As the Seas Rise

May 1, 2024
A fulsome tribute to Guatemala-born scientist and climate activist Nicole Hern�ndez Hammer. Padron begins by connecting her subject's childhood experiences with natural disasters--an earthquake in Guatemala City and, following a family move to Miami, the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992--to her later scientific studies but turns frustratingly vague when it comes to describing her actual work or achievements. Yes, she writes, Hammer has publicized how rising water tables have caused flooding on both "rainy days" and "sunny days" in certain unspecified south Florida areas, encouraged people of color in these and other threatened "frontline communities" to "tell their stories," and marched and spoken out for "climate justice." What the term means or what inequities need to be addressed remain unclear, though, and instead of tallying specific local projects or proposals, the author highlights a single meet and greet with the Obamas in 2015 before closing with general lists of climate change facts and standard suggestions for budding activists. Her illustrations are likewise generic as she follows Hammer from childhood on to scenes in which she comforts flood victims, stands with a racially diverse crowd of protesters, and lectures a bored-looking silhouetted audience, a frozen-faced president and first lady, and a final set of general listeners with politely attentive expressions. A superficial profile of an accomplished changemaker. (more information on Nicole Hern�ndez Hammer, websites) (Picture-book biography. 6-8)

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June 1, 2024
Grades 1-3 When an earthquake devastates Guatemala City, Nicole and her family are forced to relocate to the countryside, where, for a while, her life is peaceful, enriched by the beauty and bounty of nature. When her family migrates to the U.S., Nicole's life takes a downturn as she struggles to fit in. She finds respite in nature and community among other Spanish-speakers. Then, Hurricane Andrew destroys her family's home and she is forced to move again. Nicole, now grown, turns her attention to studying the reality of climate change and how it precipitates forced migration and has other devastating effects on the planet. She becomes an environmental scientist and justice advocate, and we learn from the back matter that this is not a fictional story. As The Seas Rise contains a powerful message about nature, the need for humans to change our ways, and the urgency for action. A useful addition to curricula about this topic, which can be paired with other books about activism.

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