Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do

by Andrea Minoglio (Author) Laura Fanelli (Illustrator)

Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

An encouraging and comprehensive illustrated nonfiction guide introducing children to the important topic of climate change with clear facts and positive solutions.

"This clear introduction to the whats and whys of environmental degradation balances sad facts with examples of what can and is being done. A solid pick...for its positive approach and breadth." --Kirkus Review

Filled with engaging big ideas that will inspire children to think about their role in keeping our world healthy, Our World Out of Balance details how humans have thrown the planet off-balance and ways we can work together to be part of the solution and create a healthier world. Featuring brave scientists, young activists, and many groups working collectively to protect our future, Our World Out of Balance will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired. Perfect for homeschooling and virtual and blended learning, each chapter pairs brightly colored illustrations with easily graspable scientific facts and statistics. The easy-to-follow "Before" and "After" segments help children understand complex topics like:

  • Air pollution
  • Rising seas
  • Plastics and increased waste
  • Wildfires

The backmatter lists various citizen science initiatives that kids can take part in to help make a difference. Informational text includes a table of contents, diagrams, index, glossary, and select bibliography. Printed on FSC-certified paper with vegetable inks.

Select format:
Hardcover
$21.95

Kirkus

This clear introduction to the what's and why's of environmental degradation balances sad facts with examples of what can and is being done. A solid pick . . . for its positive approach and breadth.

Publishers Weekly

In 17 illustrated sections, this picture book offers a comprehensive look at elements of climate change, including rising sea levels, deforestation, ocean and air pollution, and the melting cryosphere. Fanelli's bright illustrations have an open, vintage appeal, integrating well with Minoglio's accessible prose. In each section, the verso page presents "Before," offering a look at the world in the present day, as the recto page shows "After," sharing a visualization of the near future alongside current data and scientists' projections. Diagrams show step-by-step explanations of how concepts and processes work, while boxes labeled "How You Can Help" and "How People Are Helping" provide individually accomplishable actions and information about larger initiatives. This impressive introduction to climate change will stimulate budding ecologists. Back matter includes a list of organizations and citizen science initiatives, glossary, index, and sources. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6—This book is packed with information about the climate crisis, from the rise in sea levels to intensive farming to threats to biodiversity. The narrative structure is purposefully organized: each section explains the problem, then includes a before-and-after section that describes what happened prior to the accelerating climate crisis and what is happening now. The following two pages outline how the problem works, how readers can help, and how others are helping. The eye-catching illustrations enhance the content, particularly in the "how" sections, where the artwork emphasizes the steps in the process being discussed. For example, a spread in the section "Extreme Weather Events" shows how a tropical cyclone starts. The images are infused with energy and movement that matches the event. These colorful illustrations fill the pages, with clear sectioning and symmetry between the topics. The back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a list of organizations focused on citizen science and protecting the planet. This English translation of a text originally released in Italian provides an excellent resource for classroom and library collections that seek contemporary works on climate change for young readers. VERDICT Purchase to help elementary readers understand the complexities of the climate crisis.—Jen McConnel, Longwood Univ., VA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Our World Out of Balance is a wonderful introduction...Unlike so many other books about climate change, it does not traffic in fear. Instead, it presents the facts and shows what young people can do to help build a cleaner, safer and more equitable future for the planet." —Simon Donner, Professor, Climate Scientist, University of British Columbia

"Many of us are overwhelmed by climate change and not too sure of exactly what is happening to our Earth and why. Andrea Minglio and Laura Fanelli have given us a beautiful book that explains how many Earth systems work — from farms to coral reefs. These are pages readers of every age will want to linger over, marveling at the illustrations and savoring highly understandable explanations of what to do for nature and how. Our World out of Balance above all celebrates the amazing gift of life on Earth and will inspire actions to save it." — Mary Ellen Hannibal, Stanford Media Fellow and author of Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction

Andrea Minoglio
Andrea Minoglio is a professional journalist and editor focused largely on the popularization of science and science for kids. He was recently Editor in Chief of Focus Junior, a scientific magazine for kids in Italy. Through his writing, he is able to translate the complexity of science, without trivializing it, explaining big ideas in a simple and approachable style.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781735000534
Lexile Measure
940
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Blue Dot Kids Press
Publication date
April 13, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
JNF037020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Conservation & Protection
JNF003270 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Endangered
JNF065000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Recycling & Green Living
Library of Congress categories
Nature
Environmental protection
Effect of human beings on
Climatic changes
Global warming
Environmentalism
Sustainable living
Citizen participation

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