Although this author's books have been on my radar for some time, it was only at a trusted friend's urging that I finally picked this one up. Not onlyAlthough this author's books have been on my radar for some time, it was only at a trusted friend's urging that I finally picked this one up. Not only does the author faithfully, lovingly, and almost religiously describe parts of the Great Smoky Mountains, but he imagines a bleak future for this planet that just might not be as far off or unlikely as some might think. There are references to the power-mad and social-media addicted President of the United States and others in power that will seem uncomfortably true and reminiscent of the previous political administration as well as comments about science and space exploration or the search for other life forms that are downright startling--and yet, also, quite familiar. In so many ways, this futuristic novel swept me up and made me forget the world around me, but in other ways, it made me all-too-aware of the current state of the world as many species are endangered or extinct, caused by human encroachment, selfishness and apathy. The book opens as Theo Byrne, an astrobiologist, spends time in the wilderness with his son, Robin, a bright, troubled, neurodivergent nine-year-old. Both of them are still reeling from the death of Aly, Robin's mother, an environmental activist who died in a car crash. The author doesn't reveal everything about the relationship he and Aly had or the bond between mother and son right away or even the troubled school history Robin has, allowing these bits of information to filter in gradually. It's clear that Robin is quite a handful, but he also seems to trust his father, and their interactions are honest and true to life. Theo is desperate to help his son heal, and when Robin responds well to neurofeedback treatment, he is relieved but also somewhat jealous that the experimental treatment gives his son access to part of Aly's brainwaves and emotions. Still, Robin seems to be healing, thriving, and inspired to enlist others in his efforts to save the species that are dying. But when funding is cut, his progress slows and even regresses. Readers familiar with Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon, written several decades ago, will recognize this part of the plot, acknowledged through Theo's sharing of the book itself with his son in Bewilderment, and read certain passages with a growing sense of foreboding and doom even while falling madly in love with this young boy's activism and clearsighted vision for the future. This is a book that will leave readers emotionally gutted and cynical about those in power as well as guilty about not taking more action to make a difference in the world around them/us....more
As climate change makes its presence increasingly known in our world, I would expect even more books that have it as their focus will be written and pAs climate change makes its presence increasingly known in our world, I would expect even more books that have it as their focus will be written and published. This one, a nail-biter for sure, set in New York City during the days before Christmas, is a 3.5 for me. The author does a superb job of drawing his readers into the weather conditions in Manhattan as a historic blizzard knocks out power lines, cripples the city, and makes it impossible to move around. Elizabeth and her little brother Matty are visiting their aunt and cousin Ashley after a particularly hard year. While Ashley's parents have recently split up, Elizabeth and Matty have been living in a motel with their parents while their Florida home is being repaired after being damaged in a hurricane. The Southerners are eagerly anticipating snow and the wonders of the big city. But that isn't what happens. Although they arrive to extremely high temperatures, an icy arctic front belts the city with freezing temperatures, and their trip to a museum becomes a struggle to survive as they try to make their way home on foot through 60 city blocks of howling winds and icy streets. Later on, the adults and youngsters head into the streets to find Ashley's dog, Fang, who has run away. Since the story is largely centered in Manhattan but also veers away to Washington, D.C. where Joy works for the National Climatic Research Center and worries about what she's seeing on her weather maps, and to Greenland where a arctic fox accidentally stows away on an ice cutter transporting scientists, readers will be curious to see how all these different strands of the story will come together. While the ending is perhaps more hopeful and more dramatic than needed, I was glued to my seat and turning the pages quickly to see how everything would turn out and to ponder if I'd have been able to survive those weather conditions. This one is highly recommended for those interested in natural disasters, climate change, and description of weather so intense that they'll need a cup of hot chocolate and a North Face fleece while reading it. The book's title is just right as the city is "snow struck," and also snow stuck. ...more
This middle-grade novel featuring young activists in Alaska is a 3.5 for me. Reading it might encourage other youngsters to become involved in environThis middle-grade novel featuring young activists in Alaska is a 3.5 for me. Reading it might encourage other youngsters to become involved in environmental activism while raising awareness for other readers. After the death of their mother, an emergency room physician, due to COVID, twins Nicky and Josie Hall, relocate to Jackson Cove, Alaska, where their father has family. At times he has seemed completely lost as they travel across country in their van, and Josie is angry and rebellious, frustrated by having no say in their future. But she's connected with Veronica, a local girl who is determined to stop the planned clearcutting of an enormous old growth forest in the area. While it will provide much-needed jobs and money for the locals, it will also destroy a resource that cannot be replaced, which will have a domino effect on various animals and the land. Nicky becomes pulled into the conflict when her cousin Clete somehow senses that she has a strong connection to the trees in the woods and that she can communicate with them. The narrative describes both sides of the issue effectively, and while the conclusion is perhaps a bit far-fetched, given that the Halls had only just arrived in the area, and it's doubtful that many current residents would listen to them, the ending offers hope that there are other ways around destroying the planet's natural resources and still making a living. The author's love for the Alaskan wilderness is clear on almost every page. While readers might be cynical that trees can speak to Nicky, it is certainly true that trees in forests such as these communicate with each other through what is called the Wood Wide Web....more
Artwork from 33 illustrators from various corners of the globe complements text reminding readers of the undeniable links between humans, animals, andArtwork from 33 illustrators from various corners of the globe complements text reminding readers of the undeniable links between humans, animals, and this particular planet. Based on the Terra Carta, a document urging sustainability by taking certain actions to reduce the carbon footprint of humans, the book has a sense of urgency about it as time for change seems limited. I had not heard of this document issued by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, but it is an impressive one. Still, if governments and industrial leaders don't heed it, all it will remain is words. There are thumbnail sketches of the artists and specific calls for action that must be followed if the next generation is to have a chance to thrive and no more species are to become extinct. Science teachers and environmental activists will want to peruse this book and savor its contents while hoping against hope that somebody in power is listening and then acting. ...more
Although I didn't enjoy the concluding volume in this trilogy as much as the first book, The Flooded Earth, I still was happy that I read it. I had juAlthough I didn't enjoy the concluding volume in this trilogy as much as the first book, The Flooded Earth, I still was happy that I read it. I had just about given up any hope that Annalie and Will would ever find their father, Spinner. Every time they seemed to get close in the previous books, it turns out that they've just missed him. As the twins and their friends, Pod and Essie--and their high-flying friend, Graham--sail the Sunfish toward Sundia, they are one step ahead of Avery Beckett and the Admiralty. Readers looking for action and suspense will find it here as the excitement starts on the first page and almost never lets up. There are pirates, kidnappers, and all sorts of dangers at sea as well as on land, and more than a few daring escapes, including one through mounds of garbage and under gallons of water. I hated to see the saga come to an end, but the youngsters had run out of islands to visit. I wish there had been more details about the ravages of that misguided experiment and the current state of the world to satisfy my curiosity. ...more
Although pitched to a young audience, this how-to guide toward saving the planet has plenty of tips for adults to follow as well. Written by a musiciaAlthough pitched to a young audience, this how-to guide toward saving the planet has plenty of tips for adults to follow as well. Written by a musician and activist whose idol is David Attenborough, the book provides a brief history of plastic, reminders that plastic has many positive uses, but that plastic seems to have taken over our world and filled the oceans. Even shampoo and soap may contain micro-beads of plastic. Shockingly, plastic has been found in the most remote corners of the world where no humans live, a fact that should certainly alarm those that care about the planet. The book is organized into bite-size chunks of information and offers suggestions for what each of us can do to cut down on our use of plastic. Instead of buying individual bottled water, why not purchase and reuse a different type of container or wrap sandwiches in beeswax wraps instead of plastic? The author shares his journey toward heightened awareness on this topic as well as the inspiring stories of others who are taking small and large steps to make a difference in the world around them. I liked the large type face and the use of green colors throughout the book as well as the plentiful illustrations. Readers who have no clue where to get started can find suggestions in the "Bathroom Swaps" on pages 72-73. Others may be shocked to learn that it takes 450 years for a disposable diaper, something often found on the beach, to decompose. Throughout the book, the author offers gentle encouragement to change but offers reassurance that even the smallest acts are important. Each of the individuals profiled here tell about their own efforts to avoid plastic and their involvement in this movement to reduce single-use plastic. Some even share a bit about their career paths, their favorite animals, and favorite part of the planet. Like me, many readers will feel empowered and hopeful after finishing the book. The next step is to put into practice some of the suggestions to find substitutes for plastic. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me simply because some of the book was just too hard for me to believe. I don't know how many families would willingly pull up sThis one is a 3.5 for me simply because some of the book was just too hard for me to believe. I don't know how many families would willingly pull up stakes and leave behind all that was familiar to live in the Amazon rain forest. Still, I love how Laura Resau isn't afraid to tackle tough issues. In this one, Coco Hidden, her once-best friend Leo de la Cuerva, their mothers, and elderly neighbor Gali fly to the region after a dessert contest held in their small Denver town. Coco is convinced that she will find the treasure to keep the family chocolate store, El Corazon, open. While she doesn't find what she's looking for, she discovers something else far more important. As other reviewers have noted, there are very few books that feature teens or preteens involved in environmental work in the rain forest. With moving descriptions, this book makes the loss of old growth forests and trees like the ceiba very personal as Coco realizes just how much importance trees like the one that haunts her dreams have, not just for their future scientific value but for the way they tie communities together. As painful as the passages describing what's left behind after developers bulldoze the area are to read, the sections in which Coco describes the various types of chocolate and personalities she encounters are mouth-watering. Readers looking for a book that might spur them to take action to change the world around them might do well in reading this one. The quick acceptance of the kids back home toward Coco was a bit unrealistic to me, but I still liked the book a lot and appreciated how honestly the author described the rift between Coco and Leo before the trip. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me since it continued to hold my interest just like its predecessor, The Flooded Earth. Having struck out in finding Spinner, thThis one is a 3.5 for me since it continued to hold my interest just like its predecessor, The Flooded Earth. Having struck out in finding Spinner, their father, Annalie and Will Wallace continue to follow the clues they have about his possible whereabouts and track down various scientists who were involved with the Collodius Process. In this book, Annalie, Pod, and Graham, Spinner's talking parrot, spend much of the time in Dasto Puri where they are forced to help some pirates in stealing some technology, while Will and Essie, washed overboard during a storm, struggle to survive in the sea and on the uninhabited island where they eventually land. The friends are eventually reunited and continue their search, always seeming to be just a step ahead of the relentless and Beckett and the Admiralty and a step or two behind Spinner. Just as action-packed and original as the first title in this trilogy, this book contains careful world building and descriptions of the havoc wreaked by science gone wrong 40 years ago. While it might seem unlikely that youngsters could continue to outsmart the adults around them, it makes for riveting and breathtaking reading. It is interesting to see the characters continue to grow and evolve as well even while never taking their eyes off their ultimate goal. ...more
This one would be a 3.5 for me, and it would have many uses for the classroom or just adding to anyone's general knowledge about weather and clearing This one would be a 3.5 for me, and it would have many uses for the classroom or just adding to anyone's general knowledge about weather and clearing up some misconceptions. Ideal for anyone interested in the weather--and really, who isn't?--this graphic novel features meteorologist Norman Weatherby as he schools Chase McCloud, a news anchor at a local television station, about various types of weather. His lecture is prompted after Chase jokes about there being no global warming, given the huge snow storm the area is experiencing. Norman prefers the term "climate change," and explains that it consists of patterns of weather over a long period of time. From that start, he covers just about everything related to weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and the different types of clouds. I really appreciated the fact that Chase is obviously an intelligent, educated man, and yet, he confuses weather and climate and fails to understand important concepts. There is plenty of humor sprinkled throughout this graphic novel, but also much to learn about the topic. This is another strong offering in the essential Science Comics series. If you don't already have these in your home or classroom, be sure to get them soon. They make science and science concepts easy to digest. ...more
Colorful illustrations created digitally with a graphic pen and tablet complement this interesting introduction to the ocean habitats. These watery arColorful illustrations created digitally with a graphic pen and tablet complement this interesting introduction to the ocean habitats. These watery areas provide homes for a wide range of interesting animals ranging from a tiny crab to an orca. One of the aspects of this book that I found most compelling was home it begins on a sandy beach and moves further away from shore before coming back to a land where a girl reflects on how much she loves the place she lives and, presumably, the creatures that live nearby. The rhyming couplets add appeal to the story as does the small snail hidden on every page. Most importantly, perhaps, back matter includes a brief discussion of habitats and global warm, which is changing the oceans in which these animals exist. There are also snippets of information about each creature featured here, giving readers additional reasons to be intrigued by the animals in the ocean. ...more
I'd give this one a 3.5, a rating I may raise when I read the other two titles. I had no idea that cli-fi (climate fiction) was a thing, but apparentlI'd give this one a 3.5, a rating I may raise when I read the other two titles. I had no idea that cli-fi (climate fiction) was a thing, but apparently it is as global warming continues to swirl in the public consciousness. Set forty years after a great flood that covered much of the planet, this book follows twins, Annalie and Will, as they search for their father, Spinner, who has fled their home when government agents pursue him. Annalie has been studying at an exclusive school where she's endured bullying and snarky remarks from her wealthy classmates due to her clothing, but as soon as she learns about what's happened at home, she leaves. Along with her friend, Essie, whose own family seems to be in a shambles due to a building scandal, she joins Will as they steal back their father's boat, the Sunfish, that has been confiscated, and hit the high seas. Along the way, they will meet pirates, spend a short time on a cruise ship, encounter cannibals, and rescue, Pod, left at sea by a cruel master. Since this is the first of a trilogy, there are plenty of questions left unanswered, but it's very clear that Spinner has been living off the grid for a reason, and that climate experimentation has been part of his previous life's work. The descriptions of the land and buildings, now covered by water, are excellent and may help some readers realize just how devastating the results of melting sea ice or increased water will be on the shores of various nations. I came to like all four of the main characters and Graham, Spinner's parrot, as I became enmeshed in the story and how close they came to disaster several times. The conclusion of this particular book may have some readers wondering about just whom you can trust in times like these. ...more
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