Save the Planet!

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-- School Library Journal, 4/11/2007

From saving condors to keeping techno-lust from overtaking humanity, the teen heroes in these titles work in both big and small ways to make a difference. Use this list in conjunction with Earth Day 2007, coming up on April 22.

GAUTHIER, Gail. Saving the Planet & Stuff. Putnam. 2003. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23761-4.

Gr 6-10–Sixteen-year-old Michael takes the first summer job offer that comes along working as an intern for an environmental magazine. While adjusting to the green lifestyle is a bit challenging, he discovers that he has a talent for the job. He gets drawn into the office politics, has a love interest, and helps prevent a hostile takeover. Great fun, best explained as an eco-comedy!

HOBBS, Will. The Maze. HarperCollins. 1998. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-688-15092-1; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-380-72913-5.

Gr 6-12–Fourteen-year-old Rick Walker lands himself in a juvenile detention center that is unbearable. He escapes to Utah's Canyonlands National Park and befriends Lon, a biologist who is working to reintroduce condors into the wild. Lon takes Rick on as his assistant and also teaches him to hang glide. The story is a nice blend of coming-of-age and nature conservation.

KLASS, David. Firestorm. Farrar. 2006. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-374-32307-3.

Gr 8 Up–Best described as an eco-SF-thriller, the first title in the Caretaker Trilogy introduces us to Jack Danielson, a teen with a future and a past beyond his wildest dreams. He discovers that he was sent back in time to the 21st century to save the earth, and counts on a telepathic dog and a comely shape-shifter to guide and protect him in the quest. The fast-paced narration drives the action and will keep readers riveted.

MCNAUGHTON, Janet. The Secret under My Skin. HarperCollins/Eos. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-008989-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 978-0-06-008990-0; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-008991-7.

Gr 7-11–With a futuristic vision similar to that of Klass's title, McNaughton gives us not one, but two heroines. Mismatched and unlikely allies, Blay and Marella are forced to work together to uncover the secret to healing the wounds that technology has inflicted on the earth. The year 2368 will hold many surprises for readers who love technology.

WALSH, Ann. Flower Power. Orca. 2005. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-55143-386-8.

Gr 7-10–Calendula's mother has climbed up into a neighbor's tree and won't give up her perch until she is sure that no one is going to chop it down. Callie is mortified, and scared. When the Singing Grannies show up to lend their support to the cause, things get even crazier. Callie amazes even herself when she comes up with the perfect solution. This slim volume is perfect for reluctant readers.

Remarkable Reads are produced by the editors of NoveList, NoveList K-8, and Book Index with Reviews (BIR), leading resources for readers' advisory services and collection development. For more information, see epnet.com.

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