Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
This Is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming
Nonfiction
For ages 9 to 13
Maple Tree Press, 2007 ISBN: 978-1897349076
Ever since scientists first realized that our planet is in danger due to global warming, the news has been full of talk about greenhouse gases, melting polar icecaps, rising sea levels, and other terrifying issues. What does it all mean? What is global warming, how will it affect us, and what can we do about it?
In this excellent title, Jan Thornhill begins her discussion about global warming at the beginning. In other words, she explains how Earth’s climate system works. She describes the water and carbon cycles, and helps readers to understand that climate and weather are not the same thing.
Once she is sure that her readers appreciate that Earth has its own natural balance, the author goes on to describe how this balance is being affected by too many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and why this is causing the planet’s temperature to rise. We learn about how these changing temperatures are affecting the planet’s environments, animals and plants, and people.
After the causes and consequences of global warming are clarified, the next step is to talk about what we can do about the problem. It is all very well to understand what is happening, but we also need to be aware that every single one of us is capable of doing things that will stop global warming from getting any worse. For young people, knowing that they can be a part of the solution is a powerful and empowering thing. The author shows her audience that our everyday choices can help to take care of our precious planet home and that “We’re all in this together.”
By combining science and common sense advice in her narrative, the author of this title gives young people a meaningful tool that will help them to better understand their world, and appreciate the fact that they can make a difference.
