Four kids are recruited to be a part of the Climate Action Taskforce, a group that enlists bright young minds to help solve the climate crisis. The story blends in information about climate change throughout the 32 chapters.

Front and center is main character, Jax. He is the most self-centered, obnoxious, and unlikable MG character ever created. It’s his way or watch out as he will retaliate. Luckily, by the final pages there is a hint of a different side to Jax that I hope will continue into book 2.

Coming in a close second in this not so enduring category is Grace. She is at odds with Jax from the start. Helping balance the behavior of these two are the gracious, Kylie from Australia and August, the computer genius. They want to work together as a team rather than undermine each other. Their efforts come up a bit short given the strong personalities of Jax and Grace.

These four very different personalities are spending the summer on an unknown island, home of the CAT Academy. The plot moves along at a fine pace and the quick, surprising ending sets up the next book in an intriguing way. Learning about climate change in this format embeds important details as to what we are doing to our planet. Not to be missed is the author’s note as he delves deeper into how anyone can be more involved in change.

THE CLIMATE DIARIES-THE ACADEMY should appeal to young readers and is the perfect title for Earth Day on April 22nd.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Arsenault is a citizen of Mother Earth, a climate-tech industry veteran, and a concerned dad. His passion for the environment coupled with a lack of inspirational material for young readers on the topic influenced him to become a writer of climate fiction. When he’s not writing, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, painting, and planning his next adventure. Aaron studied children’s writing and illustration as a postgraduate at the University of Toronto. He lives with his family and a goofy goldendoodle in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Find out more about him at his website: www.aaronarsenault.com.

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Get ready for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.