For a child curious about climate change and its impact, this book provides a clear, age-appropriate overview of global warming, explaining what it is and why it matters.
A parent should reach for this book when their curious, science-minded child starts asking big questions about climate change after hearing about it at school or in the news. This book offers a calm, factual introduction to the science of global warming, explaining concepts like the greenhouse effect, fossil fuels, and the evidence scientists use to study our planet. It thoughtfully touches on themes of empathy for our planet and its inhabitants, and a sense of fairness and responsibility. Though published in 2001, its foundational science is sound and provides an excellent, less anxiety-inducing starting point for upper elementary readers, opening the door for conversations about what has changed in climate science since.
Published in 2001. Some scientific data, predictions, and proposed solutions are now outdated.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the potentially frightening topic of climate change and its consequences (eco-anxiety). The approach is secular and scientific. The resolution is hopeful but conditional, stressing that positive outcomes depend on human action. It presents the threat as serious but solvable, aiming to empower rather than terrify.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a scientifically-inclined 9 to 12-year-old who is asking for facts. They may have encountered climate change on the news and feel a mix of curiosity and worry. They are a reader who wants to understand the 'how' and 'why' behind a problem and is motivated by logic and evidence.
Parent Prep
Parents MUST preface this book by discussing its 2001 publication date. They should explain that our scientific understanding and the available technologies have advanced significantly since then. It is best used as a tool to explain the foundational science and as a springboard to discuss what we have learned in the past two decades. The final chapter on solutions, in particular, needs context. A child asks, "Is global warming real?" or states, "My friend said polar bears are all going to die." The parent is looking for a resource that is educational and factual, not overly alarmist, to ground the conversation in science.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will focus on the tangible concepts: the Earth getting warmer like a greenhouse, and the impact on specific animals like polar bears. An older reader (10-12) will better grasp the abstract concepts of carbon dioxide levels, ice core data, and the international policy implications. They may also be more critical of the dated information and can be encouraged to research modern solutions.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its age. Unlike more contemporary books that often lead with a tone of crisis, this book's slightly dated, more measured scientific approach makes it a uniquely gentle and less anxiety-provoking introduction to the topic. It serves as a scientific baseline, useful for understanding the core issues before diving into more current, and often more intense, materials.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book provides a clear, structured explanation of global warming for children. It begins by defining the greenhouse effect and identifying the human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, that increase greenhouse gases. The author explains how scientists study climate change through methods like analyzing ice cores and satellite data. The book then explores the predicted consequences: rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and significant impacts on ecosystems, specifically mentioning coral reefs and polar bears. The final chapters focus on potential solutions, including conservation, renewable energy, and international cooperation, ending on a call to action.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
