• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

There are almost eight billion people alive today.

Having that many people in the world puts pressure on both social and natural resources, and we have to ask ourselves difficult questions like, What is our fair share? And how do we share more equitably? Ours to Share starts by giving an overview of human population growth, from the time when there were only a few hundred thousand people until now. The book goes on to examine some of the inequities that happen between people when natural and social resources are stressed and provides examples of people who have found innovative ways to share more equitably with their neighbors. The book also examines the impact our expanding population has had on other species. Finally, the book offers suggestions for actions kids can take to better the world from their own home, school and community.

Kari Jones is happy to call Victoria, British Columbia, home: a city where you can go down to the beach with your kayak, find an island, a lighthouse and an adventure, and be back in time for dinner. Kari is a college instructor who teaches students to write, but when school is out, she can often be found with her family and friends exploring the natural world and dreaming up adventures to share. Kari is the co-author of Hiking Adventures with Children as well as several essays and articles on being in nature with kids. For more information, visit www.karijones.ca.

Kari Jones' profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“A strongly felt and convincingly argued case for more attention to fairness in the allocation of resources.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Well-organized…Photographs are powerful, the interest level is high and the author’s ability to whittle a huge topic into manageable chunks for young readers is noteworthy.”

Must Read Lit: K thru YA

“Topics are well-explained and clearly tied to the central topic of overpopulation, making for a fascinating and educational read...While this book is aimed at middle-grade readers, it would make a great introduction to the topic of overpopulation for readers of all ages even adults. Ours to Share is a well-written and timely book, making it an excellent addition to the Orca Footprints Series.”

Resource Links

“The informative text is very readable and, with many color photos and other design elements, the book looks inviting. A forward-looking guide to sharing the planet.”

Booklist

“Continues the mission to enhance awareness of global issues that youngsters can embrace at the local level, helping to make a difference for their futures. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials