Brief but tightly packed with current information; a strong choice.
This overview of the climate crisis and possibilities for saving planet Earth takes a wide view.
Chapter 1 opens with the story of Constance Okollet, a young Ugandan woman whose home and family’s health were ravaged by floods in 2007. This disaster led Okollet to meetings where she learned about climate change and was appalled to discover that her nation’s suffering was caused by the wealthier countries’ industries. After engaging readers through this story, McPherson then introduces the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Earth, what scientists say about tipping points in climate change, and possible trajectories for the future of the planet. Chapters 2 through 6 go into more detail about the impact of climate change; political initiatives, as well as obstruction and inaction; possible options for stabilizing Earth; and the intertwined nature of social justice and climate issues. The final two chapters address possible adaptations, stories of specific youth activists, and steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints. Each chapter includes color photographs and full-page profiles of notable individuals. The page design is easy on the eyes, and the clearly marked sections within chapters make for convenient browsing. The writing is well cited, though the extensive use of dates and numbers make for a somewhat laborious read at times.
Brief but tightly packed with current information; a strong choice. (timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5415-7917-0
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
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