Earth Heroes: 20 Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World

by Lily Dyu

When faced with climate change, the biggest threat that our planet has ever confronted, it's easy to feel as if nothing you do can really make a difference . . . but this book proves that individual people can change the world. With twenty inspirational stories celebrating the pioneering work of a selection of Earth Heroes from all around the globe, from Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough to Yin Yuzhen and Isatou Ceesay, each tale is a beacon of hope in the fight for the future of our planet, proving that one person, no matter how small, can make a difference. Featuring Amelia Telford, Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, Bittu Sahgal, Chewang Norphel, David Attenborough, Doug Smith, Ellen MacArthur, Greta Thunberg, Isabel Soares, Isatou Ceesay, Marina Silva, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, Mohammed Rezwan, Renee King-Sonnen, Rok Rozman, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Stella McCartney, William Kamkwamba, Yin Yuzhen and Yvon Chouinard. Featuring illustrations by Jackie Lay.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Middle Grade, Biography, Childrens, Science

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2019

Reviews

[✨ kathryn ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
(Note that this book is actually 242 pages long, but the only options on Goodreads mark it as 272 pages)
Such a humbling and inspiring book that's filled with compassion and anger (the good kind, though). Definitely hit my emotions quite hard - it's crazy to think about how little some people care for our planet and think that it's totally invincible. Could have easily continued reading about earth heroes for another 200 pages (hint hint Lily Dyu), but I'm feeling inspired to continue on my journey to a more ethical, plastic-free life now.

[Mrs Reddy Mallender-Katzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SECOND REVIEW: .. read this in just a morning, took notes to look up on the net later - am proudly passing it onto friends for their children who also have the Illustrated version. MY FAVOITE chapter is the one on a Chinese Woman planting trees to halt desertification in her area inspiring many many more tree growers !


FIRST REVIEW: I am on the verge of reading this Beautiful Fascinating book a second time ALREADY - this time with a pen and paper to take notes of names and charities so i can look them up on the internet ! This book should be in every childs collection to grow up with !!

[Jessica Rix · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was quite boring and I didn't really like it.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating coverage of 20 people who have dedicated their lives to saving the environment through active and committed action. Areas of interest are widespread - from animal conversation to dealing with pollution, problem solving the effects of a changing climate, and standing up to corporations and governments to drive change.
this collection of nonfiction stories of people who ahve and who are currently tackling world problems is written in clear and accessible prose. Each hero is introduced with a black and white illustration and quote and a byline that captures the focus of the activism.
For example:
Greta Thunburg: “We can’t save the world by playing by the rules … the rules have to change.”
Amelia Telford: “Imagine a world where the lives of all people are valued equally … to change everything, we need everyone.”
William Kamkwamba: “The climate crisis will not be solved by a single big idea. It will be solved by everyday people working both on their own and together.”
There is a good representation of the famous people that many young readers will be familiar with and others not so well known - people making a difference and fighting for the survival of our planet

This is an inspiring collection with a clear message to the youth of the world that the future is in their hands and every action can make a difference. This positive stance is very important to engage our youth in climate change issues from a problem solving perspective rather than one of despair. Note that a more recent edition has been published in a picture book format with colored pages and illustrations which does make the quite dense coverage easier to digest.

[Dana Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains the stories of people who are trying to change the world by helping the environment, fighting climate change and campaigning for a better tomorrow. My class have really enjoyed finding out about the different people in the book and their stories
They were also shocked by how young some of the people were when they first made a difference

[Anna Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational stories from people around the world helping to save the planet. I really enjoyed this and was introduced to a lot of new figures I hadn’t heard of before. A lot of the people making changes are young which I think will be very inspiring for students.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book which neatly summarises the efforts of some remarkable people in a very accessible way. It’s a perfect ‘coffee table book’ which can inspire a reader in the space of five minutes and would be well placed in libraries, schools and waiting rooms across the globe.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So inspiring! I’m planning to use it with my students.

[Lily Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspirational to say the least

[Cyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book to inspire my 11 year old cousin to be an Earth Hero. Its worked on me, so fingers crossed

[TheSalmaZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What incredible stories! Very inspiring and lovely to read.