Luz Sees the Light - (Luz Goes Green) by Claudia Dávila (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Change is in the air. Power outages are increasing, and gas prices are soaring. At first, 12-year-old Luz balks, hardly thrilled by the prospect of actually having to walk to the mall. But Luz doesn't mope for long. After all, her name --- pronounced "loose" --- means "light." Soon, this intelligent and spirited chica begins to understand that she must change with the times. As food prices rise, Luz decides to help create a more self-sustainable community by transforming a run-down city lot into a garden where she and her neighbors can grow their own fruits and vegetables. But when she solicits help from her friends --- boy-crazy Anika and computer-whiz Robby --- they think she's a little loco. Luz pedals her idea on the street, but the community is equally dismissive. Can Luz pull off her plan and help change her world alone? This graphic novel is a kid-friendly take on sustainable living in a fossil fuel-dependent world. Preteens will love the fearless, fiery and resourceful heroine and will find inspiration in her efforts to steer her society toward self-sustainable living. Hip and energetic illustrations bring Luz and her world to life in a jazzy, appealing fashion, and a bonus chapter teaches kids how to make garden compost.

Review Quotes

... an enjoyable book that should inspire kids to act locally.--Publishers Weekly

A high-energy consciousness raiser, if not a practical guide to environmental issues and action.--Kirkus Reviews

Davila's black, white, and sepia-washed illustrations, set inside generously sized panels, manage to be friendly and dynamic with just the right amount of seriousness - a fitting complement to this story.--Quill & Quire

This book is a good transitional reader for children interested in activism or the environment.--School Library Journal

About the Author

Claudia Dávila is the author-illustrator of Super Red Riding Hood and the illustrator of ThunderBoom. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two kids.