What do you think?
Rate this book
Drawn to Change the World Graphic Novel Collection: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists: A Graphic Novel
The climate crisis is reaching a critical tipping point—and you might have heard of the countless amazing young people who are taking action and speaking up for change. Emma Reynolds shines a spotlight on sixteen incredible youth activists from around the world who are fighting to protect the planet and all life on Earth. From Autumn Peltier campaigning for clean water to Edgar Edmund Tarimo turning plastic waste into building materials—and many more—these inspiring true stories highlight the importance of taking charge and creating change. Beautifully illustrated by sixteen different artists and accompanied by facts and pictures that explain the science, Drawn to Change the World is for anyone who wants to learn more about the climate and nature crisis and what we can do about it, with extensive front matter and back matter materials. You are not too young and you are not too old to begin. We need everyone to help with the biggest challenge the human race has ever faced. We can do this if we work together. For after all, change starts with you!
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
About the author
Emma Reynolds
3 books30 followersEmma Reynolds is an illustrator and author based in Manchester, UK.
Her debut author-illustrator picture book Amara and the Bats is out now with Atheneum - Simon & Schuster. When Amara moves to a new town, she discovers that her beloved bats no longer live nearby because they've lost so much of their habitat. Inspired to take action, Amara gathers her new friends to help save the bats!
Passionate about storytelling and creating unique characters, Emma is also the illustrator of Rescuing Mrs. Birdley written by Aaron Reynolds, published by Simon & Schuster.
Emma also started the #KidLit4Climate illustrated campaign, bringing together thousands of children's illustrators and authors from over 50 countries in solidarity with the youth climate strikes.
Emma's favourite food is pizza. She is inspired by nature, animals, adventure, and seeing the magic in the everyday. She loves bats, cats and bears, walking in the wild and exploring the world.
Her debut author-illustrator picture book Amara and the Bats is out now with Atheneum - Simon & Schuster. When Amara moves to a new town, she discovers that her beloved bats no longer live nearby because they've lost so much of their habitat. Inspired to take action, Amara gathers her new friends to help save the bats!
Passionate about storytelling and creating unique characters, Emma is also the illustrator of Rescuing Mrs. Birdley written by Aaron Reynolds, published by Simon & Schuster.
Emma also started the #KidLit4Climate illustrated campaign, bringing together thousands of children's illustrators and authors from over 50 countries in solidarity with the youth climate strikes.
Emma's favourite food is pizza. She is inspired by nature, animals, adventure, and seeing the magic in the everyday. She loves bats, cats and bears, walking in the wild and exploring the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 15, 2023
You can change the world, and these real life stories show you just how far you can go with an idea, passion, and the support of your community.
Read
October 7, 2022"An approachable, warm and informative visual guide to climate change activism" - Lauren James, founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League
November 18, 2024
Another book I had to read for a class. I really liked how there were different artists for each author telling a story. The graphic novel format helps relay the message about climate change by using the illustrations to create a better picture of what is happening.
August 21, 2023
Drawn to Change the World is a middle-grade graphic novel featuring profiles of 16 youth climate activists, drawn by 16 artists. The activists and artists (listed below) come from different cultures across the globe. Some are well-known, others will be less familiar. The book also explores the reasons our climate is in crisis, and provides suggestions for how to help. Underpinning the storytelling is a refreshing and much-needed focus on Indigenous solutions and intersectional climate justice.
This book is a critical and timely resource. As I write, many communities across multiple continents are battling catastrophic fires, global air and ocean temperatures are reaching record highs, and other parts of the Earth are experiencing extreme, uncharacteristic, weather conditions — all of which are being linked to or exacerbated by the climate crisis. We are already feeling the effects, from rising sea-levels destroying natural environments and homes to the health impacts of pollution, and so much more. Drawn to Change is a call to action; a call to save our planet.
While these topics are complex and heavy (for adults too!), Emma has skilfully described the challenges we face in a way which will be understandable for young people — without talking down to them. You don’t have to become a famous activist or take sole responsibility for fixing the climate crisis. Many of the suggestions offered are accessible to a range of young people, with readers encouraged to create solutions relevant to their own environment, capabilities, and privilege.
The profiles of the two passionate Autistic change makers — Greta Thunberg and Dara McAnulty — discuss their openness and pride in being Autistic and how their activism and care for the environment has provided a sense of purpose and enhanced their wellbeing. The stories of Greta and Dara, demonstrating how they have channelled their passions for the environment into positive actions, will encourage and empower many young Autistic people. And we mustn’t forget Emma, who is also Autistic — she wrote the book, and campaigns for climate justice, particularly through art and books.
The artwork in the book is stunning. I love that each profile is illustrated by a different artist, which really highlights the diversity within the book. The graphic novel format is engaging and the perfect way to tell the stories of each climate activist.
I was left with immense gratitude and respect for younger generations who are shouting for and demanding change. Despite being written for younger audiences, Drawn to Change the World will motivate readers of all ages. It is the perfect companion for everyone who enjoys Dara McAnulty’s books and are wondering what they can do to fight the climate crisis.
Drawn to Change the World is one of the most important books of 2023 and will become an essential addition to homes, libraries, and classrooms across the world.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the review copy of Drawn to Change the World. All opinions in this review are my own.
[Note: The stories of each of the activists in the book will inspire many readers. My book reviews focus on books related to autism, hence the focus on the Autistic activists in this review.]
This book is a critical and timely resource. As I write, many communities across multiple continents are battling catastrophic fires, global air and ocean temperatures are reaching record highs, and other parts of the Earth are experiencing extreme, uncharacteristic, weather conditions — all of which are being linked to or exacerbated by the climate crisis. We are already feeling the effects, from rising sea-levels destroying natural environments and homes to the health impacts of pollution, and so much more. Drawn to Change is a call to action; a call to save our planet.
While these topics are complex and heavy (for adults too!), Emma has skilfully described the challenges we face in a way which will be understandable for young people — without talking down to them. You don’t have to become a famous activist or take sole responsibility for fixing the climate crisis. Many of the suggestions offered are accessible to a range of young people, with readers encouraged to create solutions relevant to their own environment, capabilities, and privilege.
The profiles of the two passionate Autistic change makers — Greta Thunberg and Dara McAnulty — discuss their openness and pride in being Autistic and how their activism and care for the environment has provided a sense of purpose and enhanced their wellbeing. The stories of Greta and Dara, demonstrating how they have channelled their passions for the environment into positive actions, will encourage and empower many young Autistic people. And we mustn’t forget Emma, who is also Autistic — she wrote the book, and campaigns for climate justice, particularly through art and books.
The artwork in the book is stunning. I love that each profile is illustrated by a different artist, which really highlights the diversity within the book. The graphic novel format is engaging and the perfect way to tell the stories of each climate activist.
I was left with immense gratitude and respect for younger generations who are shouting for and demanding change. Despite being written for younger audiences, Drawn to Change the World will motivate readers of all ages. It is the perfect companion for everyone who enjoys Dara McAnulty’s books and are wondering what they can do to fight the climate crisis.
Drawn to Change the World is one of the most important books of 2023 and will become an essential addition to homes, libraries, and classrooms across the world.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the review copy of Drawn to Change the World. All opinions in this review are my own.
[Note: The stories of each of the activists in the book will inspire many readers. My book reviews focus on books related to autism, hence the focus on the Autistic activists in this review.]
April 20, 2024
I first became acquainted with Emma Reynolds’ work when we read her wonderful book, Amara and the Bats. From there I learned about her children’s literature centered initiative #KidLit4Climate - a social media campaign that invited children’s book authors, illustrators and artists to create illustrations educating about the climate catastrophe and advocating for climate action.
As a member of the KidLit community and as a person who cares deeply about children’s rights, it is impossible for me to separate this work from advocacy and activism. Those of us who work with children have a responsibility to also speak up and out alongside them on the issues that directly affect them. Reynolds embodies this in her work in online spaces and through her books and I am so thrilled to be share her latest middle grade book - DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD: 16 YOUTH CLIMATE ACTIVISTS, 16 ARTISTS.
In this bright, accessible and easily digestible title, Reynolds profiles 16 diverse climate activists. Young readers are introduced to changemakers, such as Autumn Peltier (an Indigenous water rights activist fighting for safe drinking water in Canada) and Indonesian sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen who founded the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement. Each mini biography is illustrated by a different artist making for a visually interesting read.
Reynold’s is incredibly intentional about amplifying the stories of activists from historically marginalized and intentionally overlooked populations - ensuring that the voices of BIPOC and disabled activists are centered in this collection. I also appreciate how justifiably critical Reynolds is of politicians, governments and corporations who are causing harm to the planet and the creatures that call it home. Too often the burden of climate action is place on individual action rather than addressing systemic roots of climate change.
With it’s unique graphic novel format, this book does a remarkably good job of introducing middle grade readers to youth climate activists making change around the world. DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD is the perfect catalyst to mobilize young activists and has inspired so much hope in this “grown up” reader, as well.
As a member of the KidLit community and as a person who cares deeply about children’s rights, it is impossible for me to separate this work from advocacy and activism. Those of us who work with children have a responsibility to also speak up and out alongside them on the issues that directly affect them. Reynolds embodies this in her work in online spaces and through her books and I am so thrilled to be share her latest middle grade book - DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD: 16 YOUTH CLIMATE ACTIVISTS, 16 ARTISTS.
In this bright, accessible and easily digestible title, Reynolds profiles 16 diverse climate activists. Young readers are introduced to changemakers, such as Autumn Peltier (an Indigenous water rights activist fighting for safe drinking water in Canada) and Indonesian sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen who founded the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement. Each mini biography is illustrated by a different artist making for a visually interesting read.
Reynold’s is incredibly intentional about amplifying the stories of activists from historically marginalized and intentionally overlooked populations - ensuring that the voices of BIPOC and disabled activists are centered in this collection. I also appreciate how justifiably critical Reynolds is of politicians, governments and corporations who are causing harm to the planet and the creatures that call it home. Too often the burden of climate action is place on individual action rather than addressing systemic roots of climate change.
With it’s unique graphic novel format, this book does a remarkably good job of introducing middle grade readers to youth climate activists making change around the world. DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD is the perfect catalyst to mobilize young activists and has inspired so much hope in this “grown up” reader, as well.
March 17, 2024
A mix of info-graphics, longer text and short biographies in comic strip style- this format fits the content so well. The title ‘Drawn to Change the World’ plays on its highly illustrated form and describes the calling of the young climate activists featured who have been compelled to act, often already having experienced adverse effects from climate breakdown.
Yes, the chosen focus was young activists but I think it is striking how so many of the activists who cut through are young. Also striking is the passivity and neglect of older generations especially in some of the world’s richest nations; the tokenism and inaction; the misleading, vote-seeking policies; broken promises and climate contempt on show from almost all of the ‘leaders’ in this book.
This book shares a range of information: firstly the focus is on the problems arising due to climate change, the world’s worst offenders and climate injustice. Then we are presented with the stories of individual activists and movements around world and editorial which adds context and links for where to look for more info.
For instance, after reading about Melati and Isabel Wijsen, I went on to research Mountain Mamas and the Youthtopia movement. Amazing stuff I’d never have known about.
The stories are inspiring for us all and also speak directly to our young people:
“We’ve become literally a living example that kids can do things.”
(Melati Wijsen)
As well as inspiring, the individual stories are informative, shining a light on some less-known campaigns too (and the acceleration of climate change effects in some parts of the world). Some of this information is potentially distressing and scary for younger readers but the illustrated format and focus on hope and provoking change means it never strays into terror.
Anyway, it’s great. Read it for yourself. There are also loads of tips in there about small changes we can make and I’m off make some plans!
August 12, 2023
Drawn to Change the World Graphic Novel Collection: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists (2023) by Emma Reynolds and 16 illustrators. The summer of 2023 is one of the hottest on record. High temperature records have been set and/or broken by the score all across the United States and most of the world. Ocean temperatures are rising with reports of the waters around Florida in the mid to high 90s, i.e. bath water temperatures. The idea of global warming can be argued against by dozens and dozens of people, but they are just adding unneeded hot air to the issue. Something has to be done now before the temperatures rise next year and the year after, etc., etc., etc.
This graphic novel of a book literally illustrates the lives of 16 young people, out of many, many thousands or more, who have decided to take the future into their own hands. Be it making building materials from recycled plastic waste to cleaning the waters, or planting trees in an effort to reforest the planet, one sapling at a time, more if possible, they are tireless in their efforts. Stopping coal mine expansion in Australia or getting clean water in Pakistan and other countries, these are just some of the programs the young of the world have been working to completion.
Look around your town, city, county or state and you can find similar young people, and many older folks, all working to fight the waste of governments and corporations, one act at a time. This is an inspiring book, complete with full color panels illustrating the who, what and where, not to mention the how, of these 16 outstanding young people who have embraced a world view with a hope for a better tomorrow.
This graphic novel of a book literally illustrates the lives of 16 young people, out of many, many thousands or more, who have decided to take the future into their own hands. Be it making building materials from recycled plastic waste to cleaning the waters, or planting trees in an effort to reforest the planet, one sapling at a time, more if possible, they are tireless in their efforts. Stopping coal mine expansion in Australia or getting clean water in Pakistan and other countries, these are just some of the programs the young of the world have been working to completion.
Look around your town, city, county or state and you can find similar young people, and many older folks, all working to fight the waste of governments and corporations, one act at a time. This is an inspiring book, complete with full color panels illustrating the who, what and where, not to mention the how, of these 16 outstanding young people who have embraced a world view with a hope for a better tomorrow.
September 13, 2023
This book is truly brilliant in so many ways. Inspiring, hopeful, heartwarming, filled with action. It is also honest and truthful and, in places, heartbreaking that we have got to the situation we are in. While aimed at the upper end of primary school for readership, I would encourage everyone of this age and older to read it. The stories of the youth activists help us all to learn the impact humans are having on the natural world and the impact this is having on humanity. The accessibility of the graphic novel format will really appeal to younger people as they explore the stories of their peers and take inspiration from them. The emphasis on us all playing our part and that our part really is important, does matter and can make a difference is clear and hopeful in tone. There is plenty for the reader to take away and act on too, with sections bookending the graphic novel stories which will inspire you to join these youth activists in the fight for the future of life on earth. Please do read this book, share it with the people you know, shout loudly about it and act on it. Huge congratulations to everyone who was involved in the creation of this amazing book!
July 30, 2023
“Art and books are a protest. This book is a protest.” Indeed. I appreciate the call for systemic change to my core. We must tackle things like deforestation and plastic pollution and pipelines. We must also acknowledge that marginalized communities are the most vulnerable to climate change. We must discuss class and dismantle environmental racism. We must find our way back to nature. DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD discusses all of this and more. Readers will feel inspired, empowered, and fired up after traveling around the world and meeting 16 youth activists from Canada, Indonesia, Tanzania, Sweden, India, Pakistan, Australia, Russia, China, Uganda, Ireland, and the U.S. We need more changemakers and environmental defenders like the young people featured in this passionate, brilliantly illustrated MG graphic novel. It’s an absolute must-read for every human.
September 12, 2023
Drawn To Change The World is a collection of graphic novel biographies of 16 young climate and environment activists from around the world, created by 16 different artists. This collection has been curated and edited by Emma Reynolds with each comic element being accompanied by prose explaining what the activist has been doing more recently and giving links to where you can find out more/social media etc.
This is an incredibly powerful collection that tells the story of the activists well for a young audience (10/11+) and inspires us to think about how we can help to make a difference to our world or our community,
The text features a diverse range of subjects as well as a diverse range of artists and demonstrates an intersectional approach to activism.
Excellent book that should feature in all school book collections and libraries!
This is an incredibly powerful collection that tells the story of the activists well for a young audience (10/11+) and inspires us to think about how we can help to make a difference to our world or our community,
The text features a diverse range of subjects as well as a diverse range of artists and demonstrates an intersectional approach to activism.
Excellent book that should feature in all school book collections and libraries!
October 9, 2025
This was a fascinating read and I think this could really help inspire people of all ages who have concerns about the state of the Earth and the increasing danger of climate change. The short story/biography format provided key information in a digestible and less overwhelming way without causing immediate panic over the state of the world (panic is still there, just less intense). There's also a 1-2 page summary at the end about where the activists are/were at the time of writing. The introduction and end notes provide addition context and information for those who would like to try to make changes where they can.
In addition the art style changes with each chapter and while some of the art styles do repeat I don't think any of them were back to back, this helped add to the visual interest.
In addition the art style changes with each chapter and while some of the art styles do repeat I don't think any of them were back to back, this helped add to the visual interest.
June 16, 2023
Drawn to Change the World by Emma Reynolds is a revolution in a book. The true stories of sixteen powerful and inspiring young climate activists in defence of our earth against all odds. This essential compilation should be in every classroom around the globe. To quote Reynolds: “Art and books are a protest. This book is a protest.” And if we aren’t protesting climate change, what are we doing? This graphic novel is a call to action. A plea that we must protect the earth. If we don’t, the day is going to come when there is no world left to save. Drawn to Change the World isn’t only inspirational, it is an invitation and challenge to readers of all ages to rise against corruption, pollution, and greed, clean up our planet, and demand a better world.
August 11, 2023
There are times where we say, "Everyone should read this book," when truly we mean "Anyone who like this specific story type, or genre should read this book." However, this is truly the case where "Everyone should read this book!" A graphic novel depicting youth climate activists that children and adults can look up to, and learn from, and applying their actions to our lives.
Educators, Indie Booksellers, and librarians, this book will at some point be banned because it's teaching people to actually think, and care about this planet, so please, please get this book on your shelves now!
Educators, Indie Booksellers, and librarians, this book will at some point be banned because it's teaching people to actually think, and care about this planet, so please, please get this book on your shelves now!
September 27, 2023
Intersectional environmentalism is at the forefront of this graphic novel anthology. We can’t fight climate change without considering how it impacts the most vulnerable groups on our planet. Brilliantly illustrated by 16 artists about the lives of 16 climate activists, this book brings awareness, resilience and hope for our future. In a time when our climate has reached a critical point it is easy to feel defeated, what Emma Reynolds’ graphic novel offers is the inspiration that every single one of us can fight for change and motivate others to do the same.
March 12, 2024
3.5 stars
This graphic novel highlights 16 youth climate activists who are working hard to change the world and help stop the effects of global climate change. Some names will be familiar like Greta Thunberg but others need to be more well-known like water protector, Autumn Peltier, or Edgar Edmund Tarimo who turns plastic waste into building materials. Each person featured is sketched by a different amazing graphic artist.
This graphic novel highlights 16 youth climate activists who are working hard to change the world and help stop the effects of global climate change. Some names will be familiar like Greta Thunberg but others need to be more well-known like water protector, Autumn Peltier, or Edgar Edmund Tarimo who turns plastic waste into building materials. Each person featured is sketched by a different amazing graphic artist.
August 26, 2023
This was so well done. I already loved the author's previous children's book, and was excited to see this. I loved the stories about different people making such a huge difference in our environmental crisis, and we are so delighted to put this out for the inspiration of the kids in our library. I loved the variety and diversity of the art and the contributors and the stories.
July 22, 2023
Fantastic. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
June 16, 2023
An inspired reminder to listen to the voices of the youth.
November 7, 2023
A fantastic and informative book on some wonderful youth climate activists and the movement itself.
June 1, 2024
It is rare to see an anthology work so consistent
September 27, 2024
I like this book! I wish it was less wordy and more graphic but i was so amazed by every story and every graphic. I love how it ends with tips and definitions.
Read
April 18, 2025An excellent book for all ages highlighting the importance of climate change on our planet! So thankful for these young people and all the work they’ve done and continue to do!
Read
October 16, 2025"An approachable, warm and informative visual guide to climate change activism" - Lauren James, founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League
May 19, 2026
Great way to teach kiddos about the environmental crisis! Now I understand why environmental folks are deeply sad all the time 👎
February 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this! I loved getting to read about different activists and appreciated all the different art styles. I am already envisioning how I can use this book with my students.
I was gifted this book but the thoughts are all my own.
I was gifted this book but the thoughts are all my own.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews