For children passionate about making a difference in their community or caring for the environment, this book celebrates the power of young people to create real change.
A parent should reach for this book when their child feels passionate about the environment but also feels too small to make a difference. Based on the true story of a group of elementary school students in Washington, this book documents their incredible project to clean up a polluted local creek and successfully reintroduce salmon. It highlights themes of perseverance, collaboration, and the power of community action. For children 8 to 11, this book is more than just a story. It's an inspiring, real-life example that shows kids their actions matter and can create tangible, positive change in the world around them.
The book touches on the natural life cycle of salmon, which includes death after spawning. This is presented in a direct, scientific, and secular manner. The focus is on the wonder of the life cycle, not the sadness of death. The initial pollution and degradation of the creek could be considered a sad theme, but the book's approach is action-oriented and hopeful, focusing on the solution rather than dwelling on the problem.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11-year-old who loves nature, is concerned about the environment, and is looking for proof that kids can make a real impact. It is perfect for a child who has just learned about a local environmental issue and wants to know what they can do to help. It will resonate with kids who enjoy science, hands-on projects, and stories about teamwork.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book is very accessible. A parent could enhance the reading experience by being ready to look up local streams or environmental groups in their own community to help their child connect the story to their own life. A parent might seek this book after their child says, "It's so sad what's happening to the planet, but I'm just one kid." or when they see their child's budding interest in activism and want to provide a concrete, positive example of what's possible.
Age Experience
A younger child (8-9) will be captivated by the idea of kids raising fish in a classroom and the amazing result of the salmon returning. An older child (10-11) will better appreciate the scientific process, the civic engagement aspects (like getting permits), and the scale of the students' perseverance over several years.
What Makes It Special
Unlike fictional stories about environmentalism, this book's power is in its authenticity. It's a true, documented account that provides a tangible blueprint for change. It functions as both an inspirational story and a practical case study in grassroots, youth-led activism, making the idea of making a difference feel achievable.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book chronicles the true story of the students at Jackson Elementary School in Everett, Washington. Led by their teacher, the students decide to clean up the polluted Pigeon Creek, which runs behind their school. The book details their multi-year effort: researching the problem, clearing tons of garbage, getting community support, building a salmon hatchery in their classroom, raising salmon eggs, and finally releasing the young salmon into the revitalized creek. The story culminates in the triumphant return of adult salmon to spawn in the creek years later.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The students at Jackson Elementary faced many challenges, like clearing garbage and getting permits. Which part of their project do you think was the hardest? Why?
2
This is a true story. How does knowing that these kids really accomplished this change how you feel about the book? Does it make you feel like you could start a similar project?
3
The whole community, including a fish biologist and local businesses, helped the students. Why was teamwork so important for the success of the Pigeon Creek project?
4
The book is called 'Come Back, Salmon.' If you could send a message to the first salmon that returned to the creek, what would you say?
