Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
on Goodreads (668)
What’s inside...
This book tells the inspiring story of Greta Thunberg, a sixteen-year-old climate activist who has become the face of a global student movement demanding action on climate change. It chronicles her journey from a concerned student learning about the effects of climate change in school to leading a worldwide protest by skipping school every Friday to demand change. Her initial solitary protest outside the Swedish Parliament sparked a global movement, leading her to speak at major international forums and inspire others to take action. The book highlights Greta's message that everyone, regardless of age, can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways Greta Thunberg tries to protect the planet?
Why do you think it is important to take care of Earth?
How do you feel when you see people doing things that hurt our planet?
What are some things we can do every day to help our environment?
If you could talk to a world leader about the planet, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the environment openly, without any judgment.
Connect the story to real-life situations by discussing current environmental issues or news.
Ask your child to draw or write about their own ideas for helping the planet, making the conversation interactive.
Plan a simple environmentally friendly activity, such as planting a tree or recycling, to implement the book’s lessons.
Reinforce the positive impact that even small actions can have on the environment to empower your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book showcases Greta Thunberg's journey of environmental activism, highlighting the importance of understanding and caring for our planet.
Real-World Application: Children can practice environmental awareness by engaging in recycling, conserving water, and learning more about how their actions can impact the earth.
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: Greta's determined spirit to fight for climate change despite her young age demonstrates the power of standing up for what you believe in.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being courageous in their own lives, whether that means standing up for a friend or speaking out about what they believe is right.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Individual Actions
Explanation: The story illustrates how Greta's solitary protest inspired a global movement, showing that even small actions can have a large impact.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their actions, no matter how small, can contribute to larger changes. They can be inspired to take individual actions like turning off lights when not in use or advocating for greener practices at their schools.
Example Lesson: Responsibility to Future Generations
Explanation: Through Greta’s passionate plea to save the planet, the book instills a sense of responsibility towards future generations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to make decisions that not only benefit them but also consider the well-being of future children, such as preserving natural resources and supporting sustainable initiatives.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Nature
Explanation: Greta's deep connection and empathy towards the environment are evident as she addresses the devastating effects of climate change.
Real-World Application: Children can cultivate empathy for the environment by participating in nature conservation activities, learning about local wildlife, and understanding how interconnected we are with our surroundings.