Greta's Story

A quick tribute to a young eco-activist unafraid to speak her mind to power. In this wide-margined, generously leaded profile translated from the Italian, Thunberg's throw-down-the-gauntlet style comes through clearly--both in the challenging stare she directs at readers from Carratello's cover and interior illustrations and in the distinctively tart quotes within: "Adults keep saying that they must give young people hope. I don't want hope, I want you to panic, to take action." Though her visibility on the world stage only dates from her sit-down strike in front of Stockholm's parliament building in August 2018 and her story is only carried to March 2019 here (and so cuts off before her August arrival in the U.S.), Camerini works from published interviews and articles to fill in the origins of her concern over the lack of effective action to counter climate change, her Asperger's diagnosis, and the significant supporting roles her parents have played. The author's habit of referring to her subject as a teenager "with braids" strikes a faintly condescending note, but Thunberg is plainly a force of nature, and considering that her grassroots "Fridays for Future" campaign has already sparked thousands of student strikes and other demonstrations, her message is plainly hitting a nerve. Thunberg is white, but she stands with or addresses ethnically diverse groups in the grayscale illustrations. A comparison to Rosa Parks strikes a discordant note. A rushed but understandably urgent call to action. (glossary, pollution timeline, suggestion list, recommended sources) (Biography. 8-10)

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December 13, 2019

Gr 3-7-Using easily accessible language, Camerini drops readers straight into the day that Thunberg began her strike for climate change. The following chapters describe how the young activist became concerned about the environment and what other activities she has used to draw attention to conservation issues. The author uses the schoolgirl's own words to bring her personality onto the page. Thunberg draws parallels between how she engages in advocacy and American students protesting gun violence: "Children won't do what you tell them to do, but they will follow your example." She also explains the reasons behind her actions and conveys the urgency of the situation, "Our house is on fire: our house, planet earth, is going up in flames." Details about the challenges she has overcome due to Asperger's syndrome are included, as well as insight into Thunberg's family and their support of her efforts. Back matter contains an explanation of global warming, suggested steps to take, a glossary, a time line, and a further reading list. VERDICT Camerini offers a detailed look at this youth activist. Sure to be popular for biography projects.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

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