Taking on the Plastics Crisis

Starred review from August 1, 2020
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* The Pocket Change Collective series (2 new titles) invites young activists to share their stories, their causes, and, in many cases, their art with teen readers. Taking on the Plastics Crisis delivers straightforward advise for getting involved in the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics. Hannah Testa may only be 17, but she already has a long list of successes in the areas of environmental and animal activism. By telling her own story, she demonstrates many ways young people can make a meaningful difference in the fight against plastics, whether that's by collecting signatures for petitions, holding fundraisers, speaking publicly, contacting governmental officials, or simply adding another two Rs to the standard three: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Raise Awareness. These slim, pocket-sized paperbacks?both penned by women of color?contain volumes, and teens will soak up the passion spilling from their pages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

August 15, 2020
Teen environmental activist and founder of the nonprofit Hannah4Change, Testa shares her story and the science around plastic pollution in her fight to save our planet. Testa's connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it's produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling--which is both insufficient and ineffective--she urges readers to follow two additional R's: "refuse" and "raise awareness." Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents' birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she's done, resulting in something of a college-admissions-essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity. Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 7 Up-This title aims to inspire teens and preteens to make changes that will significantly reduce the use of plastics in their personal lives, in their communities, and beyond. Testa, an American teen of Indian descent from Cumming, GA, is a sustainability advocate, international speaker, and founder of the nonprofit Hannah4Change. Testa writes with passion about the specific actions that she and other young people have taken to reduce plastics use and repair environmental damages. The result is a blueprint that readers can use to immediately curtail and eventually eliminate single-use plastics from their own lives and their communities. This very succinct volume doesn't include a table of contents, a glossary, or recommended further reading. VERDICT This pep talk on a pressing environmental issue showcases science, suggestions for community organizing and leadership, and compelling motivation to make a difference. Recommended for junior high and high school nonfiction collections.-Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior College, Brenham, TX

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