19. Earth is Ours

Earth is ours—to enjoy, to explore, to share, to respect, and to protect for future generations. Middle grade readers will discover their own power to help save the planet, as three authors of fascinating new books take the stage one-by-one. In One Ocean, Mark Leiren-Young spotlights young climate activists and presents practical ways to keep the ocean clean, the effects of the climate crisis on our seas, and how to get political in your community. Neil Griffin shines a light on bats in Bat Planet, with facts about their biology, habitat, risks to survival, and how you can help these winged wonders. Willie Poll shares Minnow, a beautiful graphic novel about a girl who becomes a mermaid—a power that might help her stop a pipeline development! Grades 4–7.

Themes: Nature, conservation, social justice, activism, biodiversity, habitat loss, storytelling, fantasy
Curriculum Connections: Science 3-7, English Language Arts 4–9

Presented in partnership with Vancouver International Children’s Festival and Vancouver Maritime Museum.

More information about the Festival:
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Event Participants:

Neil Griffin

NEIL GRIFFIN is a writer and former wildlife biologist. His nature writing has appeared in magazines across Canada, and he is the author of two poetry chapbooks. He has an MFA in writing from the University of Victoria and is a teacher on Vancouver Island, where he works with the most dangerous wild animals imaginable: teenagers.

Mark Leiren-Young

MARK LEIREN-YOUNG is a writer, documentary filmmaker, playwright, podcaster and orca activist. Mark has written for other young audiences for ABC, PBS, YTV, Treehouse and BBC Kids. His books for young readers include Orcas of the Salish Sea, Octopus Ocean and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize winner, Orcas Everywhere. He lives in Victoria.

Willie Poll

WILLIE POLL is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Willie has worked in Indigenous education across the Nation for over ten years. She currently resides on Prince Edward Island as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi’kma’ki people. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology.