Green Rising
on Goodreads (954)
What’s inside...
Set in a near-future world on the brink of ecological catastrophe, Lauren James’ novel follows Gabrielle, a climate-change activist with a supernatural ability to grow plants from her skin, Hester, a millionaire oil tycoon's daughter, and Theo, a fisherman’s son. As the trio and other teenagers worldwide develop the 'Greenfingers' power, they must navigate love, family expectations, and corrupt organizations to use their abilities for good and attempt a heist to save the Earth.
Age
5-6
Length
370 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hester
Gabrielle
Theo
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Hester and Theo to take action against climate change in 'Green Rising'?
How do you feel about the way nature is portrayed in the story? Do you think nature has a voice?
If you had the power to grow plants at will, like the characters in the book, how would you use it to help the planet?
What are some ways the book suggests young people can make a difference in addressing environmental issues?
How do the friendships in 'Green Rising' impact the characters' decisions and actions towards climate change?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal connection to the environment by relating the book’s scenarios to your own community. Discuss the real-world implications of climate change, and brainstorm together simple daily actions that can contribute to environmental conservation. Acknowledge their feelings about the book's events and characters, and relate these emotions to the broader topic of environmental responsibility. Use the characters’ diverse perspectives and solutions to prompt your child to think creatively about problem-solving in team settings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling big issues like climate change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Green Rising,' teens have the power to grow plants from their fingertips, which they use to combat climate change. The story emphasizes the importance of taking action to preserve the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in recycling, conserving water, and learning about sustainable practices to help protect the earth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to tackle global warming, showcasing how collaboration can lead to achieving significant goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to participate in group activities and learn how to cooperate with others to accomplish shared objectives.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and Advocacy
Explanation: The young protagonists use their unique abilities to make a difference, teaching that regardless of age, everyone has the power to effect change.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to speak up about issues they care about in their community and learn ways to make their voices heard.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The novel displays how the protagonists create inventive solutions to environmental issues, underlining the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems or create projects that reflect their personal interests and passions.