Luz Sees The Light and Luz Makes a Splash, written and illustrated by Claudia Davila. Kids Can Press. Revised editions, 2026. $12.99 ages 8 and up

 

"What's with the weird groceries? 
Where are our avocadoes and pineapples?

And no frozen fish fingers? 

Those cost too much now. Probably because 
they're imported from far away.

With fuel prices so high, it's cheaper to buy 
local stuff." 

The life Luz leads in the first book, with video games, trips to the mall, and using the microwave to zap her food quickly, depends on electricity and fossil fuels. She is aware that changes are happening that are a concern; she doesn't like it. Numerous power failures, and her mom's feelings about the price of things (including the sneakers she is saving for) helps Luz see that her community needs to make changes. With help from the new kid Robert, Anika and others in the neighborhood, she begins the task of turning an old empty lot into a tidy garden and playground for all. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and inspires the community to get on board to help with the transformation. 

Ms. Davila's graphic novel presentation of her message is effective for her target audience. The fact that this revised edition delivers a message not unlike what was happening in 2011 (when the first edition was published), when it comes to climate change and efforts to help stem it, is concerning. With likeable characters, a lesson on composting, and a lead character with endless energy, it might just inspire kids to do what they can where they live to make reasonable changes. 

"A-ha!

That's where my gray water filtration 
system comes in. 

Tap water is good for drinking, cooking, 
bathing, washing ... 

After it's used once, 
it's called gray water. 

But it can be used again!"

In the second book, a heat wave and lingering drought have Luz turning to activism once more. It feels very real for me these days as we have been suffering through a record-breaking heat dome and the threat of both grass and forest fires. The community garden inspired by Luz and her neighborhood is dying. Not only that, a new plant is depleting ground water while Spring Pond outside town is nothing but mud are causing big problems. Having taken on a tough task previously, the townsfolk work together in a campaign to set up rain barrels and other receptacles to save and filter graywater. Perfect fare for building neighborhood spirit and prompting thinking about going green and how it might be done. 

The graphic novel format is sure to prove popular with kids interested in thinking about what is happening to the earth, due to climate change and thoughtless destruction around the world. The two books are a viable and useful way to inspire conversation, and the belief that small actions can have an impact.