Turn the Tide

Gr 4-7–When 12-year-old Mimi and her family move from Massachusetts to Wilford Island, FL, Mimi faces the awkwardness of making friends at a new school, finding time to practice piano, and watching her parents stress over their restaurant opening. After becoming inspired by young environmental activists who got plastic bags banned in Bali, Mimi works to bring awareness of plastic pollution and minimize plastic bag use in her new hometown—but not without a few bumps along the way. Everything wraps up nicely in this interesting novel in verse about how one person can make a difference when they get help from others. Typical tween conflicts are depicted and handled in realistic ways. For instance, young readers will be able to relate to Mimi’s sense of being overwhelmed by her first passion, piano, and her new passion, fighting plastic. There is plenty of white space, and the verse flows nicely overall into a fast-paced read. The book also contains a foreword by the cofounder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and extensive back matter, including a time line of plastic origins, distribution, and activism; tips for readers who want to learn more about how to make change in their own communities; and more.