Kids Fight Plastic (#2minutesuperhero)

Gr 5-7--This how-to guide will encourage readers to take ownership of the small actions they can do in order to save the oceans and end plastic pollution. These actions include picking up plastic, cutting down on plastic consumption, and writing emails to local officials. Readers taking on these missions will not only be more informed about the cause but will also be successful in doing their part. Dorey was inspired to write this book based on his own social media challenge to clean up beaches. Participants were asked to pick up beach litter for two minutes and post a photo of the trash, using the hashtag #2minutebeachclean. Fun, simple cartoons illustrate various aspects of the text in humorous ways while still conveying the book's overall message. Each mission includes background information, stats, and snapshots on why those actions are needed. Wesson's illustrations use a pleasing yet simple palette. At the end of the book, a system calculates one's superhero rating based on completed missions. VERDICT A smart addition to upper elementary and middle school nonfiction collections. Dorey weaves a narrative that appeals to young readers with a personal interest in becoming "superheroes" while offering enriching lessons and general knowledge on environmental sustainability.--Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK