Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Mission: Save the Planet: Things You Can Do to Help Fight Global Warming!
Illustrator: Andrew Arnold
Nonfiction
For ages 9 to 14
Roaring Brook Press, 2009 ISBN: 1596433795
If you look at Earth from space, as Sally Ride (the astronaut) has done, you will see that the planet has a “fuzzy” jacket wrapped around it. This is our atmosphere, and it protects our home “from the extreme conditions of space.” This jacket also makes it possible for life to exist on Earth. Unfortunately, we humans have not been taking care of this protective “space suit” that our planet needs, and it is damaged. What can we do to make sure that the atmosphere is not permanently destroyed?
In this book the authors explain what global warming is and what is causing it. They then go on to tell young readers what they can do at home, and at school, to decrease their effect on Earth’s fragile atmosphere. Readers will learn what a carbon footprint is and what they can do to make their carbon footprint smaller. They will learn that simple actions like turning off lights, turning down thermostats, recycling, and buying locally can have a very real impact.
Throughout this important book, there are work sheets, checklists and all kinds of forms that young people can use to help them adopt a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. The suggestions offered are ones that most young people can adopt with ease, and the text is both informative and engaging. Every household and classroom should have a copy of this book on a bookshelf.
