AS THE SEAS RISE: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice is an interesting picture book biography written and illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron. The pictures are stunning, and the story is one of determination as the reader follows Nicole from her childhood in Guatemala City, where she experienced a powerful earthquake, to her eventual move to the United States.
After a difficult time, young Nicole settled in and enjoyed climbing trees, collecting rocks, and playing with nature----dragonflies and caterpillars were some of her favorite playmates. When the family moved to Miami, Florida, her interest in all things blossomed. The joyful illustration of her walking with her mother among the various shops, restaurants and spoken languages is full of happiness, action and community. Important to note, however, is the fact that Nicole and her family were also devastated by Hurricane Andrew when she was seventeen.
Nicole became more and more interested in science and climate change and became a university professor. The back material contains a beautiful description of Nicole’s work as a climate change researcher and activist. “Today Nicole continues to partner with people on climate adaptation projects to protect their communities and take action so that this world can be safe for us and for future generations.”
There is also useful Climate Change Facts in the back material as well as a note entitled What You Can Do.
AS THE SEAS RISE: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice is a timely, well written and richly illustrated book for readers 4-8 years of age. (Atheneum/ Simon and Schuster)2024.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the Activity Questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice
For Younger Readers: Locate the following items in the illustration where clothes are being washed in a stream: a bluebird, a monkey,
pears, the sun, a clothesline, a dragonfly, wheels, white slacks, a read skirt, and brown shoes with straps. Study the entire double page illustration and give it a name.
For Older Readers: Study the double page illustration where Nicole and her mother are walking through a neighborhood area where people can get a friendly cup of coffee or a haircut. Add more possibilities to this picture. What else would you put in this picture?
Give it some thought. Today, what would you like to be able to get in this friendly place?
