WE CARRY THE SUN

Newbery Medalist Keller traces humanity’s evolving relationship with solar energy across cultures and centuries.

From ancient passive solar homes to contemporary biodegradable solar panels, this informational picture book considers the development of solar technology through the efforts of individual innovators and global collaborations alike. Keller’s strength lies in demonstrating how ideas grow across people, places, and generations, from Augustin Mouchot’s 19th-century solar steam engine to Shi Zhengrong’s modern Chinese solar company. The lyrical text includes compelling scientific details that will intrigue young readers, such as selenium being found in sunflower seeds or how Japanese engineers put tiny solar panels in everyday objects “so anyone / can hold the sun.” But the narrative occasionally presents complex energy issues in stark black-and-white terms, particularly when contrasting solar innovators with personified fossil fuel companies: “Like false prophets / of profit, / oil companies prey / on human weakness / and pay politicians to keep digging. / They bury truth deep / and bury us deeper.” Environmental activists will praise the messaging, while those seeking a more nuanced exploration of this complex topic may be disappointed by the us vs. them framing. Wada’s illustrations employ strategic use of light and shadow—golden rays emanate from innovators, while darker, angular compositions frame industrial scenes. The art effectively uses sun imagery as both literal illumination and metaphorical enlightenment, and the text and images are well balanced across spreads, preventing visual chaos.

An advocacy-focused journey through centuries of solar development.