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• The Climate Diaries: Book One- The Academy - 2024 Borrowed Planet Press ,

• Amazon -

  Aaron Arsenault is a citizen of Mother Earth, a climate-tech industry veteran, and a concerned dad. His passion for the environment and the lack of inspirational material for young readers on the topic influenced him to become a writer of climate fiction. When he’s not writing, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, making art, and planning his next adventure. Aaron studied children’s writing and illustration as a postgraduate at the University of Toronto. He lives with his family, a crazy cat and a goofy goldendoodle in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

• Aaron Arsenault website - https://www.aaronarsenault.com/

  I’m a citizen of Mother Earth. Before writing books I worked in the climate-tech industry for a long time with some big companies you would definitely recognize. I’m also a concerned dad.

  Helping kids defeat climate anxiety and develop more empowering beliefs about climate change inspired me to become an author of middle grade climate fiction. I deeply love natural world and want to help protect it! For my family, it plays a big part in how we live.

  In 2019, I couldn’t find a book to read to my own kids that told a story about climate change that they could relate to and be inspired by. So, I wrote my own! I have big plans for The Climate Diaries series and plan to write a lot more of them!

  When I’m not writing, I love going hiking in the woods, camping, making music or art, and going on all kinds of adventures with my family. I studied children’s writing and illustration at the University of Toronto and I live with my family, a crazy cat, and a goofy goldendoodle and a crazy cat in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. ​

• Authority - https://medium.com/authority-magazine/social-impact-authors-how-why-author-aaron-arsenault-is-helping-to-change-our-world-86ba3df1a99f

  QUOTED: " In the book, kids will learn several useful tidbits about climate change/climate-tech but it’s wrapped in some of the hilarity and high jinx kids love. If I’ve executed it correctly, kids will forget they’re actually learning! If everything goes as planned, kids who struggle with ‘eco-anxiety’ or have fears and questions related to climate change will find an anchor in this book series that will help them move through it toward a more inspired vision of their future as they discover their world."

  Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Aaron Arsenault Is Helping To Change Our World
  Yitzi Weiner
  Authority Magazine
  Yitzi Weiner

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  9 min read
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  Apr 1, 2024

  Say goodbye to toxic people, even if it hurts. Other “crabs in the bucket” will only hold you back

  Aspart of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aaron Arsenault.

  Aaron Arsenault is a citizen of Mother Earth, a climate-tech industry veteran, and a concerned dad. His passion for the environment coupled with a lack of inspirational material for young readers on the topic influenced him to become a writer of middle grade climate fiction. When he’s not writing, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, painting, and planning his next adventure. Aaron studied children’s writing and illustration as a postgraduate at the University of Toronto. He lives with his family and a goofy goldendoodle in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Find out more about him at his website: www.aaronarsenault.com.

  Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

  Sure! I was raised in a small town about an hour north of Toronto, Canada. I grew up on a lake, so summer time activities like fishing, swimming and being in nature were a huge part of my childhood. I was also (I’m proud to say) the last generation to grow up without the internet- we came home when the streetlights came on and we didn’t text our friends for playdates. We just rocked up and knocked on their door! Imagine that!

  When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?

  Roald Dahl books gave me a love for reading. As a kid with ADHD, I often couldn’t sit still long enough to read a book, let alone write one! Roald Dahl (and Quentin Blake’s amazing illustrations) kept me turning the page. Those books taught me quite a few life lessons. Firstly, they developed a love of reading in me! But more importantly, they also helped me connect with my imagination. I think that’s a highly underdeveloped muscle with kids these days. Why imagine when you can just pull up a screen or grab a gaming console? I’ll never forget those early experiences as a young reader. As a writer, I’ve set out to help kids tap into their imaginations again. I’m super passionate about it.

  It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

  I don’t know if its ‘funny’, but the biggest mistake I made starting out as an author was thinking that I had to do it all myself. For some people, maybe that’s a necessity. For me though, I learned early on that acquiring subject matter expertise in everything takes a long time! And- most of us are not capable of becoming experts in everythign.

  I learned to ‘stack rank’ things in order of importance. The writing of course was always number one. But now that my book is close to publication, the sales and marketing hat will take its place… That said, there were so many other pit falls along the way, gravity wells related to illustrations (my book has them), editing, proofing, beta readers, design, cover art, website, trailer, etc. etc.

  You just can’t do it all! I’ve learned building a team of people you trust is perhaps the most important aspect for any indie author. Its super critical.

  Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?

  The Climate Diaries Series is about four kids from different backgrounds who are chose to attend an “Academy” that is dedicated to educating the next generation of climate fighters. In the book, kids will learn several useful tidbits about climate change/climate-tech but it’s wrapped in some of the hilarity and high jinx kids love. If I’ve executed it correctly, kids will forget they’re actually learning!

  If everything goes as planned, kids who struggle with ‘eco-anxiety’ or have fears and questions related to climate change will find an anchor in this book series that will help them move through it toward a more inspired vision of their future as they discover their world. In parenting my own kids, I’ve learned it’s a constant battle with technology and distractions to keep them grounded. If this book helps parents in even a small way, it’ll be a tremendous reward for me as the author.

  Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?

  The kids; They are super diverse and I hope relatable! I think every kid will see bits of themselves in each and probably identify with one or more of them! I’ve spent so much time thinking about them the past several years while writing the book that they almost feel real to me!

  What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?

  The AHA moment comes early in the story. In the early chapters, we learn about “THEM/THEY”- a metaphor I’ve created to describe climate change denial/greenwashing in big business. The readers are left to decide for themselves whether the mysterious “Man in the Room” and “Man on Screen” are good or bad, but one thing we learn about them early on is that they do not want the world to change and will do anything they can to keep things the way they’ve always been. Keeping things status quo for many decades in certain industries (such as oil/gas for example) has led to the development of trillion-dollar empires. As kids (heck even as adults) changing the way we do things can all seem overwhelming and frankly helpless. They want to hang on to the old way of doing things as long as possible and are being dragged toward change kicking and screaming.

  Our kids will inherit that torch soon, and to solve the climate problem once and for all, They (and the old ways of doing things) need to go! It will take nothing short of a generationally concerted effort to make that happen. Now is when kids are setting the values that will guide them for the rest of their lives, so it seemed like a great age to write for!

  Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?

  I’ve worked in the climate-tech industry for 15 years, and for some leading companies. I’ve been fortunate to have learned from a number of mentors. Without time in this industry or them I’d never have written this book; of that I’m 100% certain.

  Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

  Absolutely! I wouldn’t even no where to begin. At the end of the day, every government needs to make one universal change if we are to mitigate climate change and develop a truly sustainable civilization. We need to change our thinking — not just to consider the planetary impacts to our actions, but to consider them first, before ourselves.

  We need to start thinking about this as a marathon. Not a buffett that lasts a couple hundred years where humans gorge themselves and then starve. The of future our children, grandchildren and descendants has never been more at risk than now. We must act. And that starts with governments making what are contentious or unpopular decisions for the good of the whole. Market based incentives and penalty structures for things like carbon emissions are a good example. Unfortunately the flaw of the political system is that most political parties have diametrically opposed views from each other, and they are fighting for their jobs to get reelected every few years.

  We need to reconsider the power we give to governments and the temporary nature of it. The only way to get things done in the future might be to hold national or international referendums on specific issues. The creation of a global body that is non-partisan and that has ‘teeth’ to make decisions and enforce policy globally would be great as well. The UN’s international panel on climate change could certainly use sharper teeth.

  How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?

  I think true leaders aren’t afraid to speak the truth, even if it is unpopular. Sometimes we need to hear it, whether we want to or not. As it relates to the planet, I think most people are starting to clue into the fact that we are several courses (continuing my buffet analogy) into the ‘meal’- and when the meal is over, ‘the cupboards’ will be bare.

  We are taking so much more from the Earth than we’re putting back. And the impact our actions is getting worse at a much quicker pace than predictions expected.

  Truly altrusitic leaders step up and do the right thing, ignoring their self-interest. I don’t know if I fit that description, but its taken me five years to bring this book to the market and as an indie its cost me thousands. I honestly don’t know if I will gross a dollar on it, but I don’t really care about that. I just want to see it land into the hands of as many kids as possible and hope it can be a catalyst for change with kids today, if even in some small way. I’m committed to taking every soapbox I can get on to see it through and make that happen.

  What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

  Know who you are- try to be more of that every day, not something else
  Know your why! Not just who you are, but why you’re doing it
  Don’t try and do it all yourself — find great people to be around who will support you
  Say goodbye to toxic people, even if it hurts. Other “crabs in the bucket” will only hold you back
  Try to be of service to something bigger than you. And have fun doing it
  Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

  “You can’t pick something up until you put something down.” Whether we’re talking about people, passions, or goals. We live in a society of overwhelm and overconsumption. I was on the wheel toward that for a long time. I’ve learned at this stage in my life that it’s so much more about what you take out, not what you put in.

  Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

  TOUGH ONE! There are so many people I find inspiring for different reasons. From a sheer altruism standpoint, it would have to be David Attenborough –or Elon Musk. Sir David, because he’s had (a super long) lifetime of purposeful commitment to educating and inspiring billions to care about the natural world.

  Elon, of course because he’s Elon! I actually worked for Tesla at one time in my career here in Canada and I’ve been a long time admirer. Not just of his success (like everyone else) but because of his why. The guy could have retired to an island 25 years ago at a young age and keeps going because his belief is that powerful. The success and fame are just a bi-product of right thought, right actions. I’m not sure there is anyone in the world today who is a better example of that — especially as it relates to climate change.

  How can our readers further follow your work online?

  They can check me out on IG @aaron_arsenault_ or go to www.aaronarsenault.com !

  This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

• IndieView - https://www.theindieview.com/2024/05/10/indieview-with-aaron-arsenault-author-of-the-academy/

  QUOTED: "It came to me to write such content because I couldn’t find anything worthwhile to read to my own kids. I wanted to write something that was intentionally positive, something our kids don’t hear enough of as it relates to climate change. When I looked at other books on the topic, there just so much doom and gloom out there. And dare I say it, we have enough wizard and fart books! I wanted to honour current reading trends, but I set out to do something better."

  IndieView with Aaron Arsenault, Author of The Academy
  Posted on May 10, 2024 by admin

  I’ve been in the climate-tech industry for 15 years. It came to me to write such content because I couldn’t find anything worthwhile to read to my own kids. I wanted to write something that was intentionally positive, something our kids don’t hear enough of as it relates to climate change.

  Aaron Arsenault – 10 May 2024

  The Back Flap
  Super Hurricanes. Raging wildfires. Boiling oceans. As global temperatures skyrocket, a two-degree rise becomes unavoidable. Is the next generation up to the challenge?

  While people around the world argued, the experts acted.

  At the Climate Action Taskforce, solving the climate crisis is about more than just predicting the next superstorm. It’s about safeguarding the future of humanity. For its Academy, their secret mission is even more desperate- to recruit future Elon’s- now. When the founder who started it all mysteriously disappears, it’s a race against time to develop the brightest young minds of the century -before it’s too late.

  For eleven-year-old genius troublemaker Jax Wilkinson, fighting back against bullies has cost him big time. Having pulled his last prank, he’s given an impossible choice when the authorities get involved.

  No screens, no contact with the outside world… and no second chances. Can Jax make the cut?

  Joining forces with teammates Grace, August, and Kylie, Team 19 must learn to work together to hack it at the Academy- and to survive a catastrophe beyond their wildest fears.

  About the book
  What is the book about?

  The first of a series, The Climate Diaries- The Academy is a 52,000-word/300-page middle-grade novel (ages 9-12 yrs.) that weaves a fact-based, compelling climate narrative with over 30 illustrations, the high jinks kids love, an element of mystery, and lots of adventure!

  I set out to touch on the topic by framing the social, scientific, and existential discussion surrounding climate change in a way that kids could relate to, hoping it would calm their fears and leave them eager to learn more.

  To elaborate, the world is hurdling past the two-degree warming target. Climatologist Powell Aitkins pioneers several climate-related theories and, with global support from the UN, creates the Climate Action Taskforce (CAT). Their mission is to accelerate the research and deployment of solutions needed to solve the climate crisis. He also creates an Academy to recruit “future Elons”- When he and his research mysteriously disappear, the need becomes even more urgent.

  11-year-old Jax Wilkinson (protagonist) is a genius troublemaker. In the inciting incident, Jax pulls a prank that brings serious consequences and is given a difficult choice.

  At the Academy, we meet his unlikely teammates, learn about their different backgrounds, and set up the main conflict between Jax and Grace. Teammates August and Kylie often have the unfortunate luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but as supporting characters, they add great depth and personality to the core cast. Each kid brings a unique dynamic to the group- differing traits and backgrounds make for enjoyable conflict and (I think!) keep the middle from sagging as they get to know each other.

  As the tension increases, we also learn more about Powell’s disappearance, meet Charlie, the head counsellor, (key supporting character) and Chancellor Von Trunkle, Powell’s replacement, (an oppositional supporting character). We also meet a supervillain- I’ll leave it at that!

  The book culminates in a flurry that lands the team in the middle of a climate disaster and life-threatening situation. Since I intend this to be a series, I left a nice juicy cliff hanger at the end of Book One, but not before tying up a few satisfying loose ends for young readers.

  When did you start writing the book?

  2019! It’s been a grind!

  How long did it take you to write it?

  5 years. From my first character sketch to published novel.

  Where did you get the idea from?

  I’ve been in the climate-tech industry for 15 years. It came to me to write such content because I couldn’t find anything worthwhile to read to my own kids. I wanted to write something that was intentionally positive, something our kids don’t hear enough of as it relates to climate change. When I looked at other books on the topic, there just so much doom and gloom out there. And dare I say it, we have enough wizard and fart books! I wanted to honour current reading trends, but I set out to do something better.

  Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

  Lots! I found outlining was key. Even jotting a sentence or two in a matrix about the main point of each chapter, (expository content, conflict, plot advancement, character development, etc.) kept me grounded and gave me a track to run on when I was lost.

  What came easily?

  Creating the characters. They are borne of many experiences in my own life. Their traits are familiar. I’ve gotten so close to these kids I feel like they’re real!

  Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

  The characters are fictitious, but inspired by my own traits and the traits of people I know, definitely.

  We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

  As a kid, (and adult!) I was and still am a fan of Roald Dahl books. There is one chapter in particular in the book I feel he would be proud of. The absurdity of the scenes he’d construct and Quentin Blakes fabulous illustrations made reading enjoyable as an ADD kid. I hope kids enjoy that part of my writing. Although there are a ton of teachable bits in the book, I really wanted to make it as entertaining as possible.

  Do you have a target reader?

  I think readers from 4th – 6th grade will get the most out of this book, (age 9-12 yrs). That said, I know some 8th graders who’ve read it and who say it was awesome too, so you never know!

  About Writing
  Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

  I write character sketches first and really get to know my principal cast. I give them a backstory that may or may not even be used in the book itself. Then, I take a look at the three act structure, the inciding incident, major obstacles, climax, falling action and conclusion and sketch those out. Then I write an outline to meter out the salient points and attempt to string it all together like a bunch of pearls!

  Then, I start writing!

  Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

  Absolutely. I think it’s crucial – failing to outline can be a disaster. There is nothing worse than writing for 6 months and finding yourself in a corner plot-wise. The outline may take a up to month or two, but its worth it!

  Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

  When I’m done writing a chapter, usually I’ll go back and read it right away. Likely when I sit down the next day, I’ll read what I wrote the day before after a night’s sleep. If there is anything glaring I’ll change it or add it, but really I’m just looking for cohesion of the story from one chapter to the next. Did I capture all the salient bits? The conflict? The backstory, development etc. Is there a hook to the next chapter that would make a kid want to keep reading? Stuff like that…

  Did you hire a professional editor?

  I did! It was an experience! Best advice there is do your homework. I did most of the structural /content edits myself and had someone just more or less do a copy edit- she looked at spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. and gave me a hard time for all my italics, bolded type, interrobangs and excessive dialogue tagging. I heeded the advice and it was well worth it as the end product now has a more polished feel.

  Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

  No, I prefer total silence, or maybe the white noise of a crowd maybe at a café sometimes… Music, animals, spouses and screaming kids are muse killers for me as a writer! I generally need to hermit when I write.

  About Publishing
  Did you submit your work to Agents?

  I studied it, but in the end, I chose not to. I wanted creative control on this first novel and to go at my own pace, so I went indie.

  What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

  It was somewhat gradual. I consulted several traditionally published and indie authors and in the end made up my own mind. The thought of taking a year to find an agent another to move to the top of the slush pile and yet another to edit and go to market just wasn’t going to happen. I wasn’t going to take eight years to put out a book that was on trend with a compelling narrative. So in the end I opted to hire a traditional publisher who also helps authors self-publish. I did hire some freelance resources too for the edits and illustrations. The publisher did the final design. While I am happy with the end product, I discovered that under their model my pricing would have been way out of whack with what the market could bear. It was a bit of an upsetting turn of events, but in the end, I took my print ready work and started my own imprint and haven’t looked back. For the next one, I will likely go freelance 100% and run the project myself. While I agree, a professional-looking product is super important, it’s really not rocket science! It just takes some curiosity and stick-to-itiveness!

  Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

  I had an illustrator do the art and a professional cover designer pull it all together.

  Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

  I have a very detailed marketing plan for the book. I’ve hired a publicist and we’re going for the gusto. In addition, (since the book is middle-grade) I will be marketing directly to schools and librarians. I even have my first school visit booked on launch day! Whether indie or traditional, we all need to be marketers. That’s why I decided to go indie, at least for this first one.

  Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

  Decide who you’re writing for. How much you want to invest. And then reevaluate that decision! Some genres/tropes are great for direct to Amazon and can be written and produced with little fan-fare. I chose a pretty expensive route in Middle-grade fiction. I also chose to have illustrations in my book, which drove up the costs even more. If you write to an e-reader crowd great design and covers become less important. Writing for kids however that like to hold physical books (God love ‘em!) is an entirely different animal! The work product must be spot on. Even more so with picture books.

  I think you may as well go indie first- the market has changed so much that expending all that time and effort to go traditional just isn’t worth it for a first timer. I think getting a great product out there, some strong sales and a bit of momentum these days might be the way to go…. That can only open more doors with agents and publishers, (at least I hope it will!)

  About You
  Where did you grow up?

  North of Toronto Ontario in a small town on a lake. I was the last generation to grow up pre-internet. It was fun.

  Where do you live now?

  I live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, about 30 min west of Toronto.

  What would you like readers to know about you?

  That writing is a grind! But I’m so glad I did it. I can honestly say I am proud of what I’ve put out there.

  What are you working on now?

  Launching this book to the best of my ability for another month or two, but then if all goes well, book number two of this series!

  End of Interview:

  Get your copy of The Academy from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

QUOTED: "humorous and engaging."

Arsenault, Aaron THE CLIMATE DIARIES Borrowed Planet Press (Children's) $9.99 4, 22

A trouble-making boy joins a youth-led project to counter the climate crisis in Arsenault's middle-grade chapter book.

Jax Wilkinson, an 11-year-old with a penchant for breaking the rules, struggles academically and clashes with teachers but harbors a fervent passion for combating climate change ("Jax was desperate to understand whyhumans were doing so much damage to our only home"). After landing in detention on the final day of school, Jax seizes an opportunity for mischief, hacking into an abusive teacher's car's computer and taking it for a rooftop joyride. Caught red-handed, he faces two options: juvenile detention or a summer camp dedicated to engineering climate-crisis solutions. Unsurprisingly, Jax picks the latter and is transported to a mysterious island with three other unique kids: Grace Beckett, the daughter of an astronaut and a U.S. Airforce General; August Raines, a computer whiz and the son of a brain surgeon; and Kylie Malone, whose family owns a company on the Forbes list and is committed to sustainable living. At camp, the team must work together to build shelter and solve a major climate issue: bovine methane emissions (in cruder language, "cow farts"). Tensions between the rebellious Jax and the assertive Grace threaten the team's hopes for success. This story has potential appeal as it aligns with current trends in youth fiction, but it falters on a couple of major points: Unrealistically convenient plot machinations, like Jax's no-brainer choice between punishment options, detract from believability, and some of the characters evoke tired stereotypes (primarily Kylie, who is a stereotypical Australian hippy, and August, who is Black and has been abandoned by his father). Additionally, there's not much of a narrative arc--Jax and Grace don't seem to learn much by the end of the story, nor are their flaws redeemed, making for an unsatisfying conclusion. That said, the comedic dialogue and Harto's black-and-white illustrations throughout the book are consistently humorous and engaging.

A strong premise addressing an important issue derailed by flawed storytelling.

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Arsenault, Aaron: THE CLIMATE DIARIES." Kirkus Reviews, 17 Apr. 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A791877157/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b424298e. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.

QUOTED: "exciting" "entertaining"

Aaron Arsenault and Adrienn Harto (illustrator); THE CLIMATE DIARIES; FriesenPress (Children's: Juvenile Fiction) ISBN: 9781738322701

Byline: Karen Rigby

Gifted children gather, preparing to fight together against climate change, in the exciting novel The Climate Diaries.

In Aaron Arsenault's entertaining adventure novel The Climate Diaries, a capable boy joins a secretive group to help reverse environmental damage.

Jax is a genius with a reputation for frequent detentions. He's passionate about researching climate change and would rather be writing in his notebooks than enduring the fifth grade. Determined to end his last day of elementary school with a flourish, he devises a few pranks that showcase his impish nature and computer savviness. But one antic goes too far and risks landing him in juvenile detention. Instead, a pair of Climate Action Taskforce (CAT) agents recruit him for an international academy to help their cause.

While the book's adults are cartoonishly indignant over Jax's habit of challenging authority, Jax himself is endearing. He displays classic gifted traits: he's focused on his special interest to a high degree yet also prone to immature impulses; he's out of step with his peers and relishes being surrounded by adults who share in his goals. His characterization is imbued with action-hero flair: he can scale rooftops, and he's depicted with wild hair. Still, he evades real consequences because of convenient timing, and some of the book's developments are too abrupt to be believable.

Beyond Jax, the cast is rounded out by other recruits, including a brusque girl who prides herself on being a second-year CAT member; a good-natured, peace-making Australian who is fond of yoga; and a Canadian "nerd" whose mother is a brain surgeon. They are developed in somewhat broad terms, though, and there's some stereotyping based on nationality that flattens the text: the Australian's speech is peppered with colloquialisms including "mate"; the Canadian exhibits continual politeness. But their dynamics are prickly enough to hold interest, and when details about their families are revealed during a clandestine drone flight, they come to seem more real.

When it comes to CAT headquarters and future plans, the novel is quite cinematic. There's an oceanside helipad, futuristic research elements, and a nature preserve to pique interest. For the audience, as for Jax, the academy is fun to explore. Indeed, educational concepts, as with those related to sustainable agroforestry, are introduced in an engaging way through Jax's first experiences with the academy. But Jax's growth is ultimately shortchanged: his self-awareness about how his behavior affects others arrives because of dramatic twists, not in a natural way. Still, with its background tension set in motion via a missing climatologist and threats from shadowy figures, this is a fascinating start to a science-minded series.

In the series-opening adventure novel The Climate Diaries, exceptional children train to fight for the planet, learning to work together in the meantime.

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Foreword Magazine, Inc.
https://www.forewordmagazine.net/clarion/reviews.aspx
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Rigby, Karen. "The Climate Diaries; Book One: The Academy." Clarion Reviews, 9 May 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A793604652/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c2b32524. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.