We the Sea Turtles: A Collection of Island Stories

Gr 3-5--A compilation of tales with four threads running through them: islands, sea turtles, environmentalism, and heart. The stories vary in setting from Amelia Island, FL, to Singapore, and the middle grade protagonists vary in skin tones, nationalities, and cultures. Each story touches on an aspect of environmentalism and features a sea turtle in some form. Tone ranges from heartwarming stories ("Fast Fashion" centers a boy who volunteers to lessen his family's carbon footprint while on vacation), to heartrending (in "Kura Kura," a girl loses her father and home to a tsunami). Overall, this is a strong collection of stories if a little didactic, and some are weaker than others. "Only for Ariel," about a girl who visits Copenhagen with her environmental scientist aunt and learns that Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" is vastly different from the Disney version, as well as the importance of taking care of the environment, feels heavy-handed and reads younger than the rest of the stories. But standouts such as "Home of the Little Penguins," about a boy who is separated from his family when a bushfire sweeps through his town, and "Fox Bones," about a girl who helps a pair of family friends through their grief, make this collection a great choice for discussions not only about the environment and climate change, but also about character-building subjects like the importance of honesty and being a good friend. Back matter includes facts about sea turtles and an author interview. VERDICT Great for classroom discussion; hand this collection to a budding environmentalist looking for realistic stories with heart.--Mimi Powell

Praise for We the Sea Turtles: A collection of island stories

Kirkus "150 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall 2023" Selection

CBC "20 Canadian Books to Give to Kids and Teens this Holiday Season" 2023 Selection

Quill & Quire Young Readers Books of the Year 2023 Selection

Quill & Quire "2023 Fall Preview: Middle Grade and Graphic Novels" Feature

2023 Children's Book Council "Hot off the Press September" Selection

CBC Books "26 Canadian early reader and middle-grade books to read in fall 2023" Selection

CBC Books "Sustainability and the Environment Fall 2023" Selection

49th Shelf Fall 2023 "Most Anticipated Books for Young Readers" Selection

FOLD Kids: 2023 Winter Reading List Selection

"A compilation of tales with four threads running through them: islands, sea turtles, environmentalism, and heart....a strong collection of stories....a great choice for discussions not only about the environment and climate change, but also about character-building subjects like the importance of honesty and being a good friend....Great for classroom discussion; hand this collection to a budding environmentalist looking for realistic stories with heart."—School Library Journal

"Kadarusman looks at the consequences of climate change through the perspectives of those who stand to lose the most—children....Kadarusman's message of hope and taking action—however small—makes these stories relevant for our times and essential reading for the young. Kadarusman sets her stories on islands across the world...and brings these lush locations and their flora and fauna to life with her evocative writing. Her deep love for nature shines through....Sea turtles, which have been around since the age of the dinosaurs and are now endangered, become symbolic in these stories of what we stand to lose and what we need to save."—Quill and Quire

"These lovely writings present positive, enlightening scenarios as they depict the very different lives and approaches of island residents around the world, from Manhattan to Komodo Island in Indonesia. This makes for a collection that is diverse in its environments, but unified in its messages of positive growth."—Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch

"The characters and settings are diverse, giving readers opportunities to sympathize with young people who have eco-anxiety or who are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand. Readers will also be inspired by the myriad ways the young characters choose to make a difference."—Hakai Magazine

"Ultimately, We the Sea Turtles is a book about the wonder of nature and the tenacity and beauty of its creatures, in particular the sea turtle. By encouraging kids to love and be inspired by their natural surroundings, author Michelle Kadarusman hopes to encourage a generation of children to play a positive role in the future of our planet. There is lots of fruitful content for thought and discussion. Highly Recommended."—CM Reviews

"We the Sea Turtles takes readers on a ride around the world from Georgian Bay to Java in nine ecological stories. Perfect for fans of Sit by Deborah Ellis, each tale weaves memorable characters with Michelle Kadarusman's evocative writing."—Colleen Nelson, award-winning author of The Umbrella House and The Undercover Book List

"This anthology explores relevant themes like eco-anxiety, natural disaster, and the change people are forced to make when they are uprooted. Kadarusman expertly presents scientific information guided by the sincere environmental concerns that many young people reflect upon....This is an ideal read-aloud source for grade 4 to 6 classrooms....I loved it."—Dr. Larry Recommends