Ron Fulleman

Author of Easy Read YA and Hi/Low MG Books

Two Degrees

Two Degrees
A new book from Alan Gratz is a major publishing moment! The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero now tackles the urgent topic of climate change, with this breathtaking, action-packed story that will be the must-read middle-grade novel of the fall. Fire. Flood. Ice. Three natural disasters. Three kids who must fight to survive—and change things for the better. In California, Akira Kristiansen is driving through the mountains with her mom when a wildfire sparks -- and grows scarily fast. In just moments, Akira and her family have to evacuate... but which way is safe with fire all around them? In Churchill, Manitoba, Owen Mackenzie is running a tour for travelers who've come to see the polar bears. Lately the bears show up more and more as the ice thins. When Owen and his friend see a bear much too close for comfort, they end up in a fight for their lives. In Miami, a hurricane bears down on Natalie Torres. That's not so uncommon... but everyone's saying this could be it. The Big One. Natalie and her mom don't have anywhere to run to, so they hunker down to ride out the storm. Akira, Owen, and Natalie are all swept up in the global effects of climate change, each struggling to survive their individual disasters. But, as they will discover, the three kids are more deeply connected than they could ever imagine--in ways that will change them, and hopefully, can change the world. Just as Refugee brought awareness of the refugee crisis to young readers, this latest tour-de-force from bestselling author Alan Gratz will shed light on the increasingly urgent threat of climate change -- while taking readers on a nonstop adventure that will keep them turning the pages, and making their own plans to better the world.

I’m sure you’ll find that Alan Gratz’ “Two Degree” is a heavier read than his other books. The author tackles the problem of climate change head on through the lives of three teens, Akira, Owen, and Natalie. Each face the dangers of an out-of-control climate and its ramifications.

Akira and her family struggle to survive a major forrest fire. Owen and his friend George fight for their lives in the northern area of Canada where polar bears are being more and more of a danger to the general population. Natalie is left on her own after being swept into ranging waters of a major hurricane.

It’s a page turner for sure. Each chapter seemed to end in a more dangerous and harrowing position than the previous. It is an intense book to read, but it’s an intense topic. Gratz is doing his part well to spread the warning of climate change and the fact that as a population, we must act now, before it’s too late, if it already isn’t.

Two Degrees
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