Severn Speaks Out

The first book in Groundwood Books Speak Out Series, Severn Speaks Out takes readers back to 1992 when Severn Cullis-Suzuki spoke to the delegates at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The full text of the speech is included along with commentary by Alex Nogués, translation by Susan Ouriou and illustrations by Ana Suárez, it's a compact and powerful book that is even more relevant today.

I love how this book starts with the full text of Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s speech. The language is simple and accessible to readers as young as eight years old. After the speech the book switches to the commentary about the speech to help readers dig deeper into the issues. Although this part of the book is complex for middle grade readers, it shines for older, teenage and young adult readers. I love how this book will grow with all readers.

The topic of climate change is as relevant today as it was back in 1992, even more so. Severn Cullis-Suzuki was one of the first young people to speak out about climate change. Following in her footsteps, Autumn Pelletier, Greta Thunberg and other young people have taken up the mantle as young activists and continue the message, with the same powerful voices as Severn did 30 years ago. There is so much opportunity to use this book to further the climate discussion. For those of us who were children in 1992, who may now have children of our own, to reflect on Severn's message. What have we done, what are we doing, how are we leaving the world better for our children? For the youth who will read this book, how can Severn’s message be compared to the messages today of Autumn Pelletier and Greta Thunberg. 

Ana Suárez’s illustrations are picture perfect! I love the green, grey, black and white illustrations, splendid in their simplicity. They convey all of the emotion and urgency in the speech.