A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis

Environmental journalist Subramanian (A River Runs Again) and Novgorodoff (Mid-Air) pack a wealth of information into this compact graphic novel primer to climate change and environmental stewardship. Beginning with the September 2019 Climate March in New York City, the creators intertwine personal stories of their own climate-awareness awakenings—spreads of nine-year-old Novgorodoff convey a childhood spent enjoying “big trees, a crystal-clear stream, birdsong in the summer, deep snows in the winter”—with global experiences contextualized via individual profiles of four young environmental activists: Mexican Xiye Bastida, Colombian American Jamie Margolin, Bangladeshi American Rebeca Sabnam, and Indian American Shiv Soin. Periodic interludes offer extensive deep-dives that define climate change, wildfires, ecological grief, and environmental justice, and examine related issues such as religious communities’ impact on the climate. Digitally inked and painted pencil, watercolor, and gouache sketches bring a bright, uplifting energy to an accessible guide that explores the myriad ways through which one can become involved in the larger environmental movement. Climate action resources conclude. Characters are depicted with varying skin tones. Ages 14–up. (Mar.)