How do we stop climate change?

Gr 2--5--This new entry to the climate change oeuvre is well thought out and designed. The book is organized around the current major questions and issues of climate change. Each chapter poses a question, then proceeds to outline the issues, impact, and possible solutions derived from the most up-to-date science and technology. Each page moves from left to right with a text block, then illustrative graphics, followed by a mind map (a diagram used to visually organize information). The graphics are appealing and make effective use of color. The tiny graphics of the mind maps are similar to emojis, which makes the book look contemporary. These enable readers to move around the book in a nonlinear way, and they can progress and even page back at their own pace and level of interest. There is a glossary and an index but no references or sources page. VERDICT A good and appealing addition to climate change collections.--Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City P.L., VA

Mind mapping offers a new way to learn about climate change. Radial diagrams break down big subjects, simplifying and organizing them into manageable chunks that use both words and images. Here, this strategy is effectively used by science writer Jackson and illustrator Kordić to explain first causes and effects of climate change, then what might be done. The opening table of contents shows that chapter by chapter, they deal with big questions: "Is climate the same as weather?" "What is the greenhouse effect?" "What causes climate change?" "What will happen to Earth? "What will happen to life on Earth?" "Can we stop climate change?" "Can technology solve it?" and "What do we do next?" A page turn reveals the map expressing these questions more succinctly and breaking them up into topics, each with a thumbnail illustration. Throughout the book this pattern continues. This has the effect of making the exposition, conveyed in short paragraphs with headings, feel accessible and understandable because it always appears with an image. Text and graphical boxes are set directly on spreads with relevant background images. Page numbers and subject headings appear throughout. Smaller page numbers guide readers to specific subtopics (usually, but not always, subsequent pages). The information in this title isn't new, but it's comprehensive and broken down in ways that will encourage understanding and retention. An effective teaching tool used to explain a complex and critical issue. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.