Two Degrees

Reach for this book if your child is expressing anxiety about climate change or feeling powerless in the face of global environmental news. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are ready to transition from basic science facts to the complex human reality of our changing planet. Through three interlocking stories of survival, the novel provides a framework for processing climate-related fear while emphasizing that individual actions contribute to a larger, collective hope. Alan Gratz masterfully balances high-stakes adventure with deep emotional resonance. Readers follow Akira in California, Owen in Manitoba, and Natalie in Miami as they face a wildfire, polar bears, and a massive hurricane. While the peril is intense and realistic, the book ultimately serves as a bridge toward agency and activism. It transforms overwhelming 'eco-anxiety' into a sense of shared responsibility and courage, making it a vital tool for families looking to discuss environmental stewardship and resilience.