Climate Action (Intermediate)

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. Biologist Eriksson touches on numerous ocean-science topics, including the physical properties of water, ocean dynamics, and marine life, but focuses largely on the ocean's importance and the dangers associated with pollution and climate change. Several chapters provide suggestions for actions readers can take to protect and sustain oceans. The accessible text is well illustrated with captioned color photographs. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(1) 4-6 Adapted by Shelley Tanaka. Translated by Shelley Tanaka. "We have such a strong connection to weather, we can't help but wonder about it." Teckentrup's words and illustrations embody this connection, modeling curiosity and wonderment. Moody, textured images play with the relationships among art, nature, and light to explore the nuances of weather phenomena. The details encourage both careful, continuous observation and appreciation for the endless varieties of weather. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) 4-6 Barnard profiles six marine species--jellyfish, orcas, sea turtles, tuna, corals, and blue-green algae--and speculates on these creatures' fates in light of climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The discussion touches on how science and innovation can help slow down or counteract damage, but Barnard doesn't sugarcoat the situation. Detailed (uncaptioned) paintings accompany the dire warnings. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(3) 4-6 A clear and fascinating description of the work of wildlife biologist Scott Mills as he and colleagues study the worrisome effects of climate change on snowshoe hares, which depend on seasonal coat color changes for survival. Abundant and informative color photos, sidebars, graphs, and maps lend immediacy to the account. Ideas for reducing our carbon footprint are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by William Goldsmith. This creatively rendered biography-in-comics, with Muir's imagined voice as narrator, is filled with the naturalist's adventures, from his childhood in Scotland to his pioneering conservation work and formation of America's National Parks. Illustrator Goldsmith's Muir is a feisty character, portrayed in loose pencil sketches with one or two accent colors. Vibrant spreads in the chapter transitions and interludes capture the stunning landscapes in which Muir found his purpose. Timeline. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. Arnold explains the effects of climate change on animals and other life. Most, like marmots and coral, have gone extinct or are threatened, while a few (e.g., Arctic foxes) have benefited from the effects of rising temperatures on their habitats. Somewhat busy mixed-media layouts that centerpiece charcoal and pastel illustrations only slightly detract from the excellent information. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Siobhan Gallagher. Clinton takes on a host of hot-topic issues--environmental conservation, animal endangerment, health, hunger, and bullying--in this accessible and engaging guide to living your most positive, compassionate life. With down-to-earth examples of the issues and stories of kids who have made an impact in each area, it's a highly readable introduction to change-making. Each chapter concludes with "Start Now!" action items. Ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. With a focus on sustainability, four chapters examine farming across the globe, including new technologies such as robotic pollinating bees and the innovative use of an abandoned bomb shelter below London to grow greens. Well-captioned photos, including some of the author and her family growing up on a farm in Canada, illustrate the accessible text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 If seabirds' migratory paths can be accurately determined, then offshore wind farms can be built to minimize their impact on bird populations. Hirsch follows a team of scientists attempting to conduct this research, and she reveals, in her journal-like account, just how challenging it is. Maps and excellent photographs of the birds, scientists, and wind farms are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. This book examines the history of money; the economic and environmental impacts of consumerism and consumption, including child labor and pollution; and alternative systems such as "sweat equity," bartering, microlending, and tool and toy libraries. Plenty of well-captioned photos--including some showing kids involved in Habitat for Humanity and growing food for the hungry--illustrate the accessible text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bill Slavin. Using the contents of an average student backpack--e.g., gym clothes, lunch, homework, cellphone--this book examines each item's "ingredients," how they are manufactured, and how the items can be recycled. Thought-provoking charts, such as one evaluating the ecological footprint of e-readers versus paper books, as well as humorous cartoon art illustrate the approachable text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 With its colorful design, clear layout, and approachable organization and presentation, this look at waste management balances dire truths with practical responses. Flynn spotlights the amount and types of trash humans create, particularly Americans, and explains where all our garbage goes and how individuals can lessen their environmental impact. Throughout, quizzes and activist profiles also encourage readers to do their part. Ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. Four chapters study garbage, looking at how waste and methods of "removal" have changed and how to reduce waste in general. Mulder shares innovative ideas to make use of trash, such as a Paraguayan music teacher constructing his students' instruments from found objects. Well-captioned photos, including some of the author's family, illustrate and personalize the accessible text. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Wendy Panders. In this overview of concepts from the many scientific disciplines within the earth sciences, topics are organized into chapters on geology, planetary science, weather, water, and geography. Though a large number of ideas are covered, they are clearly explained and organized to present comprehensive coverage of the field. Plentiful if small illustrations throughout include helpful diagrams.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole. A plethora of information is included in this large-format picture book, good for repeated browsing. Each page depicts a geological or geographical theme, such as weather, biomes, and tectonic plates, culminating with a look at pollution and conservation. The digital illustrations include inset graphs, charts, and maps, making the pages busy but not cluttered. Foldout poster included.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(2) 4-6 An extended conversation between a science-savvy groundhog and a new-to-Earth's-history worm features a comprehensive overview of the geological past of our planet. The graphic format, light tone, and amusing repartee keep up the pace over the course of an impressive number of geology topics. Concrete examples and illustrations that combine science and humor make for an effective presentation of content. An appendix briefly addresses global warming. Timelines. Bib.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. Divided into four chapters, this book explores the history of water use by humans; the natural cycle of water on earth; how people access, clean, and desalinate water; and ways in which we can conserve and preserve our water resources. Plenty of well-captioned photos, including some from the author's own travels, illustrate and personalize the accessible text. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. Divided into four chapters, this book covers topics such as the drawbacks of fossil fuels; renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar); and newer ideas for fuel, including algae, fungus, and human waste. Plenty of well-captioned photos, from a Dutch windmill to a dog-poop "digester" that powers lights at an urban park, illustrate the accessible text. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. Carson takes readers into Biosphere 2, the research facility designed to be a self-sustaining model of Earth's environments. There's brief coverage of the "biospherians" who were sealed inside from 1991 to 1993, but the focus is primarily on current research under the direction of scientists at the University of Arizona. Plentiful photos capture the feel of a busy research center. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015