Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies

Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies
Buy Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Children's Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Madeline Wheatley
Summary: Nicola Davies has penned a clear and inviting explanation of James Lovelock's Gaia Theory linked to a call to arms for young environmentalists. The Gaia Theory considers the whole network of living things on earth as a single interdependent system and Gaia Warriors is a unique presentation of the issues surrounding global warming alongside its impact on that system.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 192	Date: November 2009
Publisher: Walker
ISBN: 978-1406312348
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The best way to read this book is to treat it like a magazine: flip the pages and dip in. I can guarantee that you will find something to catch your eye. Fashion addicts could start on page 136 Dressing for the climate, foodies may prefer page 124 Rock-star food”. The array of different typefaces and page colours make the book very easy to browse, and the author excels at explaining difficult concepts in a straightforward way. So certain sections in it could be considered not just as for older children or teen readers, but as an informative read for adults as well.

For those who would rather read cover-to-cover, the book is arranged in three sections. The first addresses the basics, the arguments around climate change. Next is a fascinating range of interviews with Gaia Warriors – people who are trying to change the way we use the planet. A small sampling of the interviewees reveals a stand up comedian, a paleoclimatologist (no, I didn't know either until I read the book), an eco-architect, an environmental lawyer, a sixteen year old U.N delegate, and the student who started Student Switch Off to reduce energy use in university halls of residence. Finally, there is an afterword from James Lovelock.

The interviews with environmentalists of all hues give the book a different edge to most eco-lit. They personalise the information, and also make the book interesting reading for school leavers looking for career ideas. But the real selling point is Nicola Davies' easy style and directness. The facts and the science are leavened with phrases like Yes, it's a real drag that we should be alive at just the time when it's all going a bit wrong, and yes, it is scary, but sticking our fingers in our ears and going La la la, it's not happening! isn't going to help. If this particular quote makes the book sound lightweight, it isn't, but it is conversational and accessible.

There are copious references to relevant websites and useful groups throughout the book. So read it now while all this is still current.

Thank you to the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.

Younger readers might appreciate Planet in Peril by Anita Ganeri and Mike Phillips.

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You can read more book reviews or buy Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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