Two Degrees
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Alan Gratz's Two Degrees offers a powerful message about the dangers of climate change told through the stories of four young teens. Akira Kristiansen is on horseback, riding with her father in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, when they're trapped by a raging wildfire. In Canada, George Gruyère and Owen Mackenzie are attacked by polar bears whose habitat is being threatened by melting ice and when a Category 5 hurricane hits Miami, Natalie Torres is swept away by a huge wall of water. Teen characters often come close to dying and they encounter people burned to death in their cars and dead bodies floating in flood waters. Owen and George's attacks by polar bears are briefly described -- a face and parka covered in blood and a bear biting down on a boy's leg.
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: Alan Gratz
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 4, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
I Am Greta
Intimate portrayal of global activist has valuable lessons.
-
Refugee
Harrowing page-turner sheds light on child refugees.
-
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
Attenborough's stark documentary is essential viewing.
For kids who love thrillers and environmental stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate