Two Degrees
by Alan Gratz
Read if you're interested in environmentalism, stewardship, or books for teen.
This middle-grade novel follows several children in separate storylines as they face climate-change-fueled natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and polar bear attacks. It explores themes of environmentalism, survival, and the impact of human actions on the planet, ultimately advocating for climate action.
- — Promotes awareness of environmental issues and the stewardship of creation, aligning with biblical calls to care for the Earth (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1).
- — Highlights themes of perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
- — Encourages empathy and concern for others, particularly those impacted by disaster.
- — The inherent tension in Christian views on climate change, with some interpretations placing less emphasis on human-caused climate change or viewing it through a different theological lens. While the book presents a clear pro-climate action stance, this might conflict with some Christian readers' perspectives.
- — The depiction of natural disasters and perilous situations, while realistic for the genre, could be frightening or intense for younger or more sensitive readers.
- — The book's strong environmentalist message, while aligning with creation care, may be perceived by some as promoting a secular worldview over a biblical one, particularly if not balanced with an understanding of God's sovereignty.
Christian readers, especially parents and educators, should approach this book as a valuable tool for discussing environmental stewardship and global responsibility. It provides a basis for conversations about how biblical principles of creation care, compassion, and justice can inform our approach to modern challenges, while also acknowledging potential differing viewpoints on the specifics of climate science and policy.
“Christian readers, especially parents and educators, should approach this book as a valuable tool for discussing environmental stewardship and global responsibility. It provides a basis for conversations about how biblical principles of creation care, compassion, and justice can inform our approach to modern challenges, while also acknowledging potential differing viewpoints on the specifics of climate science and policy.”
- —Promotes awareness of environmental issues and the stewardship of creation, aligning with biblical calls to care for the Earth (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1).
- —Highlights themes of perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
- —Encourages empathy and concern for others, particularly those impacted by disaster.
- —Features diverse characters, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
- —Can spark conversations about personal responsibility and collective action, which can be framed within Christian ethics of loving our neighbor and caring for God's creation.
- —The inherent tension in Christian views on climate change, with some interpretations placing less emphasis on human-caused climate change or viewing it through a different theological lens. While the book presents a clear pro-climate action stance, this might conflict with some Christian readers' perspectives.
- —The depiction of natural disasters and perilous situations, while realistic for the genre, could be frightening or intense for younger or more sensitive readers.
- —The book's strong environmentalist message, while aligning with creation care, may be perceived by some as promoting a secular worldview over a biblical one, particularly if not balanced with an understanding of God's sovereignty.
- —Does not explicitly address spiritual or faith-based responses to suffering or environmental crisis, which Christian readers might desire.
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