NONFICTION

To Change a Planet

by Christina Soontornvat (text) & illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell
Scholastic. Aug. 2022. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781338628616.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–In short, elegant lines of lyrical prose, Soontornvat explores the history of humanity’s relationship to Earth and confronts the modern threat of extreme weather events and environmental destruction. While these passages offer a sober warning, the book’s overall tone is hopeful, centered around the conviction that, just as we can exacerbate the effects of climate change, so too can we forestall and reverse them. Bell’s art, a combination of gouache and digital painting, provides a compelling mix of scientific illustration (a carbon molecule, a bleached coral reef) and metaphorical imagery (a benevolent face in the sun, atmospheric carbon represented as a quilt wrapped around the globe).
VERDICT This clear-eyed discussion of climate change will educate young readers without demoralizing them. A worthy purchase for all collections.
Reviewed by Jonah Dragan , Jul 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Yo voté: Tomar una decisión cambia la situación
by Shulman, Mark
BOOKS

El rosa, el azul y tú
by Gravel, Elise with Mykaell Blais
BOOKS

Los Trenes (Nivel 1)
by Shields, Amy
BOOKS

The Wild River and the Great Dam: The Construction of Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River
by Boughton, Simon
BOOKS

History Channel This Day in History For Kids: 1001 Remarkable Moments and Fascinating Facts
by Bova, Dan
BOOKS

Kawaii Doodles: Supercute Drawings in Four Easy Steps (With Over 1,250 Illustrations)
by Yuu
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?