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Cross My Heart #2
Save Our Forest!
This bold graphic novel sequel to Cross My Heart and Never Lie, which Alice Oseman called “a warm hug,” follows Bao, who bands together with her friends to save their beloved forest from being turned into a parking lot.
After being leader of “girls-who-never-fall-in-love” in Cross My Heart and Never Lie, Tuva’s best friend, Bao, faces a challenge unlike any she’s faced before: the PTA wants to raze down the students’ beloved forest, removing the space where Bao and other student have always played and integral to both Bao and other students’ lives and the environment they call home. When the adults are too apathetic, too cynical, or too preoccupied to see the importance of the forest, Bao and the others will have to stop playing nice and take matters into their own hands. But Bao and her classmates are only twelve years old—how can they get the adults in power to see this crisis for what it is? This timely story follows Cross My Heart and Never Lie and continues the popular graphic novel format with gorgeous hand-lettering and a unique, charming art style.
After being leader of “girls-who-never-fall-in-love” in Cross My Heart and Never Lie, Tuva’s best friend, Bao, faces a challenge unlike any she’s faced before: the PTA wants to raze down the students’ beloved forest, removing the space where Bao and other student have always played and integral to both Bao and other students’ lives and the environment they call home. When the adults are too apathetic, too cynical, or too preoccupied to see the importance of the forest, Bao and the others will have to stop playing nice and take matters into their own hands. But Bao and her classmates are only twelve years old—how can they get the adults in power to see this crisis for what it is? This timely story follows Cross My Heart and Never Lie and continues the popular graphic novel format with gorgeous hand-lettering and a unique, charming art style.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2022
14 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Nora Dåsnes
22 books59 followersNora Dåsnes (b. 1995) is a Norwegian illustrator and author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 8, 2022
Nora Dåsnes har gjort det igjen! Bøkene hennes er uten tvil noen av de beste norske barnebøkene jeg har lest.
Denne gangen tar hun opp klimaendringer på et enkelt nivå slik at det både er lærerikt og slik at barna selv kan benytte det i diskusjoner. Fantastiske tegninger, engasjerende historie, flotte hovedkarakterer og viktig budskap. Elsket denne!
Så en liten appell til de som sier «la barn være barn»:
Det er deres, vår, skyld at barn ikke kan «være barn». Vi gjør ikke nok, så da føler de at alt ligger på deres skuldre. Om vi skjerper oss så kan de nyte barndommen mer.
Nei, klimaendringer erkke noe nytt, men den er kraftigere og raskere enn før. Istedenfor å lese konspirasjoner og fake news bør du lese de faktiske klimarapportene. Eller ta en recap på ungdomsskolens naturfagspensum.
Det er bare flott at barn lærer! Kunnskap er makt. Makt og midler er viktig å ha i denne verden om de skal komme seg videre fordi alt er i dag veldig fucka.
Barn vet og skjønner mer enn dere gir de creds for. De er utrolig smarte! Dere gjør de ikke en tjeneste ved å skjerme de fra nyhetene. Ta det ned på deres nivå og diskuter det i fellesskap. Finn ut åssen DERE kan bidra. Alle monner drar som det heter.
Takk for meg.
Denne gangen tar hun opp klimaendringer på et enkelt nivå slik at det både er lærerikt og slik at barna selv kan benytte det i diskusjoner. Fantastiske tegninger, engasjerende historie, flotte hovedkarakterer og viktig budskap. Elsket denne!
Så en liten appell til de som sier «la barn være barn»:
Det er deres, vår, skyld at barn ikke kan «være barn». Vi gjør ikke nok, så da føler de at alt ligger på deres skuldre. Om vi skjerper oss så kan de nyte barndommen mer.
Nei, klimaendringer erkke noe nytt, men den er kraftigere og raskere enn før. Istedenfor å lese konspirasjoner og fake news bør du lese de faktiske klimarapportene. Eller ta en recap på ungdomsskolens naturfagspensum.
Det er bare flott at barn lærer! Kunnskap er makt. Makt og midler er viktig å ha i denne verden om de skal komme seg videre fordi alt er i dag veldig fucka.
Barn vet og skjønner mer enn dere gir de creds for. De er utrolig smarte! Dere gjør de ikke en tjeneste ved å skjerme de fra nyhetene. Ta det ned på deres nivå og diskuter det i fellesskap. Finn ut åssen DERE kan bidra. Alle monner drar som det heter.
Takk for meg.
September 12, 2023
Helt fantastisk! En nydelig og lærerik bok for barn som tar for seg klimaendringer, naturvern, vennskap og det å ikke bli tatt på alvor av de voksne rundt seg. Tegningene er utrolig fine, og måten vennskapet mellom Bao, Tuva og Linnéa fremstilles er helt herlig!
October 17, 2022
Fantastisk, og jeg må si veldig lærerik, særlig for målgruppen. Nora Dåsnes kan ta opp hvilket som helst tema i sine tegneserier, og det vil engasjere fra start til slutt.
August 7, 2023
Rett og slett fantastisk!
August 24, 2024
this was SO good! wasn’t expecting to like this more than cross my heart but i did! such a beautiful and sweet story with a lot of valuable information about activism and self-care while being an activist! will always read this author’s work from now on!
June 5, 2024
Visste ikke at dette var etterfølgeren til Ti kniver i hjertet, den har jeg ikke lest enda men er interessert i å lese den etter Marte anbefalte den. Man kan godt lese denne uten å ha lest den andre først, men den handler om samme vennegjeng. Dette var en veldig søt bok om å bry seg om miljøet og å ikke føle seg forstått. Boka forteller unge hvordan man kan drive med aktivisme, men viser også at det blir lettere om man kan få hjelp av en voksen. Noen ganger kan man ikke klare alt selv. Tegningene er utrolig flotte, kunne puttet hver eneste en på veggen. Karakterene gjør inntrykk, de er morsomme og sterke, og jeg føler jeg får en forståelse av hvem de er ganske raskt. Jeg vet jo ikke helt hva ungdommen liker, men hvis denne ikke faller i smak blir jeg litt overrasket.
June 9, 2024
skikkelig fin og bra! flotte tegninger og en veldig god oppsummering om hvordan man kan påvirke og bruke stemmen sin i slutten av boka. anbefales!!
July 11, 2023
Riktigt bra!
November 3, 2022
Jeg elsket denne boka like mye som de to andre bøkene, og jeg bare elsker fargene og tegningene! «La skogen leve!» tar opp temaer som vennskap, engasjement for klimaet og overgangen mellom det å være barn og ungdom. Boka viser oss også hvordan man kan be om hjelp når noe er for vanskelig til å gjøre alene!
Jeg likte spesielt rådene bakerst i boka som viser eksempler på hva du kan gjøre for å få voksne til å høre på deg i saker som engasjerer deg, selv om du er for ung til å ha stemmerett.
Jeg heier på barn og ungdom som engasjerer seg! Denne boka passer for barn fra 9-12 år, men den passer like godt for voksne!
Jeg likte spesielt rådene bakerst i boka som viser eksempler på hva du kan gjøre for å få voksne til å høre på deg i saker som engasjerer deg, selv om du er for ung til å ha stemmerett.
Jeg heier på barn og ungdom som engasjerer seg! Denne boka passer for barn fra 9-12 år, men den passer like godt for voksne!
April 24, 2024
Den här boken...önskar jag att alla elever i hela sverige fick när de började femman eller sexan.
Boken är för dig som kämpar med klimatångest, för dig som gett upp, för dig som funderar. För dig som har ett litet ledsen barn inom dig som är besviken på vuxenvärldens apati. Kanske är det ledsna barnet du? Som är besviken på dig själv?
Bao och hennes vänner leker i skogen på rasterna. Skogen ligger precis vid skolan. Bao är med i elevrådet och engagerar sig för klimatet. På ett möte hör hon hur rektorn och de andra vuxna planerar att bygga ut parkeringsplatsen till skolan, på bekostnad av skogen.
Bao måste göra något för att stoppa detta! Men hur?
Boken är för dig som kämpar med klimatångest, för dig som gett upp, för dig som funderar. För dig som har ett litet ledsen barn inom dig som är besviken på vuxenvärldens apati. Kanske är det ledsna barnet du? Som är besviken på dig själv?
Bao och hennes vänner leker i skogen på rasterna. Skogen ligger precis vid skolan. Bao är med i elevrådet och engagerar sig för klimatet. På ett möte hör hon hur rektorn och de andra vuxna planerar att bygga ut parkeringsplatsen till skolan, på bekostnad av skogen.
Bao måste göra något för att stoppa detta! Men hur?
July 4, 2023
4,5
😭🌱🍀🍁🍀🌱😭
Nå trenger vi Linneas bok
😭🌱🍀🍁🍀🌱😭
Nå trenger vi Linneas bok
July 7, 2023
This was fantastic!
Nora Dåsnes has successfully managed to portray the fear and anger that many young people feel when confronted with the reality of climate change - and the inaction of adults. This book shows that many different skills and personalities are required for change. Different kind of activism - civil disobedience, social media, signature campaigns etc. are portayed in this book.
Aditionally, the art style is beautiful. Many panels are dedicated to portaying the beauty of nature.
The frienship and parent-child relationships all feel realistic. Hopefully there will be a Linnéa-centered book soon.
Nora Dåsnes has successfully managed to portray the fear and anger that many young people feel when confronted with the reality of climate change - and the inaction of adults. This book shows that many different skills and personalities are required for change. Different kind of activism - civil disobedience, social media, signature campaigns etc. are portayed in this book.
Aditionally, the art style is beautiful. Many panels are dedicated to portaying the beauty of nature.
The frienship and parent-child relationships all feel realistic. Hopefully there will be a Linnéa-centered book soon.
December 3, 2024
Very cute story with beautiful illustrations about a young girl trying to save the forest beside her home. I think this would be great for a younger audience, but I still really liked how this was written and illustrated, and I still had a fun time reading it. I've been on such a graphic novel binge recently, they're so easy to sink into and I love getting to see different artists work. Also, I know I've mentioned the illustrations already, but the plant illustrations were particularly great :)
July 15, 2025
This was a serious a story about a serious young woman trying to avert a serious threat to her natural school surroundings. Why do adults all forget that when they were young they cared about the planet and living a better life than their predecessors....and yet forget those same issues still exist and are much, much worse.
November 13, 2023
Alldeles underbar. Den sitter rätt i tiden och skulle ha resonerat som en massiv gong i mitt 12-åriga jag. Dåsnes lyckas fånga ångesten och ilskan i att inte bli tagen på allvar när hela ens framtid är hotad. Bildspråket är enkelt, färgglatt och svepande vackert.
March 9, 2023
Veldig god historie! Jeg digger Bao!
June 25, 2023
Alltså den är så bra!!! Och viktig!!
July 28, 2023
Nora Dåsnes ääääär så bra!!! ♥️
September 8, 2023
God lesing mens man venter på å stemme
December 30, 2024
100th read of the year and it did not disappoint!!
June 5, 2023
nora dåsnes gör det igen! med värme och svärta, skratt och hopp och förtvivlan! rekommenderar mycket varmt!
February 18, 2024
Passer alle. Støtte og inspirasjon for unge. Og en påminnelse og vekker for voksne som har glemt og/eller trenger forstå. 🌱
March 15, 2025
A very cute and enjoyable follow up the first book. While the first book touched on the anxieties around puberty, changing friendships, and first crushes, this one touches on the anxieties of young people about the future especially around climate change, and the difficulties around being heard by the adults around you. The book talked about climate change, and showed how even at 12yo, you can make yourself heard, you can protest, you can enact change. I especially loved how it explained what civil disobedience is and that it’s actually a good thing, and that it didn’t try to hit a middle ground of acceptability by telling children that it’s okay to protest but only if you don’t break the rules, or aren’t too much of a bother.
September 6, 2024
Reading this felt like watching a movie: the movement within the art, the vibrant colors, and the variations in the size of each image whisks you along through this story as if you were there yourself. The story strikes a chord by showing the selfish priorities of adults in the face of a climate crisis. The actions Bao took were educated, fierce, and successful, and it was beautiful to see how she grew along the way. This book is great for young teens to learn about what they can do to make real change, while also offering some awesome representation of supportive friends and family.
May 30, 2025
Väldigt bra!
Låt skogen leva! handlar om klimatångst, vilja att påverka och frustration att barn och ungdomar blir inte hörd. Serieformat passar fint här, tycker om Dåsnes stil.
Pluspoäng för bra tips om hur man kan påverka!
Låt skogen leva! handlar om klimatångst, vilja att påverka och frustration att barn och ungdomar blir inte hörd. Serieformat passar fint här, tycker om Dåsnes stil.
Pluspoäng för bra tips om hur man kan påverka!
October 18, 2024
Wow! I had no idea that 'Cross My Heart and Never Lie' had a sequel (or at least one that is published in English), until I found 'Save Our Forest!' in my local library yesterday! After reading it, I know I must buy my own copy for my bookshelf.
'Save Our Forest!' is a klaxon. A wakeup call. A loud, impassioned voice for action in the face and threat of climate change, told from the perspective and ardent, determined and indomitable young voice of Bao, one of Tuva's friends from 'Cross my Heart and Never Lie', who is now leading, charging, her own story.
'Save Our Forest!' is about trying to save one forest next to a school, from being bulldozed to make a bigger parking lot (less trees, less soil, less habitats, more cars, more gasses), and also about saving the world, if only more people cared and put in the effort. Like government people.
It is extremely frustrating how stupid, selfish, apathetic, lazy, numb, jaded, shortsighted, and blind to science and facts so many adults and people in positions of power are. They should listen to young people - they care, they know, they've got their wits together, and they are the ones who will be affected most by climate change in the future! They will have to bear the brunt of the previous generation's mistakes.
Included in this children's graphic novel are easy-to-follow facts, and calls to action (protests! petitions! demonstrations! civil disobedience!), as well characters and a story. There are great, inspiring quotes here. It is a slight comfort to know that it is not only Greta Thunberg (who is referenced) who cares and is demanding the world change its ways, its economy and political systems, in order to save it. Though we've still got a long, long way to go.
We can't slacken. We can't be complacent. We can't ignore the facts - as that gives those in undeserved positions in government an excuse to do the same.
I like Bao and her passion. I'll keep saying this: We need more Lisa Simpsons in the world! Bao's relationship with her lawyer mum is well done. Tuva is sort of dating Mariam, but that's early-days ambiguity. They're not the focus this time, anyway. Tuva's dad is also present and awesome.
Really, the main thing keeping me from rating 'Save Our Forest!' five stars is Bao's forced romance with the stupid bully Abdi. I don't care that he gets better near the end, it is not needed. After all he said and did to her, why would someone like Bao ever think of him in a romantic light? I know they're prepubescent, with new hormones all over the place, but while reading I was under the impression that Bao was smarter than that. Like she wouldn't have a crush on someone who was previously horrible to her and is now doing the bare minimum of decency. It's the 2020s, I'd thought we were aware and were done with the toxic "bullying and abuse means they like you" mentality and message, especially in stories targeted towards kids.
Again, it is not needed. At least Abdi does come round to apologising to Bao for saying it's her time of the month on one of the many instances she is annoyed at him (aaargh! she should have killed that misogynistic little ^%&$!&*! right there), and he eventually joins her on her cause to save their forest from demolition not entirely out of selfish reasons. But Bao's drive to fight against climate change and apathetic adults is enough for her character; enough of a goal for her; enough of a reason for readers to root for her. Leave the clichéd love subplot out of it! It's its own pollution! to the story and characters. And the couple are twelve-years-old!
What heteronormative nonsense.
But oh well. I can't do anything about it.
But everyone can do something about climate change and global warming. If you like 'Cross My Heart and Never Lie' and you care about the environment - and are rightfully scared of pollution and deforestation and their impact on the future generations of our people in this one world we have, that we are neglecting and destroying - then you should read 'Save Our Forest!'. Everyone should.
The art is colourful, lovely and sweet, too, like in 'Cross My Heart'.
My own copy, come to me!
BANNER: 'DO NOT CUT DOWN OUR FOREST! WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP!'
Final Score: 4/5
'Save Our Forest!' is a klaxon. A wakeup call. A loud, impassioned voice for action in the face and threat of climate change, told from the perspective and ardent, determined and indomitable young voice of Bao, one of Tuva's friends from 'Cross my Heart and Never Lie', who is now leading, charging, her own story.
'Save Our Forest!' is about trying to save one forest next to a school, from being bulldozed to make a bigger parking lot (less trees, less soil, less habitats, more cars, more gasses), and also about saving the world, if only more people cared and put in the effort. Like government people.
It is extremely frustrating how stupid, selfish, apathetic, lazy, numb, jaded, shortsighted, and blind to science and facts so many adults and people in positions of power are. They should listen to young people - they care, they know, they've got their wits together, and they are the ones who will be affected most by climate change in the future! They will have to bear the brunt of the previous generation's mistakes.
Included in this children's graphic novel are easy-to-follow facts, and calls to action (protests! petitions! demonstrations! civil disobedience!), as well characters and a story. There are great, inspiring quotes here. It is a slight comfort to know that it is not only Greta Thunberg (who is referenced) who cares and is demanding the world change its ways, its economy and political systems, in order to save it. Though we've still got a long, long way to go.
We can't slacken. We can't be complacent. We can't ignore the facts - as that gives those in undeserved positions in government an excuse to do the same.
I like Bao and her passion. I'll keep saying this: We need more Lisa Simpsons in the world! Bao's relationship with her lawyer mum is well done. Tuva is sort of dating Mariam, but that's early-days ambiguity. They're not the focus this time, anyway. Tuva's dad is also present and awesome.
Really, the main thing keeping me from rating 'Save Our Forest!' five stars is Bao's forced romance with the stupid bully Abdi. I don't care that he gets better near the end, it is not needed. After all he said and did to her, why would someone like Bao ever think of him in a romantic light? I know they're prepubescent, with new hormones all over the place, but while reading I was under the impression that Bao was smarter than that. Like she wouldn't have a crush on someone who was previously horrible to her and is now doing the bare minimum of decency. It's the 2020s, I'd thought we were aware and were done with the toxic "bullying and abuse means they like you" mentality and message, especially in stories targeted towards kids.
Again, it is not needed. At least Abdi does come round to apologising to Bao for saying it's her time of the month on one of the many instances she is annoyed at him (aaargh! she should have killed that misogynistic little ^%&$!&*! right there), and he eventually joins her on her cause to save their forest from demolition not entirely out of selfish reasons. But Bao's drive to fight against climate change and apathetic adults is enough for her character; enough of a goal for her; enough of a reason for readers to root for her. Leave the clichéd love subplot out of it! It's its own pollution! to the story and characters. And the couple are twelve-years-old!
What heteronormative nonsense.
But oh well. I can't do anything about it.
But everyone can do something about climate change and global warming. If you like 'Cross My Heart and Never Lie' and you care about the environment - and are rightfully scared of pollution and deforestation and their impact on the future generations of our people in this one world we have, that we are neglecting and destroying - then you should read 'Save Our Forest!'. Everyone should.
The art is colourful, lovely and sweet, too, like in 'Cross My Heart'.
My own copy, come to me!
BANNER: 'DO NOT CUT DOWN OUR FOREST! WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP!'
Final Score: 4/5
July 20, 2025
“I DON’T WANT TO FORGET THAT THE WORLD IS ON FIRE.”
I can’t imagine being a kid now with so many existential threats and adults seemingly oblivious to the need to make changes.. This brilliant graphic novel, longlisted for .. captures this frustration so powerfully. Written and illustrated by Nora Dasnes, it is translated from Norwegian by Lise Laerdal Bryn.
Bao cares deeply about protecting the planet. She is a member of a school committee, she walks everywhere, refuses lifts and talks passionately to her friends and family. Close to her school is a small forest beloved by Bao and her friends. Unfortunately more people need car spaces so the school plans to widen the car park and, to Bao’s horror, to expand into the forest. How can Bao stop this, and why won’t the adults listen to her?
This is an absolutely incredible book. I identified so much with Bao’s passion and frustration. Climate change is explained so brilliantly using wonderful graphics to illustrate what its causes and impact, and to answer some of the questions like -isn’t a good that things are going to be a bit warmer! The journey of this book is being heard, getting adults to understand, getting people and communities to care. In the end it takes her friends, parents and the community to pull together.
The graphics are brilliant, powerfully reinforcing and intensiving the messaging. There are some really special touches that I loved - the Mum bringing veggie hot dogs, the dad’s playlist. At the end of the book we have Bao, Tuva, and Linnea’s guide to being HEARD! which guides us through ways of expressing opinions. This is focused on Norway but netherless has useful advice for everyone. And right at the end there are end papers with different types of leaves and a very special note.
Absolutely fabulous, a timely addition to children’s climate change fiction.
I can’t imagine being a kid now with so many existential threats and adults seemingly oblivious to the need to make changes.. This brilliant graphic novel, longlisted for .. captures this frustration so powerfully. Written and illustrated by Nora Dasnes, it is translated from Norwegian by Lise Laerdal Bryn.
Bao cares deeply about protecting the planet. She is a member of a school committee, she walks everywhere, refuses lifts and talks passionately to her friends and family. Close to her school is a small forest beloved by Bao and her friends. Unfortunately more people need car spaces so the school plans to widen the car park and, to Bao’s horror, to expand into the forest. How can Bao stop this, and why won’t the adults listen to her?
This is an absolutely incredible book. I identified so much with Bao’s passion and frustration. Climate change is explained so brilliantly using wonderful graphics to illustrate what its causes and impact, and to answer some of the questions like -isn’t a good that things are going to be a bit warmer! The journey of this book is being heard, getting adults to understand, getting people and communities to care. In the end it takes her friends, parents and the community to pull together.
The graphics are brilliant, powerfully reinforcing and intensiving the messaging. There are some really special touches that I loved - the Mum bringing veggie hot dogs, the dad’s playlist. At the end of the book we have Bao, Tuva, and Linnea’s guide to being HEARD! which guides us through ways of expressing opinions. This is focused on Norway but netherless has useful advice for everyone. And right at the end there are end papers with different types of leaves and a very special note.
Absolutely fabulous, a timely addition to children’s climate change fiction.
August 1, 2024
In Save Our Forest! by author and illustrator Nora Dåsnes (translated by Lise Lærdal Bryn), Bao and her friends try to save a beloved forest beside their school from being turned into a parking lot. But being 12 years old, the adults don't take Bao seriously. Left with no choice, Bao and friends take matters into their own hands so as to save their forest and make their voices heard.
Save Our Forest! is a story about hope and fighting for what we believe in. Through Bao and friends, children will learn that you’re never too young to make a difference. For older readers, the graphic novel is food for thought on how we could do more to address global warming and climate change. Like Bao’s mum and members of Bao’s school council, so many are either too apathetic, cynical or busy to take concrete actions.
This story stirred up a lot of emotions in me because Bao reminds me of my elder daughter. Like Bao, she, too, is concerned and worried about the future of our world, and I don't think she is the only one in our younger generation who is. It saddens me that children, whom should be excited for what the future holds for them, are instead worried because of the current state of our world. We really need to do better by our children.
Save Our Forest! ends on a hopeful note that we can all still make a difference by speaking up and taking action. I highly recommend this graphic novel to those age 10 and above.
Save Our Forest! is a story about hope and fighting for what we believe in. Through Bao and friends, children will learn that you’re never too young to make a difference. For older readers, the graphic novel is food for thought on how we could do more to address global warming and climate change. Like Bao’s mum and members of Bao’s school council, so many are either too apathetic, cynical or busy to take concrete actions.
This story stirred up a lot of emotions in me because Bao reminds me of my elder daughter. Like Bao, she, too, is concerned and worried about the future of our world, and I don't think she is the only one in our younger generation who is. It saddens me that children, whom should be excited for what the future holds for them, are instead worried because of the current state of our world. We really need to do better by our children.
Save Our Forest! ends on a hopeful note that we can all still make a difference by speaking up and taking action. I highly recommend this graphic novel to those age 10 and above.
August 6, 2024
Save Our Forest is a phenomenal, moving, inspiring, creative, important, valuable, and lesson-filled book! This middle grade graphic novel is a MUST read! It highlights the struggles of fighting for a cause you believe in especially when you are individual with an undervalued voice. From helping those close to you understand the importance of the cause to organizing civil disobedience as a last resort this book goes through every aspect of the fight. This book is both a moving story and a guide to activism. With powerful political activism, youthful humor, strong emotions reverberating throughout, and a main character who is fiercely determined this book packs a powerful punch.
Bao is facing many challenges. Next year she moves to high school, her friends are teasing her about liking a boy, her mother is often busy and Bao doesn't feel heard........but only one thing is on Bao's mind. The climate crisis is changing the landscape of the world and the possibilities of the future yet no one seems to be taking real action. Bao has joined the student council and proposed a plan to reduce her school's carbon footprint. The meeting she has been dreaming of quickly becomes a nightmare when the "grownups" decide to demolish the forest beside the school to build a parking lot. What follows is the tooth and nail fight of a girl who cares enough for everyone, but who must also learn she can't do it all alone.
Bao is facing many challenges. Next year she moves to high school, her friends are teasing her about liking a boy, her mother is often busy and Bao doesn't feel heard........but only one thing is on Bao's mind. The climate crisis is changing the landscape of the world and the possibilities of the future yet no one seems to be taking real action. Bao has joined the student council and proposed a plan to reduce her school's carbon footprint. The meeting she has been dreaming of quickly becomes a nightmare when the "grownups" decide to demolish the forest beside the school to build a parking lot. What follows is the tooth and nail fight of a girl who cares enough for everyone, but who must also learn she can't do it all alone.
January 3, 2025
I recognized Nora Dåsnes's art style when I checked out this book, but I didn't realize that it featured the same characters as her other graphic novel, "Cross My Heart and Never Lie." Even though they're listed as part of the same series, I don't think it's necessary to read "Cross My Heart" before "Save Our Forest!" The cast of characters is the same, but no conflicts carry over from one book to the next, and the protagonist shifts from Tuva in the first book to Bao in this book.
Content-wise, this story is great. The art is as beautiful as ever, and I love how the book is larger than most graphic novels I see, in terms of its height and length. That makes everything easy to read, even the pages that simulate text messages and phone screens, which I often find tricky when they utilize tinier font than the rest of the story.
The plot is good, too. With climate change as the central theme, "Save Our Forest!" stirs up many negative emotions, but there is enough hope mixed in that the final takeaway is inspiring, rather than bleak. I like how Dåsnes portrays Bao's impatience and climate anxiety, and I benefited from seeing these topics explored in a visual format. I look forward to seeing what other graphic novels Dåsnes creates in the future!
Content-wise, this story is great. The art is as beautiful as ever, and I love how the book is larger than most graphic novels I see, in terms of its height and length. That makes everything easy to read, even the pages that simulate text messages and phone screens, which I often find tricky when they utilize tinier font than the rest of the story.
The plot is good, too. With climate change as the central theme, "Save Our Forest!" stirs up many negative emotions, but there is enough hope mixed in that the final takeaway is inspiring, rather than bleak. I like how Dåsnes portrays Bao's impatience and climate anxiety, and I benefited from seeing these topics explored in a visual format. I look forward to seeing what other graphic novels Dåsnes creates in the future!
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