STORIES FOR KIDS WHO WANT TO SAVE THE WORLD

A collection of 16 biographical stories about environmental advocates from around the world.

Utilizing a dozen or so pages for each profile, this title introduces readers to influential people from a broad range of fields, each shown doing their part to protect the fragile, interconnected planet we call home. These subjects include former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, and Yvon Chouinard, the rebellious founder of Patagonia. Within this collection there is great variety in individuals’ motivations and approaches to environmental crises. Each person is introduced with a colorful, painterly portrait incorporating signature elements of their story that begin in childhood and progress in a linear fashion. Written in the present tense, the translated text toggles between straightforward narrative nonfiction and moralistic storytelling, emphasizing the virtues of each protagonist. Non-English vocabulary is clearly defined or easily understood in context. The layout is occasionally broken up with spotlighted sentences from the text that are often disruptive in their placement. More concerning than the absence of sources for information and quoted dialogue are the dated language and approach that include a story presenting the stereotype of the inspirational disabled person, the framing of Greta Thunberg as suffering from and afflicted with Asperger syndrome, and a casual mention that musician Björk was nicknamed “China Girl” at school because of her eyes.

Admirable environmental furor is overshadowed by a preachy tone and out-of-touch language.