“In Juliana v. United States, 21 plaintiffs ages 8 to 19 sued the federal government for undermining their constitutional rights to a safe and healthy environment. . . . This taut, quick-moving story told in short, lively chapters employs novelistic suspense and focuses effectively on people and their experiences as much as on principles. . . . Rusch acknowledges the distinct roles of individuals, the impact of economic systems, and the overarching power of government. . . . Rigorously researched, this work offers a clear summary of a complex and critically important lawsuit.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An account of twenty-one kids who, with the help of nonprofit law firm Our Children's Trust and lawyer Julia Olson, sued the U.S. government over its lack of response to climate change. . . . Clarifications from lawyers and judges help make the dizzying processes of how the federal legal system works accessible. Meanwhile, vivid descriptions of wild storms, heat waves, and devastating forest fires emphasize the mounting urgency. . . . The groundbreaking accomplishments of the Twenty-One are celebrated, as is the work of young climate control activists around the world. . . . Inspiring.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Legal buffs and climate activists will appreciate this complex and detailed journey through the U.S. court system. . . . Ranging in age from eight to nineteen, the plaintiffs’ argument was based on the fact that they had suffered numerous problems due to climate change, and since they were too young to vote, had no other legal recourse but to sue. . . . The passion and determination of the plaintiffs and their lawyer are awe-inspiring. . . . With its legal focus, this makes a compelling and important addition to the growing body of climate change literature for teens.” — School Library Journal
“Following the groundbreaking case of Juliana v. the United States, Rusch highlights the actions of the twenty-one passionate teens and tweens who sued the U.S. government over climate change. Rusch employs rigorously researched, plainspoken prose to break down the case into four parts that chronicle it from its initial filing in 2015 to its current status as unresolved in the court system. . . . The case—which has lasted through three presidencies—could force the U.S. government to move immediately on climate change.” — Publishers Weekly
“Rusch does a marvelous job of weaving together multiple strands into a compelling and timely narrative: an inspiring and empowering story of youth activism, a primer on the role of the judicial branch in our democracy, and a cautionary tale about the mounting dangers of climate change.” — Horn Book Magazine