Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do

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

Science expert Simon returns in this adept picture book, which centers the causes and effects of the climate crisis, humankind's role, and the youth activism taking place during a time of unprecedented levels of climate change. Informative but easy-to-understand sections detailing how humans are causing the crisis are immediately followed by ways in which readers can be part of the solution. Peppered throughout are features of notable youth activists, including Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg, as well as figures who have become involved in climate activism after facing wildfires, drought, deforestation, and other consequences of the climate crisis. Photographs, diagrams, and a glossary aid in explaining scientific concepts and in conveying the disaster humans face through inaction. A straightforward yet cogent primer. Ages 6-10. (Feb.)