Every day, we see a problem we would like to fix. A piece of rubbish in a green, grassy park. Plastic water bottles buried in the sand at the beach. A garbage bin overflowing onto the street. A skinny, stray dog. A homeless person on a cold day.These problems seem impossible for one person to change. But we can fix them, if we each do our part o one step at a time.
This practical guide is designed to empower kids to make changes in their lives to help make a difference in the world. Filled with information, ideas and activities, and interspersed with features on amazing children around the world.
This book shows kids how to-
Avoid single-use plastics
Throw a plastic-free party
Make a compost bin and reduce waste
Start a herb garden
Grow bee-friendly flowers
Learn about where their food comes from
Be kinder to others, share and donate
Kids are on a mission to make our earth a better, safer, happier place.
An informative, accessible and practical guide for kids
Did you know there are more plastic flamingos in the world than real ones? (p.21)
You Can Change the World is a well-written and practical guide, aimed at middle-grade aged children, to educate themselves and take action for a sustainable future. While not explicitly stated, the book embraces the concept of "Think Global, Act Local", and provides numerous suggestions for ways that children can both reduce their own negative impact on the environment and encourage others to do likewise.
The books covers a wide range of subject matter, including reducing use of plastics, ethical and environmentally friendly clothing choices, recycling, food waste, energy, electricty and water usage and conservation, animal activism and acts of kindness. Most chapters feature a short biography or Q&A with a young champion in that particular area, showcasing what amazing things children can achieve, but also making clear how all children can embrace these principles.
The book is illustrated throughout with colourful drawings in the naïf style. Chapters are also illustrated and bordered in different colours, helping effectively differentiate the information for younger readers.
A short section at the end of the book suggests group activity ideas to embrace concepts discussed in the book. There is also a comprehensive resources list, including many useful website addresses.
My only disappointment while reading You Can Change the World is that, while the author Lucy Bell and many of the featured environmental champions are Australian, the book is clearly aimed at an American audience. Spellings, terminology and measurements are all according to US norms, and virtually all the websites listed in the resources section are US-based. I would love to see an Australian or even a more globally-relevant edition published in the future.
Sarah, 02/01/2021
