Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens battle to survive in gripping climate change thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As Two Degrees begins, 13-year-old Akira Kristiansen and her father are horseback riding in California's Sierra Nevadas when they're suddenly surrounded by a wildfire. When another father and daughter offer them a ride to safety in their car, Akira's father demands she leave her beloved horse, Dodger, behind. When Akira and Sue become separated from their fathers, they have to find a way to safety on their own. But not entirely on their own, as they find Dodger, and it's on Dodger 's back that the girls try to find their way through the fire. Thirteen-year-old best friends George Gruyère and Owen MacKenzie live in Churchill, Manitoba, known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. After snowmobiling out to a cabin to ice fish, George and Owen are attacked by a mother polar bear protecting her cub. Just when they think they've gotten away, another bear appears and begins stalking them. Teenage Natalie Torres lives in neighborhood in Miami where residents can't afford to leave when a hurricane is forecast. Natalie, her mother, the next door neighbor she calls Tía Beatriz, and Beatriz's Chihuahua, Churro, do the best they can be find a safe place in Natalie's home. But as the Category 5 storm hits and as the house floods, what will happen to her and Churro?
Is It Any Good?
Author Alan Gratz uses four courageous, determined, and relatable teen characters to help readers understand the dangers of climate change and inspire them to take action. Two Degrees has a serious and powerful message wrapped in a gripping thriller that readers will find hard to put down. For readers who have a passion for animals, parents might consider a spoiler -- letting them know that Dodger and Churro survive without being seriously injured.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how climate change drives the action in Two Degrees. Did your your opinions about climate change after reading the book? Why or why not?
Are there ways that climate change is affecting your community?
What's the most important thing you think should be done to raise awareness about climate change?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Activism , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : October 4, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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