• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing questions: ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. The twenty short biographies introduce readers to diverse activists from all around the world, who are of many ages and ethnicities. From saving ancient trees on the West Coast of Canada, to protecting the Irrawaddy dolphins of India, to uncovering racial inequalities in the food system in the United States, these environmental heroes are celebrated by author and biologist Anuradha Rao, who outlines how they went from being kids who cared about the environment to community leaders in their field. One Earth is full of environmental role models waiting to be found.

Anuradha Rao is a conservation biologist, writer and facilitator born and raised in the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and currently based in unceded Coast Salish territories. She has worked on research, conservation, restoration, planning and stewardship projects with communities and organizations on the coasts of Canada and in 12 other countries. Her worldview and approach to science are heavily influenced by teachings from her Indian heritage and from Indigenous knowledge holders. These teachings and the principles of ecology have shown her that everything and everyone is connected and that we must remember this in our actions and interactions. Anuradha lives in Vancouver.

Anuradha Rao's profile page

• Commended, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Honor Book
• Nominated, Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award
• Commended, Quill & Quire Books of the Year
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
• Commended, Kirkus Reviews Best Teens & Young Adult Nonfiction

“One Earth is so important today because it acknowledges the diversity of our environmental defenders and warriors and reminds us that the environment has no borders. Thank you, Anu, for identifying these amazing eco-champions. Their experience and dedication to making sure the environment is our number one priority is an invaluable gift to Canada and the world.”

Winnie Ming Yue Hwo, Senior Public Engagement Specialist, David Suzuki Foundation

“One Earth will challenge assumptions while educating readers...All readers, regardless of ethnic origin, religion and national origin will find some accounts that speak to them.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“An outstanding collection of profiles…Writing makes clear the passion of these extraordinary people and how truly global this movement is.”

The Globe and Mail

“Features, and boxed quotations enhance the inspiring accounts.”

The Horn Book

"Hopeful and uplifting...An excellent non-fiction addition to a high school classroom."

Canadian Children's Book News

“An excellent resource that, placed in the hands of a budding environmentalist, will inspire action, whether large or small. An important representation of the contributions made by people of color and Indigenous people—and a beautiful celebration of diversity.”

Booklist

“This book not only has the ability to inspire youth that identify as BIPOC, but all young people, who can look up to the many youth and teenagers featured here and their incredible stories of perseverance and innovation.”

Green Teacher

“It is refreshing to read of these activists’ enthusiasm and determination to change our physical world for the better…This is a good choice to show how anyone can defend our world.”

School Library Journal

★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Rao shines a light on the too often unacknowledged role played by People of Colour in the green movement. This is a book to be celebrated and shared!”

Elizabeth May, former leader of the Green Party of Canada

★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing questions: ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”

Publishers Weekly, starred review