A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis

by Meera Subramanian, Danica Novgorodoff (Illustrator)

Genres: Graphic Novels

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Steff Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have somewhat mixed feelings about Meera Subramanian and Danica Novgorodoff’s A Better World Is Possible.

Largely, I think the formatting and, perhaps more importantly, the pacing were not for me. I honestly didn’t care at all for the organizational structure in which this book was presented and would have much preferred one that began and focused more on education about the climate crisis and then ended with the personal experiences of the authors and people they knew. Interspersing those stories throughout while “interluding” the educational aspects of this topic made the read feel clunky and disjointed.

Now, I can fully recognize that this might be a me problem—but I also know that I will not be the only person to feel that way.

This does not undermine, fully, the importance of the information that is presented and the degree to which this book could support someone’s understanding of climate change and supplement their journey toward building this better world. I think there are many who will find this read immeasurably impactful, even if I am not one of them. Thus, I’m sort of left appreciating this book for existing, but also recognizing that I am not a good audience for it. With that, as an educator, this is one of those reads that I’d probably curate specifically for students I imagine will benefit from access to it.

I definitely appreciated the beautiful artwork throughout; it’s definitely the shining star of the book for me.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I know this book is not being released until March of 2026, but I was so blown away, I couldn’t wait to review it! A Better World is possible is a graphic novel dispatch that channels teenage climate organizers is energizing instead of preachy. The youth-led POV packages heavy science into accessible panels.

A Better World is Possible introduces several people, who became activists in their teens. There are flashbacks as well as current events to tell the narrative. There are scientists and climatologists, as well as public figures. Each describes a different part of the climate crisis through text and illustrations.

My kids all understand the climate crisis, yet many of their friends don’t. The evidence shown in this book for youth leaves little doubt that the planet is in serious trouble, mainly from industrialized nations like the United States and China. More importantly, the book tells the reader the many different ways they can help. I can see that this is an important climate change graphic “novel” that should be ordered for public and school libraries.

[Robbie]

The start of this graphic novel is a little confusing. It introduces all the main characters. Then, it starts with the first character in 2019. The timeline goes to the past after three pages. Then it connects with another person and goes back in time a few pages later. However, once further in the book, the information flows, and the interludes help a lot with specific information.

The graphics are beautiful, whether full page or cut up into portions on the page. The advice at the end of the book should help young adults (high school, college, and beyond) to take small actions without worrying that they can't do everything. At the end of the book is a lovely set of recommendations to read, listen, watch, play, and get involved.

My favorite quote used on page 201: "Every single action is a raindrop. They flow together, becoming a force as unstoppable as that of gravity. Remember that water has the power to cut through rock."

I will be purchasing this for my high school.

I received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Matthew Noe]

Booklist review pending