At The Edge Of The Ice - (Eco Warriors) by Carolyn Armstrong (Paperback)

About the Book

A heartfelt, eco-adventure about the complexities of climate change and that youth activism can make a big difference. Bonus material includes detailed back matter of the Arctic ecosystem, a call to activism, and reader discussion questions.

Book Synopsis

Sydney Cabella talks to animals. Big animals. Wild animals. Endangered animals. They never talk back. Until one day, they do. An intuitive eleven-year-old Sydney, her brainiac twin sister Sierra, and her photojournalist parents arrive at Svalbard, a tiny group of Norwegian islands near the North Pole. As the family explores the Arctic ecosystem, Sydney accidentally hits her head and when she wakes up, the impossible has happened: she can talk to animals and the animals can finally talk back!

The first animal who speaks up is a ringed seal named Ringo who needs her help big time. What Ringo tells Sydney is alarming. Loss of habitat and global warming have pushed this ecosystem to the brink of collapse. What in the world does the seal expect Sydney to do about it? With just 72 hours before they leave the Arctic, the twins must put their squabbles aside to decipher Ringo's clues, messages, and sea ice antics. When he leads them back to the elusive polar bear, Sydney realizes just how interconnected their lives really are. One depends on the other. And both are depending on her.

Review Quotes

Gold Medal Winner for Children's 4th-6th Grade, Readers Favorite

Winner of Juvenile Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards

Recommended Reading List for Best Environmental Literature, The Green Earth Book Awards, The Nature Generation

Spark Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing, SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators)

Gold Recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Awards

Editor's Choice for Excellence, Reader's House Magazine

Finalist for Children's Fiction, MiPA, Midwest Book Awards

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite(R)

Author Carolyn Armstrong has crafted an engaging and enjoyable novel that offers a heartfelt eco-adventure highlighting the impact of climate change on habitats and the power of small actions. Sydney's ability to communicate with animals is so well incorporated into the dialogue and narrative style, adding a magical realism element to the story and engaging readers on a personal level in understanding the plight of wildlife in the face of climate change. The book effectively conveys complex environmental issues in a relatable and accessible manner, encouraging children to consider their role in protecting the planet. The pacing and twists of the events retain the reader's interest and excitement from cover to cover. Through Sydney's journey, the narrative emphasizes the significance of empathy, cooperation, and proactive steps in addressing environmental challenges. Overall, At The Edge Of The Ice is an inspiring tale that educates and empowers young readers to become stewards of the Earth, and I would certainly recommend it.

"Eco warriors Sydney and her fact-loving twin sister Sierra embark on a breathtaking Arctic adventure to help save a polar bear, a ringed seal...and the planet!" - Shirin Shamsi, award-winning children's book author of The Moon From Dehradun: A story of Partition and Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story.

"For those who want to learn more about conservation and climate change, there is an extensive section with notes at the end...Highly recommended for younger readers who love animals and are interested in conservation efforts. Great for teachers too!" -Ben Gartner, author of The Eye of Ra series and One Giant Leap