November 1, 2021
Gr 2-4-A timely series that discusses environmental issues and what readers can do to help address them. The overarching ideas shared across the series are dealing with and understanding the ramifications of the current climate crisis. These titles discuss familiar issues, such as clean energy and recycling, while also addressing hot topics including plant-based eating and environmental justice. There are actionable things presented that young people can do to make a difference and, more importantly, issues are not so heavily presented that they cause hopelessness. Back matter includes a reading comprehension quiz with answer key, glossary, link to educator resources, and more. VERDICT This series exudes hope and young activism in a way that can inspire readers to explore their impact on the world, from protesting DAPL to calling legislators for change now.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 1, 2022
Grades 1-4 The Helping the Environment series (6 titles) emphasizes reasonable, everyday choices young readers can make to minimize their impact on the environment. All the titles use the same basic four-chapter format, beginning with examples of individuals modeling earth-friendly actions. The second chapter explains how a variety of current behaviors has caused environmental harm and how low-income communities have been disproportionately affected by these actions. Next come solutions to a major, sometimes even global, scale, and the final chapter brings these solutions back down to the personal level. Each title also includes a special "That's Amazing" profile of a kid-friendly green project or kid innovator. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle shares the story of a boy in New Delhi who successfully campaigned to eliminate plastic straws. Pages are filled with wide-spaced, easy-to-read text, colorful graphics, inset fact boxes, and fresh photos (the shots in Pollinator Gardens are especially effective). Back matter includes a quiz (from basic recall and vocabulary to open-ended, persuasive prompts), glossary, and grade-appropriate bibliography. There's also a link to a teacher-resource website. This handsome set will resonate and hopefully inspire young environmentalists.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.