Greta's Story

Greta's Story
The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet
Written by Valentina Camerini
Translated by Moreno Giovannoni
Illustrated by Veronica Carratelli
Non Fiction, Environmental, Middle Grade
129 Pages
Published August 19th 2019
Thank you to Black Inc Books
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Greta's Story is about hope, courage and determination. You are never too young to make a difference.

It's 20 August 2018, late summer in Stockholm, and it feels incredibly hot in the city. The TV news is reporting rising temperatures, and there have been numerous fires throughout Sweden. Fifteen year old Greta Thunberg decides she can't wait any longer: politicians have to do something to save the environment. Instead of returning to school, Greta takes a placard and goes on strike in front of Sweden's parliament building.

Greta's protest began the Friday's for Future or School Strike 4 Climate movement, which millions have now joined around the world. Greta has spoken at COP24, the UN summit on climate change, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is her story, but also that of many other girls and boys around the world willing to fight against the indifference of the powerful for a better future.
Greta Thunberg is fifteen years of age, an accomplished speaker addressing Climate Change symposiums, United Nations assemblies and has amassed millions of children, young adults and adults from around the world to reduce our damaging ecological footprints, to demand more from our governments and actively collaborate within our communities for a greener future. An inspiring young woman who is changing our world. This is environmental activist Greta Thunberg and this is her journey.

During an unseasonably warm summer in Stockholm Sweden, Greta created a simple placard and rather than attending school, begun her peaceful protests outside the government chambers in Stockholm with the support of her parents, understanding Greta's passion for the environment and her concerns that our leaders were ignoring the climate change crisis. Each Friday, Greta would sit alone, a young girl within a busy metropolis hoping to draw attention to the environmental cause. Our planet is dying and humanity is to blame. Animals face extinction, water is a precious commodity, plastic is destroying our oceans and marine life and the earth breathes pollution while our governments remain silent.

Recently throughout the world, our youth marched towards a common belief, adults, politicians and leaders have failed our future generations with inaction, the crisis of climate continues to worsen and while countries have pledged to reduce omissions, drastic action needs to be taken. And now.

Greta has lead an extraordinary life in her fifteen years. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and depression, Greta has become a beacon for change and has inspired an environmental movement that reaches communities in the most distant corners of the world. She poses the question, what are you doing to help our environment?

Written in simple and accessible language and sprinkled with charming illustrations, Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet is a wonderful introduction for children and middle grade readers to learn about climate change and the ways in which we can take responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, through the eyes of a fifteen year old environmental warrior. Compelling reading. 

12 comments

  1. She's amazing! To have the presence of mind to actually start a global protest and earn the ire of climate change deniers worldwide. Definitely going to be a popular christmas gift for my nieces this year.

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    1. The numbers of grown men who feel the need to degrade a young woman is deplorable and if you look at their profiles on social media, of course they're all loudmouthed Trump supporters. She's absolutely amazing and a spokesperson for her generation. I knew of Greta and her tireless work on climate change education but this was such an insightful read Joy, I'll be buying copies for my nieces as well.

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  2. Greta is truly an inspiration to everyone. I am in constant awe of her.
    Your thoughts are so beautifully written, Kelly. I'm as moved by them as I am by Greta herself.
    I really need to put this book on my wishlist.

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    1. Isn't she just! She's already an incredible leader, amassing so many supporters around the world in support of climate change. Such a remarkable young woman.

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  3. What a great example for middle graders. Or anyone! Her story is so inspiring and truly impressive.

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    1. She'll most definitely go down in history as a remarkable young woman and future world leader or United Nations leader even. Such a great read Tanya.

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  4. What an inspiration for not just middle graders but everyone. Great has come a long way <3 Beautiful review Kelly! I'll keep a look out for this book.

    Uma@Books.Bags.Burgers.

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    1. Thanks Uma. I really enjoyed it and although it was a quick read, it really puts into perspective how much she's been able to achieve. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  5. She has certainly made an impact. Cheers

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    1. That she has Carole! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. I am so amazed at what she's accomplished, and she is such an inspiration as well. Now if only the old angry white men would listen to her instead of ranting...

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    1. They're absolutely pathetic aren't they, shouting on social media and trying to discredit her. You have a sixteen year old girl taking the world by storm and angry white men retreating to their mother's basement because they feel threatened. Sounds like they need a Bex and a lie down.

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