A planet in crisis. Two children on opposite sides of the world fighting to survive. Global is poignant, powerful and timely.
Twelve-year-old Sami lives with his grandfather in the Bay of Bengal. Each day is a struggle to survive. The sea levels are rising, cyclones hammer the coast sweeping homes into the ocean and grandfather and grandson are in a daily battle with the other fisherman who fight over an ever-depleting catch.
Thousands of miles away from the Indian Ocean in the freezing climes of Northern Canada up in the Arctic Circle, fourteen-year-old Yuki has her own battle. The locals live in fear of a new beast; the emergent grolar bear is a hybrid species of polar and grizzly bear whose territories have collided. The only way to save the bear from being shot…photograph it.
Global heating is wreaking havoc in the lives and livelihoods of the two adolescents and with no one to turn to, it’s up to them to take action… The issue of climate change is impossible to ignore and this brilliant graphic novel for readers of ten plus ensures it remains at the front of the minds of those that the future of the planet depends on. Sublimely told and dramatically illustrated, this thought-provoking and compelling presentation of a drowning world is alarming, inspiring and packed full of suspense. Extreme weather, extreme danger and daring protagonists willing to go to extreme lengths will have readers on their edge of their seats as Colfer and Donkin’s gripping dual narrative tackles the climate crisis with brutal honesty and delivers a message that is impossible to ignore. Fiction this is but the issues presented are all too real; the dangers of global warming, the plight of animals, disruption to food chains, unpredictable weather patterns, implications of rising sea levels. All of the events presented are happening now and they are dramatically changing the environment and landscape for millions around the world making for a read that is raw in its reality and offers heartbreak and hope in equal measure.
Climate change is the biggest issue facing today’s children and future generations. With Greta Thunberg leading the charge for a better, healthier, more liveable and more sustainable planet the future could be bright but she cannot do it alone. Luckily, an ever-growing number of children are determined to rally alongside her. Young eco-warriors and climate activists are proactively looking after and repairing the planet where their predecessors have failed. It is sad that this heavy burden of responsibility is falling on the shoulders of the young who have in no way contributed to the problems of today. But right now the only crime is in action and we all need to play our part. We are custodians of the planet and it is our duty to look after it, it is, after all, the only one we have.
A moving story is complimented by equally impressive back-matter; an informative comic strip narrative tells the story of ‘Global Heating’ and explores greenhouse gases, how and why the planet is heating up, the dire consequences of continuing as we are, current actions and what needs to be done to ensure a planet that can successfully sustain life in the future. If the experiences of Sami and Yuki do not inspire action then this frank and honest assessment of the matter at hand most certainly will. Further content includes a map showing Sami and Yuki’s homes, an author’s note and a sketchbook. Recommended for 10+. With huge thanks to Hachette and Hodder for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
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