Author Erin Silver has fit an amazing amount of information into this book. In addition to defining issues around the climate crisis, she illustrates many of the solutions that teams, stadiums, and various sports leagues are engaging in to address the problem. These range from strict recycling protocols at venues to using fossil-free materials in manufacturing sports equipment. She even presents ideas about restructuring schedules so teams don’t need to fly so much.

Nearly every page features sidebars containing relevant information about everything from “The Science of Sweat” to “Planning for the Future” with steps the Paris Olympics Committee is taking to ensure a smaller carbon footprint for the games. Photos of athletes (professional and amateur; able-bodied or with a prosthetic; Black, White, or Asian) illustrate the fact that all people must be participants in actions to protect the planet. Covering just about every imaginable sport, this book is a goldmine for anyone interested in projects about climate change.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Several references are made to eco-anxiety.
Other End Matter: Glossary, teacher’s guide
Images: Colour photographs, colour illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Heidi G., K-12 Educator, BC Books for Schools

Erin Silver is an award-winning children’s author. Her books include Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award finalist) and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let’s Eat for the Planet (2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books finalist). Erin was chosen to tour during Canadian Children’s Book Week in 2023 and is a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries and conferences. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a postgraduate journalism degree. Erin lives in Toronto.

Erin Silver's profile page

Pui Yan Fong is a Toronto-based illustrator. Originally from Hong Kong, she grew up in Toronto and studied illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design. She spends most of the day on her laptop, working on illustrations, reading or gaming. She is also a huge sports fan.

Pui Yan Fong's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“[A] fast-moving, fact-filled account…Silver’s tone is upbeat throughout, urging young athletes to be part of the ‘winning team’ by making small but impactful changes…Offers plentiful food for thought on this critical topic.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“An interesting and informative twist on the issue of climate change…The ideas presented are innovative and hopeful, and often feature kid activists.”

Booklist

“[A] fact filled volume…This is an extremely informative book that may be enjoyed by a wide variety of readers.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“An inspiring addition to the Orca Think series by an award-winning freelance and children’s author. This is an original exploration into the multi-billion dollar sporting industry and the impact that sport has on climate change and sustainable living…Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials