Non-Fiction — Review

This Is My Planet:
The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming

by Jan Thornhill
Maple Tree Press, 2007
ISBN 978-1-897349-07-6
$12.95, 64 pp, colour photos, index, ages 9 – 13
www.mapletreepress.com

In This Is My Planet, Jan Thornhill tackles the biggest issue that Earth and its inhabitants are currently facing, in terms that elementary school students can understand. The book begins by explaining some critical concepts like the greenhouse effect caused by Earth’s atmosphere, the carbon and water cycles, the difference between climate and weather, and the importance of balance in the systems that operate on this planet. It goes on to explain why the temperature is rising on Earth, and outlines some of the evidence of global warming that people all over the world are observing. Thornhill ends on a positive note, citing some of the innovative solutions that are being suggested and tested, and lists some simple and easy things that individuals can do to help reverse the warming trend. Information is presented in a colourful format with lots of photographs and illustrations to capture and hold the attention of young readers. This is a great resource to read aloud and discuss with your students; you may want to monitor their reaction to what they are learning and to encourage a sense of empowerment through knowledge and action, and to instill hope for the future. This Is My Planet will likely lead to further research to answer the questions that will no doubt arise in your discussions, and will spark interest in class and school projects.

Reviewed by Diana Mumford

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