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Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope
A collection of 16 remarkable short stories for aspiring teen activists centered on the climate crisis, highlighting how small actions can make Earth sustainable against climate change.
Young adult powerhouse authors such as Erin Entrada Kelly and Jeff Zentner come together in this anthology of speculative, dystopian, and contemporary realistic fiction.
This inspiring collection of sixteen short stories is packed with fascinating characters and settings that illuminate current and possible changes to our planet and how humanity responds.
Included here is prose, verse, and personal essays from a wide range of authors diverse in ethnic background, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. A few tales:
–Shayta cares for a tiny green plant in a futuristic world where Earth has become a barren, over-farmed landscape fraught with dirt storms.
–Hana and her father travel by catamaran to the farthest place from land in the entire world—only to discover a giant, floating carcass of trash and a few other surprises.
–William and his family want to protect an endangered fish from a potential dam on a river that’s flowed through their land for generations . . .
There’s also a section where readers can find concrete and practical steps to help curtail the global climate crisis, including resources specific for every story. There’s even a section specifically “For the Severely Overwhelmed.”
This young adult anthology cultivates deep hope and stunning resilience—what we all need in order to make life on Earth more sustainable for us all.
Young adult powerhouse authors such as Erin Entrada Kelly and Jeff Zentner come together in this anthology of speculative, dystopian, and contemporary realistic fiction.
This inspiring collection of sixteen short stories is packed with fascinating characters and settings that illuminate current and possible changes to our planet and how humanity responds.
Included here is prose, verse, and personal essays from a wide range of authors diverse in ethnic background, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. A few tales:
–Shayta cares for a tiny green plant in a futuristic world where Earth has become a barren, over-farmed landscape fraught with dirt storms.
–Hana and her father travel by catamaran to the farthest place from land in the entire world—only to discover a giant, floating carcass of trash and a few other surprises.
–William and his family want to protect an endangered fish from a potential dam on a river that’s flowed through their land for generations . . .
There’s also a section where readers can find concrete and practical steps to help curtail the global climate crisis, including resources specific for every story. There’s even a section specifically “For the Severely Overwhelmed.”
This young adult anthology cultivates deep hope and stunning resilience—what we all need in order to make life on Earth more sustainable for us all.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2026
About the author
Nora Shalaway Carpenter
10 books115 followersNora Shalaway Carpenter's novels and anthologies have been named "Best of the Year" by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, Bank Street Books, and A Mighty Girl, and have won accolades including the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, the Whippoorwill Award for authentic rural fiction, and the Nautilus Award championing "better books for a better world." She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and serves as faculty for the Highlights Foundation's Whole Novel Workshop and Intro to Short Fiction class. Learn more at noracarpenterwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 7, 2025
When we see something from several different angles and it looks the same each way, we are probably seeing it accurately. This realization about climate change is the focus of Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope, edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter, published for young readers by Charlesbridge Teen.
Most of the selections are near-future realistic, but some have sci-fi or fantasy elements. The effects of climate change create dramatic situations, so the plotlines involve conditions related to water, heat, agriculture, and other natural elements. Each story also has a dimension of hope activated by young people living in dystopian environments caused by apathy, politics, ignorance, or greed.
In addition to prose fiction, Onward also includes other reading formats, including excellent short stories in verse by Jeff Zentner and Padma Venkatraman. Xelena Gonzalez’s essay “The World Within” is brilliantly placed in the middle of the collection, as it reflects back on the pieces in the first half and shapes a reader’s mindset for what follows.
One of Carpenter’s strengths as an anthologist is bringing together well-known and emerging authors. It’s no surprise that stories by Heather Dean Brewer, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Carpenter’s own contribution are strong selections, but each of Carpenter’s anthologies has led me to investigate other writing by at least one newer writer included in its pages. After reading Onward, I’m eager to find more by Karina Iceberg and Rachel Hylton!
Interestingly, several of the selections refer to our own time as Before. Let that sink in. The young activists in Onward provide hope by showing the actions and attitudes we can all deploy to delay or possibly avoid After.
I highly recommend Onward for young readers and those who guide book choices for those readers. Click here for the excellent free educator's guide provided by Charlesbridge Teen.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
Most of the selections are near-future realistic, but some have sci-fi or fantasy elements. The effects of climate change create dramatic situations, so the plotlines involve conditions related to water, heat, agriculture, and other natural elements. Each story also has a dimension of hope activated by young people living in dystopian environments caused by apathy, politics, ignorance, or greed.
In addition to prose fiction, Onward also includes other reading formats, including excellent short stories in verse by Jeff Zentner and Padma Venkatraman. Xelena Gonzalez’s essay “The World Within” is brilliantly placed in the middle of the collection, as it reflects back on the pieces in the first half and shapes a reader’s mindset for what follows.
One of Carpenter’s strengths as an anthologist is bringing together well-known and emerging authors. It’s no surprise that stories by Heather Dean Brewer, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Carpenter’s own contribution are strong selections, but each of Carpenter’s anthologies has led me to investigate other writing by at least one newer writer included in its pages. After reading Onward, I’m eager to find more by Karina Iceberg and Rachel Hylton!
Interestingly, several of the selections refer to our own time as Before. Let that sink in. The young activists in Onward provide hope by showing the actions and attitudes we can all deploy to delay or possibly avoid After.
I highly recommend Onward for young readers and those who guide book choices for those readers. Click here for the excellent free educator's guide provided by Charlesbridge Teen.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
February 1, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC! Onward is a wonderful idea and a perfectly balanced mix of short stories. There’s stories about the past, the present, the future. Stories that lean more into the fantasy genre, others more toward the romance or sci fi. It also tackles a nice variety of issues and every story show small, easy gestures that anyone can start doing to help our dear earth. It isn’t a “we’re all doom” kind of book. It doesn’t shy away from the terrible future we will be facing if we don’t do anything, but it’s also hopeful and tell us that if we do something we can still slow things down. It is a love letter to nature and I really think many people will love it.
For my rating now, it’s not because it was bad or anything, I just often have trouble with anthology because I love some stories and dislikes others and I think that like the variety between everything in this book, there’s also a variety of qualities between the stories, which is to be expected. Even though it didn’t keep my interest the whole time, I still recommend it!
For my rating now, it’s not because it was bad or anything, I just often have trouble with anthology because I love some stories and dislikes others and I think that like the variety between everything in this book, there’s also a variety of qualities between the stories, which is to be expected. Even though it didn’t keep my interest the whole time, I still recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm not normally drawn to short stories, but I requested this due to my familiarity with several of the authors and my interest in climate stories. Then, I devoured this collection in two days as each story was absolutely incredible.
The authors of these stories do a great job of bringing unique voices to the issues related to climate change. The issues depicted are ones that are scientists predict, and the authors expertly weaved in these science issues into fictional stories. As a scientist (and a college professor), I really am in awe of these writers! I also appreciate that the stories never felt academic or repetitive.
While the entire collection was great, there were several stories that really stood out to me.
Stories by authors I was already familiar with...
"The Care and Feeding of Mother" by Erin Entrada Kelly which I found to be a super unique story, and I thought this was a great way to open the collection! I've loved Zentner's writing for years, and his story-in-verse "Tellico Lake" gorgeously described an area of TN where my ancestors lived. "Armadillo by Morning" written by Nora Shallaway Carpenter explored animal-human interactions in a way that my students would definitely relate to, and the characters felt so real.
Stories by authors who were new to me...
"The Manatee Is Not a Meme" by Gloria Munoz covered endangered species but also explored young people finding their voice. After growing up in Florida, this was an especially poignant story. "Seguimos Aqui" by M Garcia Pena, "A Trashy Love Story" by Sarah Aronson, and "Water is Life" by Heather Dean Brewer were also standout stories for me.
I'll be buying a copy of this book to use in my class, and I will definitely be looking up other writings by these authors!
The authors of these stories do a great job of bringing unique voices to the issues related to climate change. The issues depicted are ones that are scientists predict, and the authors expertly weaved in these science issues into fictional stories. As a scientist (and a college professor), I really am in awe of these writers! I also appreciate that the stories never felt academic or repetitive.
While the entire collection was great, there were several stories that really stood out to me.
Stories by authors I was already familiar with...
"The Care and Feeding of Mother" by Erin Entrada Kelly which I found to be a super unique story, and I thought this was a great way to open the collection! I've loved Zentner's writing for years, and his story-in-verse "Tellico Lake" gorgeously described an area of TN where my ancestors lived. "Armadillo by Morning" written by Nora Shallaway Carpenter explored animal-human interactions in a way that my students would definitely relate to, and the characters felt so real.
Stories by authors who were new to me...
"The Manatee Is Not a Meme" by Gloria Munoz covered endangered species but also explored young people finding their voice. After growing up in Florida, this was an especially poignant story. "Seguimos Aqui" by M Garcia Pena, "A Trashy Love Story" by Sarah Aronson, and "Water is Life" by Heather Dean Brewer were also standout stories for me.
I'll be buying a copy of this book to use in my class, and I will definitely be looking up other writings by these authors!
July 9, 2026
Anthologies are hard to rate, and I won't go through each contribution individually, but a few thoughts:
- This is somehow not the first but the second time Gloria Muñoz has made me cry over manatees (if you haven't read This Is the Year, you're missing out).
- Between this and Sunrise Nights, I've determined that Jeff Zentner has a talent for tugging at my heartstrings, which makes me both curious and emotionally apprehensive to check out his other work.
- I would kill for a novel-length exploration of Rachel Hylton's story, which I think was well-placed as the very last contribution. (But as a short story, it still worked very well, which I think is part of the magic, so maybe be careful what you wish for.) Karina Iceberg's worldbuilding was similarly intriguing enough to make me want a full book.
- Shoutout to Sarah Aronson for the deeply niche setting of Millbury, MA. I dismissed it as a random fictional town until the references to Worcester and Westboro. Central MA nation, rise up.
Anyway, I guess that's all for now. I'd been dying to dive into this for ages, but am glad I chose to spread it out and read it slowly over the course of a week. It helped give each story time to breathe.
- This is somehow not the first but the second time Gloria Muñoz has made me cry over manatees (if you haven't read This Is the Year, you're missing out).
- Between this and Sunrise Nights, I've determined that Jeff Zentner has a talent for tugging at my heartstrings, which makes me both curious and emotionally apprehensive to check out his other work.
- I would kill for a novel-length exploration of Rachel Hylton's story, which I think was well-placed as the very last contribution. (But as a short story, it still worked very well, which I think is part of the magic, so maybe be careful what you wish for.) Karina Iceberg's worldbuilding was similarly intriguing enough to make me want a full book.
- Shoutout to Sarah Aronson for the deeply niche setting of Millbury, MA. I dismissed it as a random fictional town until the references to Worcester and Westboro. Central MA nation, rise up.
Anyway, I guess that's all for now. I'd been dying to dive into this for ages, but am glad I chose to spread it out and read it slowly over the course of a week. It helped give each story time to breathe.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There are few problems more important for our youth to study than climate and climate change, global warming, and protecting the Earth. Devastation from hurricanes, wildfires, and floods affect countless people—and wildlife—in a variety of ways.
This collection truly offers an effective way for our youth to study, discuss, and think about climate changes and the role they can take in working to make changes and build a more hopeful future for our planet.
The sixteen stories offer a variety of genres—sci-fi, futuristic, historic, essay, romance—that will appeal to different readers. There are stories about displaced or endangered species, worlds with manufactured “nature,” eminent domain, ways to protest, trash as pollution and trash as treasure, and environmental warriors. Written in a variety of formats by diverse authors—some of my favorites and some new to me—featuring diverse characters, these stories bring the challenges we are facing alive—as story does and would engage a variety of readers. Read in Story Clubs, small groups can read a story or two and, in the safe space Text Clubs can provide, hold important conversations. Clubs can then conduct research into the problem presented in their stories and then share with their class. This anthology would be a valuable supplement to a science class text or could provide interdisciplinary lessons for English-Science collaborations.
This collection truly offers an effective way for our youth to study, discuss, and think about climate changes and the role they can take in working to make changes and build a more hopeful future for our planet.
The sixteen stories offer a variety of genres—sci-fi, futuristic, historic, essay, romance—that will appeal to different readers. There are stories about displaced or endangered species, worlds with manufactured “nature,” eminent domain, ways to protest, trash as pollution and trash as treasure, and environmental warriors. Written in a variety of formats by diverse authors—some of my favorites and some new to me—featuring diverse characters, these stories bring the challenges we are facing alive—as story does and would engage a variety of readers. Read in Story Clubs, small groups can read a story or two and, in the safe space Text Clubs can provide, hold important conversations. Clubs can then conduct research into the problem presented in their stories and then share with their class. This anthology would be a valuable supplement to a science class text or could provide interdisciplinary lessons for English-Science collaborations.
February 24, 2026
I always find it difficult to review short stories anthologies as there is so much variety in these (yes, I know, that’s the point). But what every single one of these story made me feel, it’s empowerment and hope.
It is a YA book, and I loved the foreword about targeting this audience. However, even as someone who isn’t at all a teen anymore, I found strength and hope along the pages. Each story is powerful, but put together it enlights how tiny actions can change everything, how a desperate situation can turn into something —maybe— manageable. As I said, every short story has its own voice, and I love that too as it will speak to everyone, no matter their sensibilities.
If, like me, you feel overwhelmed and powerless in our current world, I can’t recommend Onward enough. That was just the book I needed these days, and I’ll for sure revisit it in the future.
Thank you to Charlesbridge Teen for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
It is a YA book, and I loved the foreword about targeting this audience. However, even as someone who isn’t at all a teen anymore, I found strength and hope along the pages. Each story is powerful, but put together it enlights how tiny actions can change everything, how a desperate situation can turn into something —maybe— manageable. As I said, every short story has its own voice, and I love that too as it will speak to everyone, no matter their sensibilities.
If, like me, you feel overwhelmed and powerless in our current world, I can’t recommend Onward enough. That was just the book I needed these days, and I’ll for sure revisit it in the future.
Thank you to Charlesbridge Teen for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was given an advance copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book, some stories more than others. I initially requested a copy because I saw that Jeff Zentner wrote one of the stories and he is one of my favorite authors.
The subtitle states that the stories are climate fiction, but I would argue that they are more about saving the earth, as some of them have nothing to do with climate. As I said, some of the stories are better than others. Some are really well written and creative, and others are a bit dry and written in a very juvenile way.
This book would be good for students who are learning about Earth science or climate change. Overall, I enjoyed the book
I enjoyed this book, some stories more than others. I initially requested a copy because I saw that Jeff Zentner wrote one of the stories and he is one of my favorite authors.
The subtitle states that the stories are climate fiction, but I would argue that they are more about saving the earth, as some of them have nothing to do with climate. As I said, some of the stories are better than others. Some are really well written and creative, and others are a bit dry and written in a very juvenile way.
This book would be good for students who are learning about Earth science or climate change. Overall, I enjoyed the book
October 23, 2025
Any collection that features a contribution by Jeff Zentner is destined to be powerful. This short story compilation written for young readers features topics, characters, and language that will resonate with the intended audience.
Never preachy; always topical, each author brings a distinct voice to the pressing issue of climate change. Denied by some, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, future generations will be living with the effects of current policies.
This is an important and compelling collection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge Teen for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Never preachy; always topical, each author brings a distinct voice to the pressing issue of climate change. Denied by some, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, future generations will be living with the effects of current policies.
This is an important and compelling collection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge Teen for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
A great collection of really strong stories! Recommended for the variety of climate crisis issues that impact us now and in the future. I enjoyed the stories by Gloria Muñoz (Go, Esperanza! Beat back the Chads of the world!); Sarah Aronson (Get the kiss!); Erin Entrada Kelly (a seed grows!); and Nora Shalaway Carpenter's armadillo story (I love a good problem solver).
And I was introduced to new-to-me authors whose stories were so affecting: Karina Iceberg about wildfires; Kim Johnson's apocalyptic story of finding water; and M. Garcia Peña's scary story about commercialized water.
And I was introduced to new-to-me authors whose stories were so affecting: Karina Iceberg about wildfires; Kim Johnson's apocalyptic story of finding water; and M. Garcia Peña's scary story about commercialized water.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
really interesting set of cli-fi works, some of which were fantasy or sci-fi and all of which were really effective. the Rin Chupeco work was one of my favorite ones in the set, but they were all really good throughout. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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August 12, 2026
While some stories were really impactful and relatable, some of them had high-fantasy elements which I always struggle to relate with. Seems like fantasy diluted the severity of the issues related to climate change for me.
October 8, 2026
I enjoyed this a lot. Like always when I read an anthology, there were some stories I enjoyed more than others, but overall I think this is interesting and engaging and a good intro to climate fic for teens.
July 1, 2026
Such a powerful collection! Should be read by high schoolers and college students. There is hope, but we have to work together!
September 21, 2026
Any book bringing attention to our climate crisis is a winner in my opinion. The best short story was written by my friend!
January 27, 2026
I appreciate the premise of this anthology. Climate Anxiety is a real thing, and I know many students are concerned about their future and the future of our Earth. This collection includes short stories told by sixteen different YA authors, and I gave several of them a 5-star rating. My favourites include The Care and Feeding of Mothier (dystopian), Armadillo by Morning (realistic fiction), One Piece at a Time (novel in verse), Critobis (fantasy), The Divining (dystopian), Water is Life (dystopian) and A Trashy Love Story (romance). Such diverse topics and genres! Also included are memoirs and magical realism stories. Some are sad, some are shocking, all are hopeful. I would recommend this anthology for upper middle grade to young adult, and I already have pre-ordered copies for our high schools. Thanks to NetGalley, the authors and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
July 13, 2026
the care and feeding of mother - 4.5
the manatee is not a meme - 4.5
tellico lake - 4
armadillo by morning - 5
worldfall - 4
one piece at a time - 5
graveyard for the sky - 4
blue glass - 4.5
the world within - 4.5
critobis - 4
seguimos aqui - 4.5
the divining - 4
a trashy love story - 4
water is life - 4.5
the great tree - 4
the stealth arborist - 4
the manatee is not a meme - 4.5
tellico lake - 4
armadillo by morning - 5
worldfall - 4
one piece at a time - 5
graveyard for the sky - 4
blue glass - 4.5
the world within - 4.5
critobis - 4
seguimos aqui - 4.5
the divining - 4
a trashy love story - 4
water is life - 4.5
the great tree - 4
the stealth arborist - 4
August 10, 2026
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews