We the Sea Turtles: A Collection of Island Stories, written by Michelle Kadarusman. Pajama Press, 2023. $22.95 ages 9 and up

"Anise spent the next few days in a 
continual lineup. Lineups for food, 
lineups for clean clothes, lineups to 
use the showers. It was hard not to 
think about all her stuff underwater.
Her clothes, books, her journals ... 
even the new makeup set she bought
with her own money. All of it was 
swimming around in the caravan."

Anise and her mother were living in New South Wales, Australia in their caravan on the beach. The weather there could change quickly, without any warning at all. In the summer, there were heavy rains that lasted for short periods. Often, they were followed by bright, hot sunshine. This summer had been different; this had been the summer of floods. When the rain began in earnest, Anise could hear nothing else. Still, Anise fell asleep. When her mother wakened her, there was no power, and water was coming into their caravan. They could not open the door, and had to climb out a window to find safety on the rooftop. After being rescued, they were taken to the high school gym where they would eventually be told that their caravan had become unmoored and was completely destroyed, leaving the two with nothing. 

This is but one of the stories told by Ms. Kadarusman in this collection about climate change and how it is affecting islands in world communities. She has penned compelling short stories of children who live in these communities, and the chaos created in their lives as they must deal with what is happening where they live. The consequences of these fires, floods, and tsunamis take a toll that is felt by each of the children introduced here. 

Their stories are difficult, but well versed in hope as they struggle to find ways to make a difference from a personal perspective. Filled with images of the beauty of their homes prior to a catastrophic event, they maintain their love for the natural surroundings, and the wonder of a sea turtle is part of each of their lives. 

Extensive back matter includes a prologue spoken by a sea turtle to readers asking them to care for the earth and its beauty. Now endangered, only humans can change the trajectory for their future. There is also a bulleted information list about sea and snapping turtles, an author's note, and an interview with the author. 

"No act is too small, and every action counts. The sea turtle is a majestic creature deserving of our care and respect. It is not too late to reverse the decline in their populations and to work toward their survival."

Perfect for sharing in a middle years classroom, one story at a time, to inspire and encourage listeners to have a voice in the discussion, and make suggestions for changes that can be made where they live.