This nonfiction book explores the connections between our living environment and our personal health. Like other books in the Orca Think series, readers are introduced to current world issues through the experiences of young activists featured in an engaging layout with coloured photographs and drawings, sidebars with interesting facts, and an invitation for readers to take action. Indigenous activists from Canada, Autumn Peltier and Terry-Lynn Williams-Davidson, are included in the profiles. Unfortunately, environmental rights are not a human right. Across the globe, many areas struggle with air pollution, toxic soil, and contaminated drinking water. Critical thinking questions entitled “You Be The Judge” ask readers to imagine what it is like to face unjust situations. Further student inquiry is supported by a list of resources. This book is the winner of the 2023 Green Earth Book Award, given to the best nonfiction children’s book in the area of environmental literature.

Other End Matter: Glossary
Images: Colour photographs, Colour illustrations, b&w photographs
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Megan Clendenan has worked for women's rights, mental health and youth empowerment nonprofits as well as for an environmental law group, which is when she realized for the first time that the court system could be a way to help protect human health from pollution and toxic chemicals. She is the co-author of Design Like Nature, part of the Orca Footprints series, and the author of Offbeat, a novel for young readers. Megan lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family.

Megan Clendenan's profile page

Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator whose work includes commissions for editorial, advertising and publishing clients from around the world. Her previous books have been nominated for several awards, and she won the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction for Why We Live Where We Live. She is the illustrator of What Animals Want in the Orca Think series and Pride Puppy! Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Julie McLaughlin's profile page

• Winner, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Children's Nonfiction
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

“Several strong messages...not one of doom and gloom, but one of hope and optimism for the future if people have respect for nature and for each other. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Packed full of detail about historical political and governmental positions regarding our world; and yes, we all have a stake in this topic.”

School Library Connection

“With a tone that is eager to share serious information without terrifying readers…this thought-provoking book offers a solid foundation for further exploration of the topic.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“A worthy purchase where readers enjoy a personal approach to science instruction.”

Booklist

“A forceful and informative handbook on environmental justice, accessible enough to strike a chord with young readers.”

Kirkus Reviews