earthgirl

Starred review from June 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-Extremely well researched and full of additional Web site links to further information, "Earthgirl" is something of a fiction to nonfiction crossover and is a wonderful read for any aspiring or devoted activist. When a careless driver throws her fast-food castoffs out of the window of her parked vehicle, nailing Sabine with it, the teen gets off her bicycle and lays into the woman with a full force of environmental fury. Where this rage comes from Sabine is unsure. The video of her arguing with the driver soon appears on YouTube, courtesy of one of her friends, and Sabine quickly embraces her revived outlook on the state of the planet. Starting a blog, she develops something of a following as she discusses various environmental issues and conundrums. She meets Vray, a dedicated environmentalist with whom she begins an intense intimate relationship and becomes engaged in heightened eco-warrior actions. Switching between first-person narrative and Sabine's blog entries, the book gives insights into the teen's development from two slightly different angles. Her personality comes across well and her voice is a true reflection of a 16-year-old at a time of life when change is coming from every quarter. Curriculum links could easily be made with the conflict between the development of the individual versus the pressure of peers that is evident throughout the book."Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2009
Grades 8-11 While biking to meet friends at a trendy coffee spot, 16-year-old Sabine gets doused with the remains of an SUV drivers fast-food lunch, thrown out the car window. The altercation that ensues is recorded and posted on YouTube, and Sabine becomes a minor eco-celebrity. Awakened to a whole realm of green issues, she begins blogging, quits her job at a clothing shop in favor of a food co-op, and, much to her familys chagrin, embraces the motto if its yellow, let it mellow . . . . Soon, Sabine meets and begins dating the enigmatic Vray, another environmentalist. When her brand of culture jamming doesnt rise to Vrays more drastic aspirations of guerilla environmentalism, the pair clash and Sabine must choose between her relationship and her beliefs. Sabines conversion is swift and dramatic, with a passion particular to teenagers. Her blog entries, as well as the comments posted by her fans, add a very now element to the narrative, and like-minded readers will appreciate the many links, organizations, and movements sprinkled throughout.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
A brief yet incendiary incident with a rude minivan driver inspires Sabine to become an eco-activist. Using her blog, Sabine (a.k.a. earthgirl) writes educational (if preachy and self-righteous) posts about green living. While heightening her social consciousness, she begins dating Vray, a charming environmental radical. Cowan creates an unusual, complicated, and realistic romance while also providing earth-friendly information.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)