NONFICTION

To Change a Planet

by Christina Soontornvat (text) & illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell
Scholastic. Aug. 2022. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781338628616.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–In short, elegant lines of lyrical prose, Soontornvat explores the history of humanity’s relationship to Earth and confronts the modern threat of extreme weather events and environmental destruction. While these passages offer a sober warning, the book’s overall tone is hopeful, centered around the conviction that, just as we can exacerbate the effects of climate change, so too can we forestall and reverse them. Bell’s art, a combination of gouache and digital painting, provides a compelling mix of scientific illustration (a carbon molecule, a bleached coral reef) and metaphorical imagery (a benevolent face in the sun, atmospheric carbon represented as a quilt wrapped around the globe).
VERDICT This clear-eyed discussion of climate change will educate young readers without demoralizing them. A worthy purchase for all collections.
Reviewed by Jonah Dragan , Jul 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us
by Bergstein, Rachelle
BOOKS

AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways to Lighten Your Workload and Focus on What Matters
by Echols, Vickie F
BOOKS

Strengthening ­Library Ecosystems: Collaborate for Advocacy and Impact
by Hand, Dorcas, Sara Kelly Johns, Michelle ­Robertson and Eryn Duffee
BOOKS

L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon: A ­Children’s Classic at 100
by Yan Du and Joe Sutliff Sanders, eds
BOOKS

More Ramped-Up Read Alouds: Building Knowledge and Boosting Comprehension
by Walther, Maria
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?