Pollution, economic disparity, endangered species: it’s easy for those paying attention to get discouraged. But these recent titles accentuate the positive, highlighting real actions kids can take and examining individuals and organizations making a difference. Biosphere 2, the latest “Scientists in the Field” installment, focuses on a research facility whose original mission was to create a closed biosphere that would eventually be used in space colonization. With It’s Your World, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton appeals to readers to be aware of what’s going on and look for ways they can contribute. Targeting a slightly younger audience, the beautifully illustrated This Is the Earth looks at the destruction wrought upon our planet—and the brighter future that awaits if we change our ways.

Carson, Mary Kay. Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass. photos by Tom Uhlman. 80p. (Scientists in the Field). bibliog. charts. diags. glossary. index. maps. notes. websites. HMH. Oct. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780544416642.

Gr 5-8 –The latest installment in this stellar series examines Biosphere 2, a research facility in Oracle, AZ. Biosphere 2 began as an engineering marvel and an experiment in creating a self-sustaining, closed biological system that could support a team of humans for two years. In 1993, when the original Biosphere 2 experiment ended amid controversy, few could have predicted what the future would hold for the research facility. While briefly addressing the original experiment and its triumphs and shortcomings, Carson focuses on telling a compelling story of the scientific research being conducted at Biosphere 2 today and the importance of that work in understanding our biosphere: the planet Earth. This enlightening title adeptly connects Biosphere 2’s past with its present and future. Stunning photographs, clear and colorful graphics, and illuminating insets enhance the appeal, and direct quotes from the Biosphere 2 scientists are liberally incorporated throughout. The processes, products, and purposes of the research are addressed, and information about the facility’s past is provided in a series of “Flashback to the Biospherians” photographic sidebars. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle school science collections.–Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Mirus Academy Library, TX

Clinton, Chelsea. It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going. 416p. chart. index. maps. photos. Philomel. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780399176128.

Gr 5-8 –This basic primer on social issues covers education; poverty, both in the United States and globally; women’s rights; public health; and the environment. Taking an upbeat, positive approach, former First Daughter Clinton stresses the importance of being proactive and involved when it comes to current events. She includes many examples of children and teens who have made a difference, and each chapter ends with a list of concrete actions readers can take to “Get Going!” Relevant topics (the antivaccination movement, global warming, the wage gap) are broken down in accessible, if slightly dry, language; while comprehensible, the book occasionally veers into PSA territory. Though Clinton draws upon her own personal experiences in an attempt to make the text more relatable (her tone is that of a gentle and encouraging older sister), references to her more privileged background often feel slightly tone-deaf (for instance, in a section discussing how medical problems such as heart disease disproportionately affect people of color from low socioeconomic backgrounds, the author mentions the lifestyle changes that her father, former president Bill Clinton, made after undergoing bypass surgery). While the cheery yellow cover and chapter headings presented in bubble lettering suggest a younger audience, this is a fairly dense tome (the text is broken up by the occasional chart or serviceable black-and-white photograph) that may prove daunting for those seeking pleasure reading. However, the information is sound, useful, and timely, and each of the chapters would make for good stand-alone options for lesson plans or reports. VERDICT A solid addition to global studies or current events units or projects.–Mahnaz Dar, School ­Library Journal

‌Shore, Diane Z. & Jessica Alexander. This Is the Earth. illus. by Wendell Minor. 40p. HarperCollins. Feb. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780060555269.

K-Gr 3 –This noteworthy picture book—a mix of verse, paintings, history, and environmental science—demonstrates the impact humans have had upon Earth. The book opens by describing land that is “fertile” and “alive” with rivers “streaming with fish.” Soon, Earth begins to show the effects of industrialization. Roads and buildings cover the view of land and sky, garbage piles up in landfills, and pipes drain wastewater and muck into seas. Yet with a surprising page turn, readers learn of a brighter possibility—one in which acts of respect and caring for our planet help us live in harmony with nature. Simple actions such as recycling, using less water, and turning off lights when they aren’t needed are presented as choices children can make to help improve the situation. The text is written entirely in verse, making the book a solid option for a read-aloud or for children to present as readers’ theater. Minor’s detailed watercolor spreads strongly support the writing by emphasizing Earth’s natural beauty, the effects of industrialization on the environment, and the bright outcomes of treating the natural world with respect. The endpapers, which depict an illustrated version of “Earthrise” (a photograph of Earth taken from space by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders), reinforce the book’s positive message. An authors’ note and an illustrator’s note highlight the simple steps kids can take to go green. VERDICT A fine selection for reading and sharing, with curriculum connections to science, social studies, and language arts.–Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York

These reviews were featured in School Library Journal's October 2015 issue.