Earth Squad

February 15, 2021
Meet leaders working to save our planet. Know an older child or young teen who wants to make a difference? Introduce them to this collective biography of environmentalists who are working to preserve our environment. Fifty individuals from a range of backgrounds, geographic locations, and ages are introduced across six thematic categories: activism and community, science, politics, food, art and innovation, and journalism. And although they all want to save the planet, their stories and motivations are varied, making for a nuanced introduction to environmental leaders around the world. Subjects range from the familiar (Greta Thunberg, Wangari Maathai, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, David Attenborough) to names young readers may well not have encountered, at least in this context: French Moroccan ocean activist Lamya Essemlali, African American community organizer Peggy Shepard, and Botswanan scientist Opha Pauline Dube are just a few in that latter category. Each biography is relatively uniform in style: A bold, full-page illustration of the subject accompanies approximately a page and a half to two pages of text that summarize their life and their achievements. A closing box encourages readers to act like the subject via a statement of general advice that alludes to their work. Words set in boldface refer readers to a glossary of 13 concepts. Sadly, further reading in the form of suggested resources or a bibliography is not provided. Readers looking to learn more about environmental leaders will be interested, but those looking for a deep dive will need additional help to plumb those depths. Overall, however, it's a good introduction to inspire readers new to the cause. Interesting, if brief. (Collective biography. 9-12)

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March 1, 2021
Grades 3-6 While Rachel Carson, Al Gore, and Greta Thunberg have become recognizable names in environmental activism, there are myriad individuals around the world who've been working hard to save the planet. This guide introduces 50 of these earth protectors. Including both historical figures and still-active environmentalists, the book divides them into large job-related groups, from professional activists and community leaders, scientists, and politicians to artists, journalists, and food-industry innovators. Each short profile comprises an overview of the activist's causes and accomplishments, a few related facts, an inspirational tip, and a vibrant full-page illustration. Although the profiles are meant to pique curiosity, their real strength is in their breadth and diversity, such as Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a hip-hop artist of Indigenous Mexican descent who uses his voice to advocate for the environment; Precious Brady-Davis, a trans woman of color who uses her job at Sierra Club to fight fossil fuel consumption; and Vandana Shiva, a female physicist in India who advises governments about the risks of genetically modified food. For browsers, reluctant readers, and budding environmentalists alike.

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