Simon, S. (2010). Global
warming. New York:
Collins.
Reading level: 890L
Interest level: Grades 3 – 6
This Smithsonian Institution and Seymour Simon penned
picture book explores the reality of global warming. Attempting neutrality, the
jacket reads, “Earth’s climate has always varied, but it is now changing more
rapidly than at any other time in recent centuries.” I read this alongside
Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” to compare the texts. The book begins by
explaining the difference between weather and climate, something many global
warming deniers could benefit from reading. Next, against an image of Earth
from space, Simon tells us about the greenhouse effect. Simon then summarizes
the findings of a 2007 report (“2,500 scientists from 130 countries”) that came
to a consensus that the current spate of warmer trends is, in fact, caused by
human activity. Simon uses straightforward, easily digestible facts to make
this point: “There is 30 percent more carbon dioxide in the air than there was
150 years ago.” Simple enough language is used that a 4th or 5th
grader could easily comprehend the ideas – again, this would probably be useful
for adults who are “interested” in “climate change.” Comparative images are
also used to great effect. One criticism: while there is a glossary and “read
more” section at the back of the book, I would have preferred to see a
bibliography of studies used to support the statements made, especially since
this is a controversial topic.
I checked out this book to compare and contrast with the YA
iteration of Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth.” This could be an interesting
science class project for a small group, where several texts could be compared
to parse differences between texts on the same topic.
Some possible texts to use for comparisons:
