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We the Future
I’m from the future. We need you.
Ever since he learned about climate change, Jonah has dreaded a weather-beaten future where not even his asthma medication can save him. Luckily, a girl from that future arrives just in time to throw Jonah a lifeline.
Sunny traveled back to the 2020s with a mission: help Jonah launch a climate strike big enough to rewrite history. To do it, he’ll have to recruit his entire school before Halloween. Why so soon? Sunny won’t say. But how can Jonah win over 600 classmates when the only thing he dreads more than the end of the world is talking to other kids?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
5 people are currently reading
2044 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 14, 2022
Engaging and empowering the generation of humans who will be most affected by climate change is so important and this middle-grade book does an incredible job of doing just that. Couched in a fast-paced adventure story with unlikely heroes, the importance of collective action and individual superpowers, and the urgency of the climate crisis are clearly illustrated in a digestible, actionable game plan. I'm really excited to see this book fall into the hands of kids who might otherwise feel like they are inheriting a mess (they are) that they are powerless to stop. This book has the potential to empower and ignite them.
March 15, 2023
4,5
This is a great book, and even more, it is important.
In this middle grade story, we follow Jonah as he plans a grand revolution in the name of climate change.
He gets help from someone from the future, which gives this adventurous and rebellious story even more oomph.
I loved this book, and think every 13-year-old should read it.
I think a lot of children would identify with the themes in this book, and it brings into words lots of things to worry about and how you can start fighting them.
A very cleverly set up story that teaches a lot, but is also so adventurous that it made for an interesting book.
This is a great book, and even more, it is important.
In this middle grade story, we follow Jonah as he plans a grand revolution in the name of climate change.
He gets help from someone from the future, which gives this adventurous and rebellious story even more oomph.
I loved this book, and think every 13-year-old should read it.
I think a lot of children would identify with the themes in this book, and it brings into words lots of things to worry about and how you can start fighting them.
A very cleverly set up story that teaches a lot, but is also so adventurous that it made for an interesting book.
November 20, 2022
First of all, thanks at Netgalley for letting me read this book in advance!
Holy shit.
I just finished this and I'm just utterly speechless. This might be one of the most important books there is on this entire planet and I won't shut up about this before not everyone has read this. In fact, this is so important, I just feel like calling the center of education and requesting it HAS to be a required read at EVERY SCHOOL. This book pictures the climate crisis so well - Enormously severe and being the business of everyone of us. And if we don't care, it will kill us sooner or later. What this book did is show what will happen if we don't care, and that small things like turning of the light when you leave the room, just won't be enough and won't cut it. Through this book about this insanely important book we have an amazingly diverse cast of characters, all with their quirks and strengths which makes this even better. For the love of God, I will NEVER stop recommending this
Holy shit.
I just finished this and I'm just utterly speechless. This might be one of the most important books there is on this entire planet and I won't shut up about this before not everyone has read this. In fact, this is so important, I just feel like calling the center of education and requesting it HAS to be a required read at EVERY SCHOOL. This book pictures the climate crisis so well - Enormously severe and being the business of everyone of us. And if we don't care, it will kill us sooner or later. What this book did is show what will happen if we don't care, and that small things like turning of the light when you leave the room, just won't be enough and won't cut it. Through this book about this insanely important book we have an amazingly diverse cast of characters, all with their quirks and strengths which makes this even better. For the love of God, I will NEVER stop recommending this
June 16, 2024
I decided to ask my 13-year-old for some book recommendations. This was the first one. She is passionate about learning about and finding ways to stop climate change. I admire her and was excited to read one of her favorite books.
I was not disappointed. This is an engaging and fast-paced story about a group of kids trying to figure out how to go beyond slacktivism and other actions that are largely symbolic but do not do much to solve the problem. It’s inspiring and encouraging. Though the cynic in me wonders if we can get enough politicians and powerful folks on board in the real world to make any sort of change.
Overall, a great read.
I was not disappointed. This is an engaging and fast-paced story about a group of kids trying to figure out how to go beyond slacktivism and other actions that are largely symbolic but do not do much to solve the problem. It’s inspiring and encouraging. Though the cynic in me wonders if we can get enough politicians and powerful folks on board in the real world to make any sort of change.
Overall, a great read.
February 10, 2023
This is the book that our students need right now! It really doesn't pull any punches. It's fast paced and super fun for a book about such a serious topic. I see my students in a lot of these characters, and the diversity in this book really sends the message that we're all in this fight together. We need all our voices and a healthy planet is for all of us!
March 8, 2024
We The Future is a fantastic middle grade story that seamlessly weaves climate change activism with futuristic time travel. The asthmatic main character is relatable and fun! The band of characters are a delight to see come together to unite for the good of the entire world. Lewis' debut novel gives off Back to the Future and Doctor Who vibes, which are perfect for the SFF kiddos and adults in your life. You will not be disappointed with this fun plot and heartwarming characters. Caution, though, because it WILL make you want your own time travel watch. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC to review. I loved every minute in this story!
September 28, 2024
This thoughtful YA novel is a "call to arms" for climate protection. The main character, middle school Jonah, is shy, asthmatic, and friendless, so an unlikely hero. But a timely intervention leads him to discover his true self and to action that could save the planet.
As a 70+ woman I don't usually read YA, and read this because it was written by the son of a friend. But the writing is witty, the action is fast-moving, and the plot is compelling. I passed it along to hubby to read and I know he will enjoy it also!
As a 70+ woman I don't usually read YA, and read this because it was written by the son of a friend. But the writing is witty, the action is fast-moving, and the plot is compelling. I passed it along to hubby to read and I know he will enjoy it also!
March 28, 2023
A time-traveling book about climate change? Umm, yes please! This fast-paced novel drives home a critical message: everyone has the power to alter the world. A wide audience will relate to the diverse cast of characters, and even adult readers will be inspired as the kids work together to rally for change. An important, thrilling, and timely read for all ages, WE THE FUTURE will appeal to kids with a passion for climate activism or who love their adventure stories with a side of science. A must-read for middle grade audiences which will encourage excellent discussions at home and in classroom settings.
The verdict: READ THIS BOOK!
The verdict: READ THIS BOOK!
January 7, 2023
Thank you so much to Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Jonah is worried about his future, climate change is taking affect and he worries that even his asthma medications won’t work in a future world. Then Sunny comes from the future on a mission to get Jonah to convince his entire school to take climate change seriously, but that’s his worst nightmare talking to people.
This is a very clever and creative story, with one character Jonah already struggling and dealing with what may come from climate change, worried his future might be really bad. Then bringing in a character Sunny from the future to try and set things right before it’s too late. I really love the creativity of it and it’s going to appeal to so many younger kids.
There are so many twists in the story, it’s an action packed adventure. The characters Jonah and Sunny are really likeable and you will be connected and be rooting for them the whole time. We meet a group of really unique and diverse kids through the book. It showcases that everyone has a special superpower that even the most unlikely people can do something to help make a change.
The story is really relevant to the world we live in today, most children are so active with climate change and trying to change it, this book is perfect for furthering their education on it. It’s a perfect book for schools that want to teach it. It also provides tips on how and what to do to make these changes, sharing what is best to do.
I think this a book that children would really enjoy, it’s got so many elements to it that is perfect for them. It’s got great characters, it’s thought out, it’s got a really fun storyline, lots of twists and lots of adventure.
Jonah is worried about his future, climate change is taking affect and he worries that even his asthma medications won’t work in a future world. Then Sunny comes from the future on a mission to get Jonah to convince his entire school to take climate change seriously, but that’s his worst nightmare talking to people.
This is a very clever and creative story, with one character Jonah already struggling and dealing with what may come from climate change, worried his future might be really bad. Then bringing in a character Sunny from the future to try and set things right before it’s too late. I really love the creativity of it and it’s going to appeal to so many younger kids.
There are so many twists in the story, it’s an action packed adventure. The characters Jonah and Sunny are really likeable and you will be connected and be rooting for them the whole time. We meet a group of really unique and diverse kids through the book. It showcases that everyone has a special superpower that even the most unlikely people can do something to help make a change.
The story is really relevant to the world we live in today, most children are so active with climate change and trying to change it, this book is perfect for furthering their education on it. It’s a perfect book for schools that want to teach it. It also provides tips on how and what to do to make these changes, sharing what is best to do.
I think this a book that children would really enjoy, it’s got so many elements to it that is perfect for them. It’s got great characters, it’s thought out, it’s got a really fun storyline, lots of twists and lots of adventure.
April 15, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, TBRBeyondTours and North Star Editions, Jolly Fish Press for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
"Grown ups called it climate-change, the most boring name for the End Of The World As We Know It."
This book made me lough out loud and cry at the same time. Lough because Jonah was a hilarious character. A lively character with fears, dreams..oh, and asthma attacks that might kill him. Or Not. And cry because I fully understood that Earth IS dying. And WE are fully responsible.
I know. Worst. Future. Ever.
"Our families are from Carbon Hill, Puerto Rico, New Delhi. We are superheroes, revolutionaries, and astronauts.
Read this book if you want to read about an amazing group of friends, trying to save the future of the world. This was an important lesson Cliff Lewis gave me through this book. We shouldn't try to save the world, for now. If we want our kids to have a future, we should do this by saving the future for them.
After all, as Cliff Lewis said in Acknowledgments section (yeah I'm that person that reads them and cries, get over it!) we can save the future, but we can't do it alone.
For more info about climate change groups visit heyclifflewis.com/start.
"Grown ups called it climate-change, the most boring name for the End Of The World As We Know It."
This book made me lough out loud and cry at the same time. Lough because Jonah was a hilarious character. A lively character with fears, dreams..oh, and asthma attacks that might kill him. Or Not. And cry because I fully understood that Earth IS dying. And WE are fully responsible.
I know. Worst. Future. Ever.
"Our families are from Carbon Hill, Puerto Rico, New Delhi. We are superheroes, revolutionaries, and astronauts.
Read this book if you want to read about an amazing group of friends, trying to save the future of the world. This was an important lesson Cliff Lewis gave me through this book. We shouldn't try to save the world, for now. If we want our kids to have a future, we should do this by saving the future for them.
After all, as Cliff Lewis said in Acknowledgments section (yeah I'm that person that reads them and cries, get over it!) we can save the future, but we can't do it alone.
For more info about climate change groups visit heyclifflewis.com/start.
November 27, 2025
We the Future is an inventive, fast-paced middle-grade adventure that combines time travel, climate activism, and heartfelt humor. At the center is Jonah, a relatable kid grappling with anxiety and the looming threat of climate change and suddenly tasked with the impossible: rallying his entire school to help save the future.
Lewis excels at blending real-world stakes with imaginative sci-fi. The arrival of Sunny, a determined girl from the future, injects both urgency and charm into the story. Her mission to inspire Jonah and his peers to launch a climate strike is layered with suspense, humor, and genuine emotion. The narrative keeps readers engaged while subtly educating about the importance of collective action and environmental responsibility.
Jonah’s internal growth from self-doubt to leadership, and learning the power of teamwork resonates deeply for young readers. The story balances high-stakes action with character-driven moments, making the science-fiction premise feel personal, relatable, and empowering. Fans of middle-grade adventure with socially conscious themes will find We the Future both entertaining and inspiring.
Lewis excels at blending real-world stakes with imaginative sci-fi. The arrival of Sunny, a determined girl from the future, injects both urgency and charm into the story. Her mission to inspire Jonah and his peers to launch a climate strike is layered with suspense, humor, and genuine emotion. The narrative keeps readers engaged while subtly educating about the importance of collective action and environmental responsibility.
Jonah’s internal growth from self-doubt to leadership, and learning the power of teamwork resonates deeply for young readers. The story balances high-stakes action with character-driven moments, making the science-fiction premise feel personal, relatable, and empowering. Fans of middle-grade adventure with socially conscious themes will find We the Future both entertaining and inspiring.
November 20, 2022
First of all, thanks at Netgalley for letting me read this book in advance!
Holy shit.
I just finished this and I'm just utterly speechless.
This might be one of the most important books there is on this entire planet and I won't shut up about this before not everyone has read this. In fact, this is so important, I just feel like calling the center of education and requesting it HAS to be a required read at EVERY SCHOOL.
This book pictures the climate crisis so well - Enormously severe and being the business of everyone of us. And if we don't care, it will kill us sooner or later. What this book did is show what will happen if we don't care, and that small things like turning of the light when you leave the room, just won't be enough and won't cut it.
Through this book about this insanely important book we have an amazingly diverse cast of characters, all with their quirks and strengths which makes this even better. For the love of God, I will NEVER stop recommending this
Holy shit.
I just finished this and I'm just utterly speechless.
This might be one of the most important books there is on this entire planet and I won't shut up about this before not everyone has read this. In fact, this is so important, I just feel like calling the center of education and requesting it HAS to be a required read at EVERY SCHOOL.
This book pictures the climate crisis so well - Enormously severe and being the business of everyone of us. And if we don't care, it will kill us sooner or later. What this book did is show what will happen if we don't care, and that small things like turning of the light when you leave the room, just won't be enough and won't cut it.
Through this book about this insanely important book we have an amazingly diverse cast of characters, all with their quirks and strengths which makes this even better. For the love of God, I will NEVER stop recommending this
July 30, 2023
A super tale for any tween concerned about our environment and how its degradation affects their future. Take a boy with asthma who is extremely worried about the future of the world. give him a chance to video a rant just before his asthma nearly kills him, then have him rescued by a girl named Sunny who comes from the future.
She says he's the key to changing a nearly fatal result, one she has a very big investment in altering. Have her convince him he can change history, but he has to do so by recruiting a certain number of kids at his school and do so by a specific date. Then add in an evil corporate owner, a corrupt politician, bullies at school, and two bumbling people from the future, intent upon retrieving the futuristic watch Sunny has that allows her to time jump. Mix well and enjoy thoroughly.
This is not only a fun read, it's one that will have kids thinking differently about whether they can affect their future.
She says he's the key to changing a nearly fatal result, one she has a very big investment in altering. Have her convince him he can change history, but he has to do so by recruiting a certain number of kids at his school and do so by a specific date. Then add in an evil corporate owner, a corrupt politician, bullies at school, and two bumbling people from the future, intent upon retrieving the futuristic watch Sunny has that allows her to time jump. Mix well and enjoy thoroughly.
This is not only a fun read, it's one that will have kids thinking differently about whether they can affect their future.
November 13, 2023
Thank you @northstaredition @jollyfishpress for this gifted copy. This book is absolutely eye-opening.
👦🏻 review: This book is terrifying to say the least but it is absolutely to the point! This is so good that I was on the edge after reading it. I have so many questions, the what-ifs, the endless possibilities and the end of the world! I know I am overthinking and exaggerating but it is scary to think that many scientists have already been warning us about climate change and this book is reminding us that global change will definitely transform our lives. Scary but really good. It is a middle-grade book and it is a perfect book for kids my age to understand the importance of science and the climate change that we will be inheriting someday.
👦🏻 review: This book is terrifying to say the least but it is absolutely to the point! This is so good that I was on the edge after reading it. I have so many questions, the what-ifs, the endless possibilities and the end of the world! I know I am overthinking and exaggerating but it is scary to think that many scientists have already been warning us about climate change and this book is reminding us that global change will definitely transform our lives. Scary but really good. It is a middle-grade book and it is a perfect book for kids my age to understand the importance of science and the climate change that we will be inheriting someday.
January 20, 2023
WE THE FUTURE is a book full of hope and heart, a gut-punch of a reminder that stories have the power to save us. Twelve-year-old introvert Jonah is stressed out about climate change. But when Sunny, a mysterious girl from the future, travels back in time to inform Jonah the fate of the planet lies in his ability to rally his classmates, he gets even more stressed. The thought of having to actually talk to a bunch of other kids? That feels like the end of the world for sure. I was hooked by the fast-paced plot, cool time travel mechanics, lovable cast of characters, and well-timed sprinkles of humor. This is a book kids will love and one the world desperately needs.
March 20, 2023
Lewis uses the simplicity and innocence of childhood as a lens through which the reader is asked view Earth's climate challenges. He manages to sound an urgent alarm for change amid a hopeful and equally loud chorus of youth and humor, making this an approchable page-turner that doesn't shy away from hard truths. Excellent character development, creative storytelling and vivid language are all signature features of this book. And by the way...there's TIME TRAVEL! I'd highly recommend We The Future for any science-minded young person or really anyone looking for a fun story that celebrates the power that exists within us all.
March 21, 2023
WE THE FUTURE is a striking Middle Grade debut that is as entertaining and engaging as it is important. With a great sense of humor and a fun, relatable voice, the book reads like an action/adventure that is impossible to put down. At the same time, it is a story on climate action and informs and inspires in a way that feels natural and fitting for the story. This is a perfect read not only for kids who are interested in climate activism, but for any kid looking for a fully enjoyable and exciting read. It is a must-read for all ages, with a realistic look at the impact of climate change while still maintaining an inspiring and hopeful tone. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2023
This book lifted my heart at a time when the world felt hopeless! But WE THE FUTURE offers more than just hope. It's a map--a how-to guide to organizing for change that kids won't even realize they're reading because they'll be so wrapped up in the compelling, time-traveling yet remarkably current story. Middle Grade readers will love the way Jonah finds and rekindles friendships, understands his place in the world, and figures out how to take down the enemy. The climate change elements felt authentic and pressing, and the fast-paced writing and clever twists will keep readers' attention. Reading WE THE FUTURE left me excited and motivated. Kids will be too!
December 13, 2023
This book is dealing with a Big Topic, and it doesn’t quite manage to avoid preaching. But it comes close. The urgency of the problem comes in the form of a time traveler, and it also helps personalize the issue; not just saving the future but saving her parents. And saving their friend’s dog, who. The bad guys have dog napped.
I liked the grounding touches, the mom with a job, the kid’s obvious misunderstanding of her priorities, the teacher with hearing aides, the classmates who are reluctant to organize.
Sometimes I choked on implausible bits, either SF-Nal (changing just one bit of the future) to mundane (catered lunch clubs would be much more popular). But overall I liked it.
I liked the grounding touches, the mom with a job, the kid’s obvious misunderstanding of her priorities, the teacher with hearing aides, the classmates who are reluctant to organize.
Sometimes I choked on implausible bits, either SF-Nal (changing just one bit of the future) to mundane (catered lunch clubs would be much more popular). But overall I liked it.
March 13, 2024
Just as Jonah is about to take his last breath – having lost his inhaler while making a dramatic climate change video – he is saved by a pink astronaut named Sunny. She is not actually an astronaut but rather a visitor from the future who also wants to fight climate change as things have gotten even worse in the future. This science-fiction adventure cleverly reminds readers that the future is in the hands of young people. This is a story of activism and how much more important it is than “slacktivisim” (lazy activism like using less water and eating more vegetables). Inspiring and important but not without some laughs too.
April 2, 2023
We the Future is an exciting, fun, and thought-provoking story of an anxious kid who fights climate change with the help of a time-traveler from the future. When Jonah's desperate (and asthmatic) rant against his town's coal plant goes viral, he finds himself the reluctant leader of a grassroots fights against the polluter, while also navigating repairing an old friendship and making an unusual new one. Readers will cheer on his efforts on all fronts, and hopefully be inspired to stand up for what they believe in.
April 15, 2023
This book is such a fun rollercoaster of time travel and student activism. Jonah is a loner who wants to do his part to stop climate change, but in order to make a real difference, he has to learn that he can't do it alone. Told in a hilarious and down-to-earth voice, We the Future will inspire and motivate readers to work together, organize, form a crew, and recruit, using everything from posters, poetry, and song to YouTube videos. This book was funny and enjoyable with a great message built into the time-traveling action.
June 19, 2023
This is a time-travel story and at the same time it isn’t. Time traveler Sunny from the future arrives in the present and begs Jonah to help her change things to save the planet and prevent the climate emergency. With a little help from her time travel device and her precise knowledge of events in the immediate future, Sunny and Jonah set out on a tight schedule.
I really enjoyed this story, apart from the time travel aspect it’s very realistic about the climate emergency which it brings down to the level where it affects the protagonists’ lives directly.
I really enjoyed this story, apart from the time travel aspect it’s very realistic about the climate emergency which it brings down to the level where it affects the protagonists’ lives directly.
September 7, 2023
"Saving the world is a team sport." An action-packed middle grade novel that joins a growing body of climate fiction to help young readers imagine a better future for us all. Expect the different takes on activism strategies here will spur discussion. Classic friendship issues are also addressed. Will especially appeal to fans of time travel. Check content notes for discussions of war, violence, injury, and illness for young readers. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read early!
February 24, 2023
I loved this book so much! It carries a great message, but it’s also fun, suspenseful, and hilarious (the main character’s dry wit was delightful). One of the things I especially appreciated was the emphasis on substantive action to promote change—too many of us think it’s enough to post on social media and recycle our plastic bottles and call it a day. That wasn’t enough for Jonah, Sunny, and their friends, and it shouldn’t be for us, either!
June 1, 2023
Step up and join Jonah and the Crew to save the world. WE THE FUTURE is a fast-paced middle grade book you're going to want on your classroom, library, and home shelves. Climate devastation is happening now and will continue to impact our planet at catastrophic levels if we don't make global changes. WE THE FUTURE balances real-time, critical issues with sensitivity, heart, and humor -- plus a delightful amount of movie references that made me smile.
December 18, 2024
This is a very empowering story for middle school age kids and a reminder for all of us. It is an adventure story as well. Jonah is an asthmatic so climate change, air pollution, is having a negative affect on him. He is enlisted by Sunny, a girl from the future, to involve his whole school in his effort to stop air pollution in his town. Since Jonah has trouble talking to others he has real challenges ahead.
November 15, 2023
a powerful story of a girl from the future working as a catalyst to start, one friend, one school yard conversation at a time, a flood of climate activism. Don't be put off, as I almost was, by some climate change information dumping at the beginning, or by the pink spacesuit the girl from the future is wearing. Stay of the growth of them movement and ride its wave toward hope.
January 19, 2023
What a great book!!!! Written for future adults, but important for current adults to read! I love that it took me forward, but also backward to those crazy middle school days with all the awkwardness that comes with it! Such a great book and very easy reading for all ages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews