Girls Who Green the World: Thirty-Four Rebel Women Out to Save Our Planet

by Diana Kapp, Ana Jarén (Illustrator)

Part biography, part guidebook to the contemporary environmental movement, this book is the perfect gift for future and current activists and changemakers! Girls Who Green the World features the inspiring stories of 34 revolutionaries fighting for our future!

An inspired collection of profiles, featuring environmental changemakers, social entrepreneurs, visionaries and activists.

Journalist Diana Kapp has crisscrossed this country writing for and about empowered girls, girls who expect to be leaders, founders and inventors. This book takes it a step further. It says to girls: while you're striving to be CEOs and world leaders, consider solving the biggest challenge of our lifetime, too--because you can do both at the same time, and here are 34 women doing just that.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Science, Nature, Global Warming, Climate Change, Womens

336 pages, Library Binding

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

My journalism has taken me inside San Quentin prison, and to deepest Afghanistan. I have covered teen suicide clusters in Palo Alto, apps and bots to fight depression, and my dad falling headlong in love at 85. My path to writing has been circuitous. I’ve worked for a senator and a biotech start-up, made ads for Nike, and helped launch women’s sportswear retailer Lucy. I went to Stanford and got an MBA. I’ve lived in Kenya, and the Haight. I love the Sawtooth Mountains, Neil Young, my 5am running club, and climbing mountains. I wish I could play guitar and sing, but I have no talent. I’m a wannabe “rancher.” Check out www.idahorocky.com.

My work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, ELLE, Marie Claire, O the Oprah Magazine, California Sunday Magazine, Sunset, Outside.com. My first book Girls Who Run the World (Random House) published in 2019, and was endorsed by Madeline Albright(!) and featured in Forbes and on NPR’s Marketplace. On April 5th, in time for Earth Day, Girls Who Green the World will come into the world. The book answers Who are the environmental changemakers of this critical moment? I suppose this book started in my childhood. I was raised on Sierra Club trips and forced Sunday hikes, which ultimately worked to make the natural world my true religion. It was my teenage and 20-something kids who made me feel the urgency of the climate crisis. They gave the book the nod, which I consider the highest praise imaginable.

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging! A breath of fresh air! Stories of people working passionately and creatively, many ways to tackle a big problem, a drop in the ocean is still a drop that wouldn't have been there without you

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one, while with the best of intentions of highlighting all the women (34) who work to save the planet, was too long. Kapp kept the stories for each of the women short and then included humanizing details about things they feel they're good at and not good at and proudest achievement which reminded me of Wonder Women of Science: How 12 Geniuses Are Rocking Science, Technology, and the World. That one grated on me because it was too casual with its pop culture voice, this one just got long and repetitive because it's a thick set of collected biographies. By midway and toward the end, it felt like "another one?" but not because the women's achievements weren't amazing, but because it just.kept.going.

[Heather White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana Kapp focuses on the "do-ers" in climate action. It's an inspiring, fun read that highlights everyday heroes around us. If you are stressed about climate change, this wonderful book (targeted to tweens and teens) will help you reset and lift up all the positive work in sustainability that surrounds us. Diana is a captivating storyteller and the illustrations are gorgeous. It's a fantastic book, uplifting book.

[Emily Cottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this nonfiction book about women who are making a difference in world. The mini-biographies were short but engaging. I was definitely inspired by their creativity, intelligence, and inability to give up in the name of our planet. Definitely recommended for anyone!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This inspiring collective biography offering helpful advice about how to change the world is a 3.5 for me. So often youngsters and teens become concerned about an issue such as climate change but don't know how to channel those feelings into some sort of action. This book offers ways to do so, and does so in very specific fashion with suggested websites, organizations, and starting points. Thus, it isn't necessary to simply wring one's hands about the state of the world; instead, readers can mine the book for examples of individuals who are already working to save the planet. In its contents readers will read about 34--yes, 34!--different women who are taking action against toxic materials in water and beauty products, for instance, as well as those who are finding ways to deal with waste, plastic, and advance the Green New Deal. Others are determined to end the world's reliance on fossil fuels in creative ways while still others are concerned about the large amount of food that is wasted or thrown out while so many humans are starving. The book contains profiles of these amazing women and their projects or companies, providing brief information about their backgrounds and what led to their commitments to the green cause. Each profile contains brief soundbites about what they consider something they are "oddly bad at" or "oddly good at" as well as some of their less eco-friendly behavior before they became aware of its harms. Most encouraging, the book also includes some of the mistakes these women made along the way and how they dealt with those mistakes or overcame them. Readers will surely come away from the book inspired to do their bit for the planet, filled with a sense of hope that maybe it isn't too late to save us from ourselves. Most interestingly, the author acknowledges that while small, individual actions such as not using plastic bags or straws matter, it is those larger political movements and projects described here that truly may be the turning point. She clearly acknowledges the value of activism and spreading the word about whatever issue matters to readers. While I appreciated all the content and suggestions, I still wondered about what someone with little political clout or a small network of friends can do. In many cases, these women had access to wealthy donors or supporters who made their dreams come true.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of biographies is an inspirational compilation of women who are doing amazing things in a variety of ways to help make the world a better place - from Varshini Prakash the cofounder and executive director of the Sunrise Movement (a youth movement to stop climate change) to Daniela Fernandez the founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance to Saba Gray the cofounder and CEO of BioGlitz (biodegradable glitter). These are 34 women whose names are probably not familiar to anyone who are working in so many different aspects of the environment and climate change, to make a difference, a big difference. Each women was personally interviewed by the author. There are a few interesting factoids at the beginning of her story, such as what they are oddly good at, oddly bad at, their greatest fear, a guilty pleasure, and something they used to do before they realized how bad it was for the environment. This book will inspire you to make changes in your lifestyle, maybe even write an email or two, and possibly do some further reading and research on these highly accomplished women.
Grades 6-12

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of 34 mini-biographies tells the stories of women of all ages who are doing something important to save our world. Each one includes some background of the subject, but clearly focuses on the issues they are tackling, ranging from ending food waste, to farming kelp, to harnessing geothermal energy. One interesting note: Almost none of these women knew what they were embarking on when they started the journey. They all learned along the way.

The book includes many fascinating and frightening facts, hints for getting involved, an explanation of "How we got here to begin with", and ends with a section called "What now?" One intriguing statistic: Teenage girls are better advocates that boys.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspirational collection of 34 profiles of women who are working to save the planet. Each story tells of their paths that led to the contribution they are making today. Many fascinating stories about transforming waste onto to useful products. Most of these women are not well known but all provide great role models for others on the power an individual holds to make a difference. The book could be easily jigsawed in a classroom with different readers learning the stories of different women. If I had one criticism is the book is very text dense when the use of more illustrations, graphics and photos may have made the content even more accessible to readers.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girls Who Green the World is a unique collection of interviews with and about 34 women alive today who are making great efforts to protect our environment. The style of the interviews is light-hearted and relatable, with down-to-earth questions with each woman at the beginning of each section. Their stories are inspirational and optimistic - a view of climate change that leaves one believing that we can all do more to help keep our world wonderful.

Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly appealing compilation of contemporary women who have made, and continue to make, a better world for the future. A few features are worth particular note. Each account beings with several interview/one-line responses that offer distinct views into the individuals, and also the range of interests that are pr=brought to our attention, from changes in cosmetics manufacturing and ingredients (with parallel activism to require more legal regulation) to women who launched/lead environmental, digital, social, and scientific movements to leave the world a better place for future rebels.

[Karen Lemmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who recycles and certainly wants to do more to save our environment, I read this book with awe and fascination. These women have followed their passion and accepted the challenge to make the necessary changes to save the world. Diana Kapp shares each woman's unique story so well that you feel their passion and spirit. But Kapp does more. She explains how everyone can get involved in saving the world. You can certainly join their organization or join or local organization that supports your cause. Everyone can do something to save the world. These 34 women has started. It is up to us to continue the work. Excellent book!

[spiacente · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened as an audiobook so as usual a lot just went in one ear and out the other, but anw i think this book was meant for a younger target audience than me LOL regardless, it was rly nice to hear the stories of these women, and i have become more aware of the many dimensions to environmentalism (i.e., the many subspaces that exist within the space of environmentalism), which is always useful for me given that i want to pursue research in this area, though i’d say no story was particularly interesting to me 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ i think i tend to prefer diving deep than wide so it’s to be expected

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring book about 34 young women who are committed to save our planet. Each short chapter is based on an interview with Kapp, the author.
These women are entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and scientists. Some became inspired in their teens, some in college or grad school, and some already worked in industry. They all identified a climate crisis/emergency problem and set out to make a change. Their solutions took much diligence, overcoming many obstacles along the way.
I thought it was interesting that this book is listed as “Young Adult”. I’m 71 years old and was constantly amazed at the results they achieved due to their intelligence, expertise, innovation, perseverance, and passion.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short biographies of entrepreneurs and some scientists who are all involved with conservation. I liked the illustrated portraits that started each biography and thought that the writing was fast and informative, always stresses how success was built from hardwork and perseverance. It ends with suggestions on how to emulate these winners by finding a passion and then working towards it.

I'm not sure who would pick this up, but if they did they'd enjoy it.

[Brittany Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely inspiring! Instead of being filled with climate dread, I'm feeling hopeful. Thank you for telling these stories. I'm feeling more empowered than ever to make changes in my own life and find a way to contribute to "greening" the world.

[Katie]

This book is targeted for teen girls: inspirational, informative, and interesting. I think the writing for some of the women's stories was a little weak, but I found a few brands and companies that I will be looking more into.

[M Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible profiles of women who are making a difference for the environment. The book is aimed at younger readers (perhaps as young as tweens) but is enjoyable for adult readers as well.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girls Who Green the World is a collection of profiles featuring environmental changemakers, social entrepreneurs, visionaries, and activists with guides for Young Adult readers to the contemporary environmental movement.

This book had a lot of information I wasn’t aware of. Mostly how companies have or haven’t helped in saving the world and all the badass women who are out there trying to shine light on the giant problems we have that are destroying our planet.

One of the interesting facts I can still remember is how landfills are like time capsules where food doesn’t ever breakdown because there’s no oxygen and how scientist that are studying that have found things like brand new looking hotdogs that were actually forty-years-old and an order of relatively green guacamole next to a newspaper that dated 1967.

I also enjoyed the little tidbits of Facts sprinkled in throughout each of the profiles as it made the connections of what the women were speaking about all the more powerful. The guides at the end of profiles were helpful as well and would bring attention to not only the next steps a young person can do, but also shine the light on other organizations that are similar to the work that the previous profiler does.

Overall, this is a great resource for everyone. Even though it’s aimed at young adults, especially with the guides at the end of the profiles, I feel like it’s worth a read for everyone to educate themselves on the steps needed to save our planet Earth.

*Thank you Delacorte Press and Library Thing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The change-makers profiled in this wonderful collective biography have all chosen to see possibility where there was failure, with the credo that good actions work.

An introduction with a great infographic summarizes the science of the challenges to our climate, and creates an imperative to think outside the box. The tone is one of excitement for the possibilities of individuals to make a difference, and it is inspiring. The basic science of climate change and the challenge of curtailing the use of fossil fuels is succinct and clear. The thirty-four profiles are loosely sorted into seven chapters covering topics such as fighting toxic materials in daily life, harnessing waste (food, clothing), changing plastic use, creating climate activism, dealing with fossil fuels, technology, and food. Readers will be introduced to climate challenges they may not have been aware of, such as supplying toilets to underserved communities globally, and finding new uses for avocados. Short likes/dislikes questions at the beginning of each profile give each subject likability and relatability, and then, wow, what they have accomplished with education, limited funds, creativity, and sheer determination is amazing to read. The art used in the infographic, portraits and occasional vignettes is fresh and complements the tone. There’s a table of contents and a list of sources; no index.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

More environmental focused than feminist. I think the author choices are inherently sexist with a patronizing tone and deliberate decisions to constantly emphasize appearance in a way that was very jarring.

[Sabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening as an audiobook.
It has opened my eyes that I could be doing more for the environment. And has inspired so many ideas and more things to learn and presue to take action.


My only gripe with it is it's very USA (America centric. )
Not very helpful considering how legal process are different in each country. Otherwise 4 stars.

[Imani Jaldin Hartsough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it raised up the issue of climate change in a hopeful rather than fear based way. These women deserve our acknowledgment and gratitude. Change can be done, change has been done, change will be done. Highly recommend.