CITY STREETS ARE FOR PEOPLE

A kid-friendly look at how urban areas can move away from traffic congestion and fossil-fueled vehicles.

In the opening spread, Curtis establishes that city streets pose a challenge for pedestrians and cyclists trying to circumnavigate cars and trucks. Readers learn that vehicles that run on fossil fuels create carbon dioxide, a root cause of climate change and various health problems. The book provides a brief history of urban transportation, from narrow roads for walking to the advent of carriages and wagons to the rise of personal vehicles. It also shows the various forms of public transportation that cities have offered during different eras. Taking a global perspective and using straightforward language, Curtis outlines the changes cities are making in order to balance the needs of people and motorists and reclaim public spaces: creating more bike lanes, regulating vehicles, and making public transportation more reliable, affordable, safe, and convenient. Lively hand-sketched illustrations with both traditional and digital coloring offer panoramic views of disparate cities teeming with a diverse array of people, including some wearing surgical masks. Included in the backmatter are steps—some practical, others more aspirational—kids can take to promote sustainable transportation. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An empowering look at reclaiming urban areas from vehicles for a better quality of life and a greener future.