Two Degrees
on Goodreads (7,094)
What’s inside...
Fire. Ice. Flood. Three climate disasters. Four kids fighting for their lives. Akira is riding her horse in the California woods when a wildfire sparks--and grows scarily fast. How can she make it to safety when there are flames everywhere? Owen and his best friend, George, are used to seeing polar bears on the snowy Canadian tundra. But when one bear gets way too close for comfort, do the boys have any chance of surviving? Natalie hunkers down at home as a massive hurricane barrels toward Miami. When the floodwaters crash into her house, Natalie is dragged out into the storm--with nowhere to hide. Akira, Owen, George, and Natalie are all swept up in the devastating effects of climate change. They are also connected in ways that will shock them--and could alter their destinies forever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Two Degrees' show resilience and adaptability when facing challenges?
What can we learn about the importance of teamwork from the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem like the characters did?
How do you think the setting in 'Two Degrees' influenced the characters’ actions and decisions?
What are some ways we can help our environment and community, inspired by the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to relate personal experiences to the story.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing the characters' decisions and their consequences.
Promote empathy by exploring how different characters might have felt during key events in the book.
Highlight real-world connections to the book’s themes, such as teamwork and environmental care.
Emphasize the value of perseverance and creativity in overcoming challenges as shown in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Two Degrees,' characters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, demonstrating that collaboration is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate with others to meet common objectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story showcases characters who are faced with difficult situations but persist and succeed, teaching resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of persisting through their own challenges, such as learning a new skill or dealing with a tough situation at school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the characters encounter changing scenarios, they learn to adapt, showing that being flexible can help navigate life’s unpredictabilities.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding when they face changes in their routines or environments, helping them to smoothly transition and adjust.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters learn to respect and value the diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday interactions, teaching them to value diversity and foster inclusivity among their peers.
Example Lesson: Environmental consciousness
Explanation: The narrative incorporates themes of environmental care, encouraging readers to think about their impact on the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt eco-friendly habits such as recycling and conserving water, helping them contribute positively to their community and the planet.