About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing questions: ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. The twenty short biographies introduce readers to diverse activists from all around the world, who are of many ages and ethnicities. From saving ancient trees on the West Coast of Canada, to protecting the Irrawaddy dolphins of India, to uncovering racial inequalities in the food system in the United States, these environmental heroes are celebrated by author and biologist Anuradha Rao, who outlines how they went from being kids who cared about the environment to community leaders in their field. One Earth is full of environmental role models waiting to be found.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Commended, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Honor Book
- , Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award
- Commended, Quill & Quire Books of the Year
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Commended, Kirkus Reviews Best Teens & Young Adult Nonfiction
Editorial Reviews
“One Earth is so important today because it acknowledges the diversity of our environmental defenders and warriors and reminds us that the environment has no borders. Thank you, Anu, for identifying these amazing eco-champions. Their experience and dedication to making sure the environment is our number one priority is an invaluable gift to Canada and the world.”
— Winnie Ming Yue Hwo, Senior Public Engagement Specialist, David Suzuki Foundation
“One Earth will challenge assumptions while educating readers...All readers, regardless of ethnic origin, religion and national origin will find some accounts that speak to them.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“An outstanding collection of profiles…Writing makes clear the passion of these extraordinary people and how truly global this movement is.”
— The Globe and Mail
“Features, and boxed quotations enhance the inspiring accounts.”
— The Horn Book
"Hopeful and uplifting...An excellent non-fiction addition to a high school classroom."
— Canadian Children's Book News
“An excellent resource that, placed in the hands of a budding environmentalist, will inspire action, whether large or small. An important representation of the contributions made by people of color and Indigenous people—and a beautiful celebration of diversity.”
— Booklist
“This book not only has the ability to inspire youth that identify as BIPOC, but all young people, who can look up to the many youth and teenagers featured here and their incredible stories of perseverance and innovation.”
— Green Teacher
“It is refreshing to read of these activists’ enthusiasm and determination to change our physical world for the better…This is a good choice to show how anyone can defend our world.”
— School Library Journal
★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Rao shines a light on the too often unacknowledged role played by People of Colour in the green movement. This is a book to be celebrated and shared!”
— Elizabeth May, former leader of the Green Party of Canada
★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing questions: ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
