Each colorful page is well designed, with many photos and images throughout. Practical tips are offered, enabling readers to enact immediate change. This title is useful for environmental science courses and could also be implemented in biology courses during units on the carbon cycle or environmental change. The back matter contains a glossary, recommended reading, and an index. VERDICT A timely work that makes use of bright pages and accessible tips to engage students and motivate them to enact change in their communities. Recommended.—Christina Salazar, Mesquite I.S.D., TX - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/01/2020 Simon packs a lot of information into this primer on climate change and environmental activism, wherein he offsets grim realities—many tied to global warming—with a message of hope aimed at today’s youth. The colorful, magazine-style layout is punctuated by photos of natural disasters and extreme weather events, quotes from and photos of young activists around the world, and informational flowcharts and lists. Simon starts with a discussion of climate change versus global warming and greenhouse gases, pointing firmly toward the science that says these things are real and that humans are responsible. The text then naturally segues into the effects of climate change, such as droughts, wildfires, and floods, not to mention sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and wildlife destruction. These are heavy topics, but nearly every one ends with steps the reader can take to help conserve natural spaces and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (turning out lights, composting, etc.) and solutions scientists and engineers are currently working on. A comprehensive overview of a global crisis underscored by urgency and hope. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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