• Age: 12 to 16
• Grade: 7 to 11

Many young people and adults are rudely awakening to the fact that unchecked climate change and other widespread environmental issues paint a gloomy picture of their future. This knowledge can lead to a sense of fear, helplessness or worse, apathy.

This book aims to help stem those concerns by shining an inspiring and entertaining light on the lives of daring, dedicated individuals whose great passion, talents, and heart are helping to tip the environmental balance away from destruction and collapse towards hope, healing and personal empowerment.

Based on personal interviews and extensive research, this book tells engaging stories about a wide variety of people from across Canada who share a great passion for the environment. But beyond a deep personal connection with nature, these "environmental trailblazers" are doing truly unique and amazing things to protect the environment, while leading others down greener paths full of hope and positive action!

Jamie Bastedo, former CBC North host and author of Shield Country: The Life and Times of the Oldest Piece of the Planet, Reaching North: A Celebration of the Subarctic and Blue Lake and Rocky Shores, reflects on the charm and mystery of the Canadian Shield. He writes to inform and to inspire, telling a "story of place." He lives in Yellowknife, NWT and operates a touring company that takes tourists on tours of the North and also runs an environmental consulting company.

Jamie Bastedo's profile page

"Protectors of the Planet shares reader engaging stories about a wide variety of people who share a great passion for the environment. But beyond a deep personal connection with nature, these "environmental trailblazers" are doing truly unique and amazing things to protect the environment, while leading others down greener paths.
"Critique: Comprised of twelve erudite, informative, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring essays, Protectors of the Planet: Environmental Trailblazers from 7 to 97 is especially and unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library Environmental Studies collections for young readers ages 12-18."
— Midwest Book Review

"'Trailblazer tips' at the end of each chapter provide the reader with actionable items to become involved in environmental activism. . . Protectors of the Planet| is an interesting and easy read. . . Bastedo has ticked all the boxes on an informative and entertaining read that should spur even the most apathetic to action.
Highly Recommended"
— CM Magazine

"[Protectors of the Planet is filled with the passion and hope that fuels the work these amazing people do. What stories to share with your students about the stellar work being done to make our world healthier and safer for all... I am impressed beyond words with what I have discovered...You will be inspired!"
— Sal's Fiction Addiction

"Profiles 12 eco-heroes and how they remain steadfast in their environmental missions in spite of depressing messages of the Earth's deterioration ...[Protectors of the Planet pulls you in the very opposite direction towards hope and a sense of empowerment."
— Yellowknifer

"Written for young people but just as interesting for adults... I would recommend this book to anyone interested in environmental issues and interesting Canadian biographies."
— Book Cellar

"Detailed profiles of 12 environmental activists prove that individuals can help save the world... Biologist Bastedo narrates his encounters with these heroes as a journalist might, describing each as a relatable person in their element. The profiles include many direct quotes, offering a sense of immediacy. The focus on concrete goals, successes, and challenges will keep readers engaged. The coverage of many different aspects of the climate crisis makes a clear case for the urgency of the situation while the change-makers' examples inspire hope that the human race, when informed and motivated, can meet the challenge... An encouraging handbook for action."
— Kirkus Reviews

"The stories of these Canadian environmental trailblazers rise from the pages as modern-day luminaries. . . Inspiring vignettes describing the positive activities achieved by ordinary individuals serve as exemplars that all readers can follow. . . Supplemented with suggestions for individual involvement in environmental problems...Packs both an amazing adventure story with an educational awakening."
— San Francisco Book Review

"Superheroes live among us! This book will show you a few --; and inspire you to become one yourself!"
— Bill McKibben, Internationally acclaimed climate change activist

"This is so exciting and inspiring! Sharing peoples' stories is a powerful way to help youth realize that they have the power to create change and motivate them to take action now."
— Ella Kokelj, Teen climate activist, Yellowknife

"Celebrating young eco-heroes is what we do with Canada's Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 and what makes this book essential reading for all Canadians."
— Kyle Empringham, Co-founder of The Starfish Canada

"This book is powerful and inspiring for anyone who cares about the planet and wonders how one person's effort can make a difference. Highly recommend for all ages of humans on the planet who want to be part of the solution."
— Kate Armstrong, Author of Stone Frigate, Goodreads