GENRES: Eco-literature, teenage drama, adventure

 

Earth Day came and went at the end of April but we can still think about the environment. Green Rising by Lauren James is an interesting blend of science fiction and eco-literature. Years after a manmade disaster that was largely covered up, some teenagers start developing unusual powers of regeneration and are able to replenish the dwindling trees and plants in the world. These mysterious powers are soon discovered by an unscrupulous oil magnate, who tries to exploit the young people and use their powers to profit from renewable energy, aided by his own teenage daughter who holds an unusually senior position in the company.

The characters in this novel are interesting and diverse, some based upon people we know in the real world, there is a teenage girl who appears to be modelled on Greta Thunberg, and a recognisable copy of Elon Musk!

 

This is a gripping read for KS3 readers, offering a challenge for those wishing to raise their reading age, and making us think about the environment and climate change.