WE ARE ALL GRETA

This handbook, translated from the Italian, uses teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg as a point of entry to the larger topic of climate change.

In 18 information-dense chapters, the book addresses a range of topics, beginning with Thunberg’s childhood and the role of Asperger’s syndrome and selective mutism in the development of her activism. Early chapters tell of her first school strike for climate, her first TED Talk, and the global strike these events inspired. Other chapters detail in clear language the solid, persuasive science behind climate change, including the greenhouse effect and the difference even half a degree of warming can make. Chapters on resilience, clean renewable energy, fossil fuels, waste and recycling, a planet-friendly diet, and more give enough detail to inform and inspire readers to take action. While the text is tightly packed and the writing is laden with facts, the chapters are short enough to skim and browse—fortunately, since there is no index. The bold blue-and-yellow themed illustrations are visually stimulating. While the scope is global, the only other young climate activists mentioned are William Kamkwamba and Scott Munguía. Although the writing style is somewhat dry and may not entice readers not already interested in this topic, the picture that emerges is appropriately urgent and action oriented.

An excellent starting point for research on the climate crisis; make this available to young readers everywhere.