The Story of More (Adapted for Young Adults)

Starred review from September 1, 2021

Gr 7-10-Esteemed geo-chemist Jahren breathes life into the social history and science of climate change by focusing on the action-oriented latter half of that term: change. This popular science treatise begins with trends and developments in human population from ancient history to the modern age and does the same with food production and energy generation and consumption before devoting the final segment of the book to the impact of all of this change on our planet. Jahren uses eye-opening statistical data, as well as examples from throughout history and from diverse corners of the globe, to illustrate how cultural shifts and technological developments have changed the world we live in and the possibilities of our ecological future-for good and for ill. The final chapter discusses a variety of proposed solutions to the problems of climate change and sets the stage for the several appendices that discuss specific actions that each of us can take to slow global warming, frame the particular significance of the U.S.'s role in this struggle, marshal a powerful catalog of facts regarding the global scale and seriousness of climate change, and make suggestions for further reading. VERDICT This highly-readable scientific tome is a brief but thorough introduction into how we got here ecologically speaking and what is necessary to sustain our shared planet for future generations. It is strongly recommended for junior high and high school nonfiction collections.-Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior Coll., Brenham, TX

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Starred review from November 1, 2021
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Jahren, one of the world's most respected paleobiologists and environmentalists, has written a young-adult version of her book about climate change, which details how our planet got to the state it's in and what can be done about the mess. It's evident that she was a university professor who taught courses on this subject for over a decade, in that her anecdote-filled writing is engaging and fresh, creates relatable scenarios, and uses data in everyday applications that should be accessible to teen readers. Her basic premise soon becomes evident: use less and share more. Neat chapters explore discrete topics (population growth, the meat industry, energy resources, disappearing species) and usually end with a sobering, attention-getting statement. Backmatter includes a helpful summary of facts gleaned from previous text discussions, and the combined bibliography and recommended reading list are presented in essay format, complete with annotations and specific suggestions for various types of information. The overall tone is hopeful and reassuring, and readers are encouraged to take personal environmental impact surveys and consider changing their habits. Useful for research, of course, this book should really resonate with young adults committed to changing the future.

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