Kids Fight Climate Change: Act now to be a #2minutesuperhero

#2MINUTESUPERHERO #2

by Martin Dorey, Tim Wesson (illustrator)

Kids can help save planet Earth with these positive, climate-focused missions from best-selling author and eco-warrior Martin Dorey.

Our planet is in trouble! But with the help of this book, every kid can be a superhero making a difference. Sixty engaging missions guide readers through making carbon-saving changes in all aspects of their lives, from gardening to gadgets—even a DIY water-saving device for their toilet tank! Aided by lively illustrations, the author weaves crucial climate statistics and helpful resources with stories of positive change already happening, such as the resurgence of the Eurasian beaver due to conservation efforts. Along the way, readers meet other superheroes, both animal and human, who are changing the world too. With advice about speaking up and inspiring others to join in, veteran environmentalist Martin Dorey infuses optimism and encouragement into this essential guide to saving Earth, two minutes at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade

128 pages, Hardcover

Published March 8, 2022

About the author

Martin Dorey is a surfer, writer, beach lover, and anti-plastic activist. He is the author of the best-selling No. More. Plastic. and founder of the Beach Clean Network and the #2minutebeachclean movement. Martin Dorey lives near the sea in Cornwall, England.

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gives information about climate change, and challenges kids to make changes in their daily lives and complete projects to help save the planet. Most of the projects are simple, common-sense things like not wasting water when you brush your teeth, planting trees, respecting animals, and picking up trash on the beach.

However, I was very disappointed in the biased approach of this book. Solar and wind power are presented as "clean" energy, but there is no mention of the terrible waste of turbines and old solar panels that go into landfills and can never be recycled. There were many issues that were completely one-sided, and the whole issue was not addressed. I understand that some things have to be simplified for a children's book, but this felt like a deliberate sweeping under the rug of certain facts.

The author is not an environmental scientist or an expert on climate change. It seemed to me like there is a serious lack of research behind this book. I did NOT find the information to be reliable or accurate.
The author often gives his personal opinion on events or issues instead of relating them impartially.
I would not recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading actual facts about climate change rather than personal opinion and propaganda.

One thing that I really hate in scientific books is when a scientific THEORY is presented as if it were a fact. This is so unethical, and it would be so easy to correct. If only the text said, "One theory about climate change is... etc." But they don't say that. They write as if climate change theories are established empirical facts that have been tested and proven. But they're not. And it is dishonest to present a theory and pretend that it is a fact. It makes me not trust anything else that the book says. If they are misrepresenting one theory, they might be doing it all over the place. How can I trust what is written in this book if they aren't careful to present the information in the correct way?

The artwork is so colorful and attractive. The design of each page is beautifully organized with factoids and bits of information in separate boxes on the page. It makes it easy to read, and it catches your attention.

If only the author had stuck with simple advice about starting a bee hive, planting a garden, saving electricity, and composting kitchen waste, then I would have enjoyed it. But they had to throw in all the biased propaganda and ignore the real issues, and that ruined it for me.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a child who would like to do more for our environment or if you're beginning a class study and project for learning and doing something positive, this book by Martin Dorey, illustrated by Tim Wesson, here's a new book filled to the brim with information and challenges. The intro shares a brief explanation of climate change. Martin introduces himself and explains how to be a #2minutesuperhero. There are sixteen missions, but before starting, there is a pledge of allegiance to planet Earth, a promise to take two minutes every day to help nature. There are rules, added explanations, and the missions begin! Dorey writes in a friendly, conversational manner, inviting with support. Showing with more information how it can be done! There are points to add up at the end, more sources for info. I find it inspirational and doable. For example, Mission #12 is "Fight Climate Change at the Supermarket". It includes topics like food, hidden ingredients, alternate packaging, specific facts about palm oil as an ingredient. One granddaughter already has the family, and me, looking for and NOT purchasing those products that use palm oil. There are alternatives. In easy-to-read, fun cartoon-style drawings that include examples of kids being those #2minutesuperheroes, doing good for planet Earth. Terrific book!
Martin Dorey also wrote Kids Fight Plastic with Tim Wesson illustrating.

Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy.

[Inger · Rating 4 out of 5]

De Nederlandse vertaling van het boek gelezen. Goed boek met een duidelijke uitleg voor kinderen. De challenges zijn verschillend qua moeilijkheid en daarom kan ieder kind er mee aan de slag.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids Fight Climate Change is a full color nonfiction book that teaches kids about climate change and ways to make a difference in the world. The book consists of educational portions followed by “2-minute missions” students can do to gain points throughout the book. For example, in the section about nonrenewable energy versus renewable energy, the 2 minute mission is to find out the answer to this question: “Where does your energy come from? Some companies offer electricity from renewable sources. Talk to your parents or caregivers about it. 30 points.” In total there are 16 missions to fight climate change including “with your (lack of) stuff,” “on your vacation,” “with your money,” “with your voice,” and a bonus mission to fight climate change “with your pen.” At the end of the book, readers can add up their superhero points to see what level of superhero they are. Along the way, they’ll have also learned about a lot of things they can do to help fight the climate emergency!
This beautifully crafted and thoughtfully created nonfiction book will make a perfect gift for any child interested in making a difference. From the point system to the superhero analogies to the fun, cute illustrations, this book is entertaining and engaging and will help readers feel empowered. Recommend!

My one quibble: the book says “do not be sad or afraid…” but it is always better to accept and face our feelings! I wanted a discussion of how to accept and acknowledge eco anxiety.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book take a very serious subject and makes it fun for young children to learn, understand and to do some small things to help save our planet. The book gives a brief overview of climate change and why it is so important for everyone including the very young to get involved. Children get an opportunity to become a superhero activist.

Children learn why the fight matters, they also get to learn about wind turbines, solar power, renewable versus non renewable energy, about not wasting water. There are some 60 different types of small actions and changes to become help in a small way. Although this book is a good introduction for young children to do their part, I thought the information provided about climate change seemed overly simplistic and incomplete - even for the targeted age group here. The illustrations by Tim Wesson are really fun and well done.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of actions kids can do to reduce their impact on the climate. Most steps are common sense and not particularly difficult. The book is gamified, giving points for each challenge completed.

[Sarah Alherran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like it's amazing. gives a lot of info though as a person living away from America most things i can't do or I'm not supposed to do. But if you're willing to read it I TOTALLY AMAZING TO READ AS A QUICK READ!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[dennis Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a few things I didn’t know but also how to use your knowledge. It was great seeing it in the eyes of a child and some useful things to do to make a difference.

[Demi Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originele recensie: https://meerboekenblog.nl/samen-klima...

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SAMENVATTING:
We kunnen niet meer om het thema klimaatverandering heen. De wereld is er dagelijks mee bezig en kinderen krijgen dit ook mee. Martin Dorey schreef eerder al Samen plastic de baas, maar nu heeft hij ook een klimaatverandering versie geschreven. Wederom staan hier veel opdrachten en tips in om de klimaatverandering zoveel mogelijk te beperken.

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WORDT EEN #2MINUTENSUPERHELD
Kinderen krijgen net zoals volwassenen veel te horen over klimaatverandering. Als het niet thuis is, dan horen ze er wel over op TV. Er is veel informatie over te vinden, maar om het wat behapbaarder te maken heeft Martin Dorey er een kinderboek over geschreven.

In Samen klimaatverandering de baas worden kinderen gemotiveerd om over hun eigen verbruik na te denken en krijgen ze tips aangereikt waarmee ze hun verbruik kunnen minderen. Deze tips (maar ook opdrachten) zijn onwijs uiteenlopend en hierdoor zit er voor iedereen wel iets bij. Dit dunne boekje is dan ook zeer geschikt om tijdens lessen met dit thema te gebruiken.

In dit boekje staan ook opdrachten die je alleen of samen met je klas kan uitvoeren. Voor elke opdracht krijg je een bepaald aantal punten. Wie er, bij elkaar opgeteld, de meeste punten heeft, is de #2minutensuperheld. Hoewel ik voorstander ben van kinderen motiveren zelf na te denken over keuzes en gevolgen, vind ik dat een aantal opdrachten en tips in dit kinderboek te vergezocht zijn. In mijn mening horen kinderen nog kind te kunnen blijven, het grote-enge-volwassen leven start immers al vroeg genoeg. Ik vind het daarom te ver gaan om aan kinderen te vragen, het gesprek aan te gaan met hun ouders over het soort energie dat er binnenshuis gebruikt wordt, met als tip om je ouders aan te sturen over te stappen op zonnepanelen. Door hoe Martin Dorey dit beschreven heeft, lijkt het alsof deze stap heel makkelijk te nemen is, uit eigen ervaring weet ik echter dat dit absoluut niet het geval is. Er zijn meer van dit soort adviezen/ opdrachten waar je onwijs veel punten voor kunt krijgen (hoe moeilijker de opdracht -> hoe meer punten) maar die in mijn ogen te lastig of zelfs onmogelijk zijn voor de doelgroep. Laat kinderen alsjeblieft nog even kinderen zijn.

Evenals in Samen plastic de baas worden de teksten van Martin Dorey begeleidt met zeer leuke illustraties gemaakt door Tim Wesson. Zo zijn er bijvoorbeeld een aantal karakters gemaakt die een klein eigen verhaal vertellen, waardoor kinderen hetgeen wat er verteld wordt wellicht wat beter begrijpen. Daarnaast zijn de illustraties simpelweg leuk om naar te kijken en verrijkt het boek zeker.

Hoewel ik nog steeds van mening ben dat het goed is om te praten met kinderen over klimaatverandering en hun eigen keuzes (zij zijn immers de volgende generatie), vind ik dat dit boekje op bepaalde punten té ver gaat en dat is jammer. Het boekje is echter nog steeds zeer geschikt om informatie uit te halen tijdens je thema-lessen en inspiratie op te doen voor opdrachten/ quizes om je eigen wedstrijd mee te maken. Het idee erachter is namelijk goed!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book compels young people to become activists in the fight against climate change with a variety of different activities at different challenge levels that can be done in as little as two minutes.

While I love the idea and the graphics are compelling, I had to give a lower rating because there are no source citations listed. The author is a climate change enthusiast and obviously has the best of intentions - however, he is also (as far as I can tell) not a climate change scientist and without a works cited page to give credit or a degree in the field, I would be hesitant to put this forth as your first choice of materials. Used in conjunction with other materials for reference, though, it could be a strong addition for lessons and projects to get youth involved in this critical area.