Girls Who Green the World

February 1, 2022
A celebration of women who are devoted to reducing the impact of climate change in a variety of creative ways. From the author of Girls Who Run the World (2019) comes a collection of brief profiles of women working tirelessly to reduce humanity's impact on our planet. Introductory chapters and wide-reaching infographics provide background information on the science behind the climate crisis and the urgent need for action. Readers are encouraged to find hope by starting small and thinking big. There is a clear focus on creating change through entrepreneurship; many of the women are or have been CEOs. Prefaced by fill-in-the-blank answers to personal questions asked of the subjects, the biographical sketches are organized into thematic sections based on their areas of focus, such as reducing plastic waste, government and politics, fossil fuels, and food. The biographical information is augmented with facts about related environmental issues, data from reputable sources, and quotes from the author's personal interviews with subjects. Jar�n's colorful, bold illustrations highlight the racially and culturally diverse women; in many cases their identities fuel their passion. There are also women whose affluence and privilege allowed them to take more risks. Unfortunately, given the focus on urgency and innovation, the content is sure to become dated quite quickly. The final chapter encourages young readers to find a way to contribute to environmental change in a way that is personally resonant. A gift book for budding entrepreneurs. (sources) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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Starred review from August 1, 2022

Gr 6 Up-For teens who have ever wondered what a sustainability director does or what a circular system is, this book has the answers. Reducing carbon and repurposing waste is the name of the game. Biochemists are developing enzymes that eat plastic in months rather than centuries, and lawyers have left the field to practice direct political action. Readers will become aware of their own consumption of fast fashion, single-use plastics, fossil fuels, perfumes, dyestuffs, and more; they will learn how companies like Renewal Workshop create profits by upcycling new but "damaged" manufactured goods; and they will meet the minds behind these innovative ideas whose start-ups fight climate change on a systematic level and make sustainability a reality. Readers will be energized by these diverse women who are actively problem-solving the greatest challenges of climate change while making money. Each profile includes a full-color illustrated, personable portrait, a fun-fact survey, each entrepreneur's life story, and the genesis of the seed idea to its funding and development into a green business. Sprinkled throughout are highlighted sections, such as how to write a persuasive op-ed, resource lists (e.g., a list of incubators and accelerators), and the top 10 must-watch documentaries. VERDICT The usefulness and timeliness of this book cannot be overstated. Committed young activists and entrepreneurs will grab this fascinating read like a lifeline.-Sara Lissa Paulson

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