Two Degrees

Alan Gratz, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, delivers a powerful and action-packed middle-grade novel tackling the critical issue of climate change. The story follows three distinct protagonists: Akira, evacuating a fast-spreading wildfire in California; Owen, confronting a hungry polar bear as the Arctic ice thins in Manitoba; and Natalie, bracing for a catastrophic hurricane in Miami. Each child's harrowing survival story is a direct consequence of global warming. As their individual narratives unfold, readers will discover how these seemingly separate events are deeply connected, culminating in an empowering message about collective action and hope for the future. This book is a thrilling page-turner that educates young readers about environmental challenges while inspiring them to consider their own role in changing the world.

A new book from Alan Gratz is a major publishing moment! The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero now tackles the urgent topic of climate change, with this breathtaking, action-packed story that will be the must-read middle-grade novel of the fall. Fire. Flood. Ice. Three natural disasters. Three kids who must fight to survive--and change things for the better. In California, Akira Kristiansen is driving through the mountains with her mom when a wildfire sparks -- and grows scarily fast. In just moments, Akira and her family have to evacuate... but which way is safe with fire all around them? In Churchill, Manitoba, Owen Mackenzie is running a tour for travelers who've come to see the polar bears. Lately the bears show up more and more as the ice thins. When Owen and his friend see a bear much too close for comfort, they end up in a fight for their lives. In Miami, a hurricane bears down on Natalie Torres. That's not so uncommon... but everyone's saying this could be it. The Big One. Natalie and her mom don't have anywhere to run to, so they hunker down to ride out the storm. Akira, Owen, and Natalie are all swept up in the global effects of climate change, each struggling to survive their individual disasters. But, as they will discover, the three kids are more deeply connected than they could ever imagine--in ways that will change them, and hopefully, can change the world. Just as Refugee brought awareness of the refugee crisis to young readers, this latest tour-de-force from bestselling author Alan Gratz will shed light on the increasingly urgent threat of climate change -- while taking readers on a nonstop adventure that will keep them turning the pages, and making their own plans to better the world.