MISSION: SAVE THE PLANET!

“Switch. Conserve. Make some noise.” Building on this sturdy, strategic framework, the ex-astronaut and her longtime writing collaborator present budding eco-activists with a range of suggestions designed to spark a “go green” mindset at home and in school. With exceptions, such as perfunctory directions for starting a vegetable garden in containers or creating some domestic pressure to save water by timing everyone’s showers, the tips for saving energy and natural resources are reasonably doable—and the authors usually explain in general terms the potential benefits of each. Illustrated with simple line drawings of young people in action, and featuring simple surveys, checklists and a sample letter, this makes a worthy addition to the plethora of similar handbooks. Mission: Planet Earth (2009) shares both authors and publication date, but addresses an older audience and takes a more theoretical look at the potential hazards of unwise energy management. (Nonfiction. 9-11)