Forces of Nature: Stories from the Brower Youth Awards, Vol. 2

Gr 6 Up—The Brower Youth Awards are given annually to six young people living in North America who show outstanding leadership in promoting the protection of the environment or in the cause of social justice. Since 2000, the award has been sponsored by the Earth Island Institute, an organization that promotes environmental activism and education throughout the world. The 12 young people highlighted here, ranging in age from 15 to 23, received the awards in 2010 and 2011. They have originated, organized, and brought to fruition projects ranging from easier access to a lovely park in Hunt's Point, Bronx, NY, to helping Ecuadorians attain recognition for their knowledge and use of plants and herbs found in the Amazon. They are all advocates and activists and show how young people can influence governments if they have the interest and dedication. A young surfer has helped promote international awareness of how small changes in daily life can bring about positive environmental results, and a young man is fighting to end the strip mining that is polluting the land and water in West Virginia. A 15-year-old girl in Alaska has brought about legislation which allows sustainable energy improvements to be exempt from property taxes. The award recipients tell their own stories with occasional comments from their mentors. At times the sound quality makes it difficult to understand the commentary. The film would have benefited from the inclusion of additional background information about the awards and some follow-up with past winners. Still, the film will inspire viewers and can be useful in environmental science classes.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY