Climate Action

January 1, 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

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January 1, 2021
In this information-rich overview of climate change, Simon clarifies terms (e.g. global warming, greenhouse gases); discusses the effects of rising temperatures on crops, wildlife, forests, and communities; examines recent devastating weather events; and covers alternative energy sources. Throughout the well-organized book, Simon profiles some of the kid activists demanding action from governments around the world and provides action steps that readers can take themselves. Lots of well-chosen photos support the clear-eyed text. Reading list, glossary of terms, and index are appended.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

December 1, 2020
Grades 4-8 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.

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November 15, 2020
A veteran science writer describes some of the environmental effects of our changing climate, introduces some teen activists, and offers suggestions and examples of what can be done. Adept at distilling science topics of all kinds for young readers, Simon has been writing about the environment since 1972. He opens and closes this title with photos of and quotations from 15-year-old Greta Thunberg, who challenged the world at a U.N. Climate Change summit in 2019. After defining essential concepts--global warming, climate change, greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases--he describes specific consequences: heat waves, droughts, wildfires, deforestation, floods and other weather extremes, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and wildlife destruction (especially bees). Simon's presentation is distinguished by the leavening of each bit of bad news with examples of individual actions and steps that can be taken. He describes what scientists are doing to reduce the effects of drought, new methods for fighting wildfires, and what young readers can do to help save forests, water, and energy. The straightforward exposition is interspersed with images and quotations from teen activists from around the world and set on and among relevant and clearly captioned photographs and illustrations. There is nothing particularly new in this quick overview, but the author's expertise at interpreting science topics for the age group will make it welcome. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 86.2% of actual size.) An effective introduction clearly designed and organized for its audience. (glossary, reading list, photo and illustration credits, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

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