Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

My Dad, the Earth Warrior

Rate this book
One boy.
A geeky dad.
A freak accident!

Dad wakes up from a bump to head claiming to be a Warrior sent to protect Mother Earth - and is soon up against a ruthless energy tycoon.

Hero is forced to go along with Dad's new persona. And when Gran mysteriously disappears, Hero and Dad embark on a dangerous rescue mission.

Can Hero save Gran and his old dad back before it's too late?

My Dad, the Earth Warrior is an extraordinary heart-warming and funny tale of a Dad and son on a thrilling mission to save Mother Earth! It is a story of personal growth, environment and discovering the warrior spirit that lies in all of us.

A funny, heartfelt, quirky middle-grade adventure that will appeal to fans of Frank Contrell-Boyce, Phil Earle and David Walliams.

276 pages, Paperback

Published June 5, 2018

2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Gary Haq

9 books14 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (76%)
4 stars
5 (19%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm).
812 reviews4,215 followers
June 26, 2019
A sports-loving boy and his bookworm dad must overcome their differences to fight an evil energy tycoon in this eco-conscious debut.

Ever since his mum died two years ago, Hero Trough has clung to the idea of attending the World Cup. The thought of seeing his hometown’s star striker play in the football championship has been “a flicker of colour in his grey life” [14], but the game is only weeks away and Dad still hasn’t purchased tickets. When an accident causes Dad to suffer a calamitous concussion, he transforms from a book-obsessed reciter of encyclopedic facts to a loincloth-wearing Earth Warrior determined to save the neighborhood recreation area from a ruthless energy company called Tyranox. Dad’s actions draw the attention of local news outlets and the wrath of Mr. Barnabus Vump, president of Tyranox. Hero’s only hope of saving what’s left of his family lies in recalling facts quoted by his father, facts he thought were too embarrassing to warrant remembrance.

Tackling death, grief, and global warming in one book may sound like a recipe for doom and gloom, but HAQ skillfully infuses every chapter with humor. Dad’s antics are a hoot, and more laughs are gleaned from Hero’s beloved Gran – a world travelling, motorcycle riding activist who delivers one humorous anecdote after another. Click here to continue reading this review on Reedsy Discovery.
Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books194 followers
June 18, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: My Dad, the Earth Warrior
Author: Gary Haq

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 21
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 21 readers:
21 would read another book by this author.
21 thought the cover was good or excellent.
21 felt it was easy to follow.
21 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
21 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
21 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is a fantastic book for introducing the environment and how important it is to protect it to school children. It’s accessible, it’s funny and it’s a good adventure.’ Primary Teacher, aged 47
‘This reminded me of a Roald Dahl book but with a message about how important nature is and how we should try to protect it. I loved the plot and the dad was funny. Hero (cool name) is also a good character. He’s brave and funny.’ Boy, aged 12
‘This author is so imaginative. I loved how he put flooding and climate change into a story but kept it as an exciting adventure too. The writing style is pacey and he’s excellent at describing what’s happening and even the settings.’ Girl, aged 13
‘The relationship between the dad and the boy is so lovely. It’s hilarious too. He sort of puts up with his odd dad but then warms to him over the story.’ Girl, aged 12
‘Best book I read this year!!!’ Boy, aged 11

To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping adventure with a strong environmental message. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Profile Image for Stephanie.
72 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2019
*I received this book free via booktasters in exchange for my honest review. This review contains my honest thoughts and have not been influenced.*

My biggest highlight of the book was the relationship building between Hero and his dad. Hero saw his dad as a boring nerd who didn’t notice him. He then sees him as this weird being who somehow doesn’t realize he is not being himself. After the earthquake, that caused the events leading to his dad’s behavior, Hero slowly realized that maybe he was wrong about his father. He started to figure out that his dad is more than his books and that the loss of his mom, his father’s wife, possibly gave his father. I was happy that the relationship was more than took a an experience, a rescue and a truth serum to bring together. Their relationship isn’t perfect but it does allow the reader “to not judge a book by its cover”.

This book also gave a strong message about caring for the environment. I really enjoyed how the author was able to make it so that a younger audience can definitely learn while they leisurely read. The message was also a real message about the consequences of fracking and is something that was well written into the story line. I was able to receive the message all while still investing in the other components of the story.

This was a good middle grade book and I’ve read quite a couple in the last few months. It was well written, and imaginative. It had pretty good background building – although at times I wasn’t always sure of the location of Leaford. The pictures and word art added a lighter feel to some of the more dramatic parts to the story and gave way to a good storytelling experience.
Profile Image for Elke Silvarain.
Author 1 book3 followers
December 11, 2017
I don’t often read middle-grade fiction, so when I do, it has to be special. And My Dad, the Earth Warrior is definitely special. This is a story with real heart, and the kind of characters that stick with you. Environmentalism is, regrettably, not a topic that is common to this age range, but the author has dealt with it in a very relatable way. At the end of the day, this is a subject that is growing evermore relevant, and this is a book that will make kids think about the bigger things and how they are directly impacted by the greed and ignorance of others. It will make them realise that by finding their courage and taking action, they can prevent bad things from happening. It’s never too early for someone to learn those lessons! But the most endearing characteristic of this story is that it deals with a serious subject in an engaging way. It hits the middle-grade nail on the head: it’s an important lesson that you want to read. There are good guys and bad guys, comedy and misadventure, but there’s also a very human story at its core. It’s laugh-out-loud funny in places, and in others it’s tissues at the ready. With excellent tone, pace and characterisation, it’s the kind of story you read over again.
Profile Image for Teresa Martin.
23 reviews
May 16, 2019
This is the story of a very sympathetic young narrator named Hero, who appears to be the only sensible member of an eccentric family, especially after the death of his beloved mother. The author packs a lot of educational info in between comic book-light humor, which is provided mainly by the well read, but incredibly incompetent Dad.
I was a bit put off by the relentlessly foolish behavior of the "Earth Warrior" Dad, Eddie Trough. It seemed to suggest that environmental activists are out of touch with reality and not to be taken seriously unless you've suffered a concussion. However, the evil behavior and motives of the fracking company owner and local politicians keep the reader cheering for Hero's unpredictable father, and his supportive, adventurous Gran.
The end of the book contains a few chapters of information about climate change and how young readers can become Earth Warriors, themselves. I would have liked the story to have presented Earth Warriors in a more respectful, appealing way that would make young readers want to join in, rather than making them laughable or violent characters.
Overall, the humor, interesting well paced action, and Hero's predicaments will hold the attention of young readers.
1 review
September 18, 2019
I loved this book from start to finish. Although primarily a children's book it is a fun read for adults too. The story line is imaginative and carries you along wanting to know what happens next...how will Hero cope with his Dad's new Earth Warrior persona and the battle against the ruthless energy company and their fracking ambitions.... read on to find out.
The more serious environmental issues are raised sensitively against the background of exploring Hero's relationship with his father following his mother's death, his relationship with his wacky Gran and the support from his best friends Mitzy and Partha.
The book is very well written, has energy and humour and some great word illustrations within which all add up to make it an easy yet compelling read.

I would recommend it to others and look forward to reading Gary Haq's next book....
1 review
August 29, 2018
An original and funny children's book about the changing climate and saving Mother Earth from environmental disasters. It is an true adventure novel that depicts the story of a boring father who turns into a earth warrior, seen from the perspective of the caring and somewhat astonished son. The book also includes a strong message about securing a sustainable world by joining the earth warrior community. It was a pleasure to read, written with a witty tone of voice. Several pages contain words and outcries that are displayed in bold and are displayed in different templates which makes reading even more fun and easy to read.
2 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2018
Incredible! Mr. Haq takes on the the very concerning topic of global warming and our earth and presents a story that is fun, enjoyable and understandable for a youngster. The book is easy to read and is filled with vivid imagery, humorous antics, and creative character. By the end of the book, any child, or adult for that matter, will be motivated to do what they can to help take better care of our global home!
Profile Image for Nana Leelee.
3 reviews
October 5, 2018
My grandchildren loved this book. It is full of humour, exciting in parts and keeps you wanting to turn the next page to find out what has happened.
Extremely enjoyable - would highly recommend this for young children and adults alike!!!
Profile Image for His Wife7474.
135 reviews32 followers
September 4, 2019
This book caught me by surprise but really enjoyed it! My Dad, The Earth Warrior reads like a coming-of-age story for the main character (Hero). It takes readers on an emotional ride, particularly readers who can relate to feeling distant from a parent when growing up. What I loved most about this book is that there are so many lessons for tweens and teens. I don't know if it was the author's intentions, but he managed to capture the erratic- and sometimes volatile- thoughts that can consume children Hero's age....especially children who have experienced trauma. And Haq manages to pull this off while keeping the story pleasant.

I am a HUGE fan of Dr. Bruce Perry and his model of the Six Core Strengths for Healthy Child Development. Hero would be a perfect case study for much of Dr. Perry's work. I wouldn't be surprised if the author was familiar with Dr. Perry's work.

Read this book. If you have a tween or teen, have them read it along with you. I plan to do so with my children.
Profile Image for Kim.
382 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2019
As an American, I had to adjust to "soccer" being referred to as football and some of the English spelling being just a tad bit different, but as a teacher, I felt there was a lot of lessons that could be taught using this book with kids (ages 10-15). The story has a wonderful plot with funny twists and as I mentioned, great lessons to be learned in regards to climate change and how to be the change you want to see. I'd like to see it made into a short film someday, because the visual images that danced in my head were action packed. I especially liked the fun font that was used throughout the book.

I was given this book to read for my honest review for Booktasters, and I positively loved it.
Profile Image for Apurva Khadye.
219 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2019
I loved this book from beginning to end. Sport loving caring kid, his bookworm dad, and eccentric gran put out the best treat for us. When Hero's dad claim to be a earth warrior, they slightly keep their differences aside and work for a best.

Although, it is a children's book, drastic issues are highlighted in truly great manner. Climate change is a threat and we must find ways to protect our mother earth. I am glad I read it. Recommended to everyone.
Profile Image for Sarah.
53 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2020
This book is extremely fun, its the sort of books I would love my children to read because it is full off information in delightful way,  I was lost in the amazingly written plot, well representation of  important environmental problems in simple fun way,really enjoyed it.I am giving it five stars ❤many thanks for the Booktasters and the author Gray Haq.
Profile Image for Kenya Rhodes.
Author 2 books4 followers
May 30, 2020
This was a really fun read and a timely, temporary escape from all that is going on in the world. There was such a balance of interesting characters - a bookworm Dad, a well-traveled and knowledgeable Gran, a few curious teens, and a host of other smaller heroes and villains. The action flowed and I found myself engrossed in that amazing grip of “What’s going to happen next?” Two thumbs up!
Profile Image for Paula Dyches.
855 reviews17 followers
January 10, 2020
This was a really great book for kids about a father and son with a geeky superhero spin. The narration was great and really added to the fun of the story.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Tracy.
6 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I read it as part of @booktasters , and I'm so glad I selected it. I teach 4th graders, and I fully intend to share this story with them. The characters are well-developed and fun. I especially love the use of vocabulary in this book. In a lot of "children's" books, the vocabulary doesn't challenge the readers. This book makes great use of context and language to really engage the reader. Five stars all day!
3 reviews
April 15, 2020
“We have to protect Mother Earth”.
The phrase “We have to protect Mother Earth” which is a take-away of this book, has created a huge impact in me as a ten year old kid of Gen Z!
The story is all about a dad turning in to an earth-warrior and protesting against a local agency which had been irresponsible and causing trouble that would lead to pollution and subsequent deterioration of resources in the locality.
The author Dr Gary Haq, has executed the objective of spreading the message with perfection and precision. The resultant of which had made this story a nail-biting one through-out, right from the start.
Some of the important aspects of the book are that
- The chemistry of environmental gases are imbibed into the reader in a very kid-friendly way.
- The significant aspects/ phrase, art designs, expressions in each page/ paragraph is designed in a very innovative and artistic way sustaining the reader’s excitement.
- The author also provides valuable ideas to conserve Mother Nature, which is one best thing I admire the most about this book.
This book had made me realize that as responsible citizens of this planet, we need to join hands and turn ourselves in to an Earth Warrior to save our Mother Earth.
This book has created a huge and unforgettable impact in me and deserves a whole five out of five stars for its rating (Environmental awareness to kids, knowledge sharing, caring about the reader’s excitement and sustaining the same through-out the story by simple & innovative methods, speaks of current/ necessary issues).
Profile Image for Sapna.
63 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2020
My Dad: The Earth Warrior

This story is about a son named 'Hero' and his geeky Dad's adventure. His dad loses his memory with an accident and becomes an Eco Hippy believing himself a member of a simple society and makes his own tribe in the city of Leaford to save Mother Earth. This story has a heat wave name Bertha, an earthquake name Rocking Rafat.

Why this book is good- It weaves the environmental concern in a funny and beautiful manner in the story and introduces the children to shale gas fracking, climate change, projectile motion, and many other terms adding to their environmental and science awareness. I hope this book get translates into many other local languages and adds to the knowledge of lots of children.

A line- 'But we do not own this land but borrow it from our children. We therefore must protect it so they can enjoy it as we do.'
Profile Image for Kenia Noriega.
9 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2020
I received this book for free by Booktasters in exchange for my honest review:

This story is based in a little boy named Herotodus Trough (Hero for short), he is a sports aficionate with the only ambition in life is to go to a world cup to watch his favorite star play. After his mother’s passing, Hero feels that he no longer belong, not with his family, not anywhere really. His dad (Eddie) is obsessed with a bunch of encyclopedias he enhirited and is very occupied trying to suck all the knowledge he can from them, in my opinion this was dad’s way to deal with his wife death. Next we have Rosangela, Hero’s grandma who he calls “gran”, she travels quite a lot and it’s nothing like a regular grandma. That leaves Hero with his trustworthy two friends Mitzy and Partha with whom he feels somehow connected and appreciated.
After an unfortunate chain of events, an earthquake strikes in Leaford, Hero’s hometown where he lives with his gran and dad, the latter getting hurt in the head by a badly screwed shelf. After a quick check at the ER Hero and his gran are told by the doctor that dad has some kind of amnesia and they have no way of knowing how long it will take to dad to be his old self. Dad became this “earth warrior” naming himself “Terra Firma”, if Hero was ashamed of his old nerd dad, he will be more than ashamed of this new character which pretend to save the mother earth wearing nothing but a loincloth, turninig Hero’s world upside down after flooding Leaford with a rain chant because of an extermy heatwave striking them. This leads to dangerous people knowing about dad and putting at risk their existence. Hero and dad (as Terra firma) will be combining efforts and trying to understand each other for the greater good, this way Hero will begin to understand just how important and perfect his old and nerdy dad was to him. This is a beautiful story that combines the knowledge and tools we need to take care of our mother earth and a perfect example of how your family can be “too imperfect” for you to appreciate it and finally learning and accepting to do so.
Profile Image for Kim Hart.
209 reviews
January 10, 2022
Fantastic eco-story

This is a great read for kids to learn more about the way the earth is changing, how human’s are contributing to that change, and why it’s important to speak up and make a stand.
A very entertaining story with great formatting to really make the words pop. All the characters are a lot of fun, especially adventurous Gran.
Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.