Imaginary Borders

Gr 7 Up–Earth Guardians Youth Director and Indigenous activist Martinez and has been fighting for climate change since the age of six. In this powerful but compact work, Martinez explains the connection between many global crises and climate change, what he is doing to help, and how readers can engage in activism. He supports his thesis using plentiful statistics, historical examples, and personal experiences. People of color living in poorer neighborhoods, or poorer countries, are usually the ones whose homes are flooded or burned during storms, which are happening with greater frequency due to climate change. According to recent scientific estimates, by the end of the century, wildfires will be 64 times worse, “which would mean more than half of California burning every year.” The text also highlights the connections between climate change, national budget issues, immigration, and wars. Solve the problem with climate change, he says, and it could alleviate the other issues. Martinez calls on others in his generation to help redefine the movement with their diverse talents. He states, “This book isn’t about changing the world—it’s about building it together.”