Imaginary Borders

July 10, 2020

Gr 7 Up-Earth Guardians Youth Director and Indigenous activist Martinez and has been fighting for climate change since the age of six. In this powerful but compact work, Martinez explains the connection between many global crises and climate change, what he is doing to help, and how readers can engage in activism. He supports his thesis using plentiful statistics, historical examples, and personal experiences. People of color living in poorer neighborhoods, or poorer countries, are usually the ones whose homes are flooded or burned during storms, which are happening with greater frequency due to climate change. According to recent scientific estimates, by the end of the century, wildfires will be 64 times worse, "which would mean more than half of California burning every year." The text also highlights the connections between climate change, national budget issues, immigration, and wars. Solve the problem with climate change, he says, and it could alleviate the other issues. Martinez calls on others in his generation to help redefine the movement with their diverse talents. He states, "This book isn't about changing the world-it's about building it together." VERDICT Martinez presents a meaningful, heartfelt call to action with content that reflects current issues. Additionally, the book's short length will appeal to reluctant readers. An essential purchase for any high school or public library. -Jeni Tahaney, Summit H.S., Manfield, TX

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Starred review from April 1, 2020
Indigenous youth climate change activist and musician Martinez (Mexica) reimagines environmentalism for a new generation. The many facts presented in this slim volume are enhanced with details of his personal story, including growing up in Boulder, Colorado, and being involved with environmental activism from early childhood. Martinez argues that climate change is an urgent issue that disproportionately impacts communities of color like his own. He also traces the political history of climate change rhetoric, pointing out that it was once a bipartisan issue before fossil fuel and fracking companies and wealthy lobbyists stymied conversations by exerting pressure on Republican politicians. He points out that all too often members of both major political parties keep silent, a move calculated to increase short-term profit while courting long-term financial ruin. Using his own experience as an intersectional, socially aware hip-hop artist, Martinez concludes the book with a call to action, encouraging his generation to use nontraditional, artistic approaches to creating change. This beautifully argued book is packed with facts, seamlessly weaving together the author's personal experiences with well-researched observations of politics, economics, and history. Martinez's language is clear and decisive, and his voice is intimate, bold, and inspiring, all of which make the book impossible to put down. A hopeful, well-argued book on climate change written in a refreshing new voice. (Nonfiction. 14-18)

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