Orca Think

What drives people to search for new homes? From war zones to politics, there are many reasons why people have always searched for a place to call home. In Finding Home: The Journey of Immigrants and Refugees we discover how human migration has shaped our world. We explore its origins and the current issues facing immigrants and refugees today, and we hear the first-hand stories of people, who have moved across the globe looking for safety, security and happiness. Author Jen Sookfong Lee shares her personal experience of growing up as the child of immigrants and gives a human face to the realities of being an immigrant or refugee today.

There are 150 million people experiencing homelessness worldwide, and that number is increasing every year. Homelessness is not a choice, yet it exists in almost every community. But why are people homeless? Who are they? What can you do? In Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community, readers will get answers to these complex questions. They'll learn about the root causes of homelessness and its effects, and what people and organizations around the world are doing to address the problem. It shares the personal stories of people who live on the street and the adults and kids who work with them. As a former homeless-shelter worker, author Lois Peterson encourages young people to approach the issue with knowledge and compassion. She dispels some of the myths about homelessness and makes the case for why everyone deserves a safe, permanent place to call home.

All animals need food, water and shelter. But what about their social and emotional needs? Modern science tells us that animals experience a wide range of emotions-from fear and anxiety to friendship and happiness. What Animals Want is an animal-care book with a difference. It introduces young readers to the Five Freedoms and helps them think about their pets' physical and emotional needs, providing a framework for thinking about the welfare of all animals in human care, including farm, exotic and wild animals. Author Jacqueline Pearce wrote this book in consultation with the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA), an organization internationally recognized for its innovative humane education and animal welfare work.

Everyone depends on clean air to breathe, safe water to drink and healthy soil for growing food. But what if your drinking water is dangerous, your air is polluted and your soil is toxic? What can you do about that? Do you have the right to demand change? Fresh Air, Clean Water: Defending Our Right to a Healthy Environment explores the connections between our environment and our health, and why the right to live in a healthy environment should be protected as a human right. The book features profiles of kids around the world who are taking action and important environmental rights court cases. Hear the powerful stories of those fighting for change.

The online world has real dangers, but girls around the world are using social media to create positive change and practice good digital citizenship. You've probably seen media stories about the ways girls interact online, with headlines like "Depression in Girls Linked to Higher Use of Social Media," or "Half of Girls Are Bullied on Social Media." “Better Connected” focuses on the less-recognized and positive aspects of the online experiences of girls. From environmental activism to gun control, immigration policy to education access, girls are leading the way. They're showing up, teaming up and speaking up. With profiles of real changemakers and practical tools for getting started, Better Connected is an inspiring look at the amazing things girls can accomplish online.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I bet you've been asked that question before. But have you ever thought about why humans work? There are almost 3.5 billion people working in the world today, and that number is growing. In Why Do We Work? author Monique Polak investigates the past, present and future of jobs, including how work has also been shaped by discrimination, privilege and child labor. Meet a variety of working professionals and explore why we have careers, vocations and professions. How is the way we work changing, and what will it look like in the future?

Super strength, super hearing, super vision and super connection. Wearable technology may soon give humans superpowers. Imagine being able to run without getting tired. Or travel to the moon to observe Earth for science class. The technologies that could make these things possible are mixing into our lives faster than we realize. The stakes are high. In Superpower?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution, young readers will discover how technological innovation can help people survive and thrive. But what if super strength results in endless work? What if hackers can read our thoughts? What if living in a virtual world affects our humanity? The book asks readers to question the pros and cons of technology and consider if innovation can go too far. Meet the inventors, designers, engineers, scientists and young people navigating the next tech frontier.

Explore the past, present and future of voting around the world, and why it's one of the most important things we can do as citizens. In Get Out and Vote!, discover how voting affects everyone's life, what election day looks like, why some people don't cast a ballot and more. Did you know a ping-pong ball once decided an election or that the government in Ancient Greece voted by shouting? From elections and politics to voter suppression and accessible ballots, there is so much to explore when it comes to voting. With profiles of young people who are making the vote count, this book will empower young people of all backgrounds to make their voices heard.

A deep dive into why humans waste so much food and the consequences for people and the planet Around the world, a billion tons of food gets thrown away every year, even when hundreds of millions of people suffer from hunger. A lot of what we don't eat ends up rotting in landfills which contributes to global warming. The good news is that many governments, communities and individuals are working hard to tackle this giant problem. You can be part of the solution, starting in your own home-and working together, we can decrease our overall waste and make sure all people have food security. Plus, by reducing food waste, we can also fight climate change! With inspiring profiles of food-waste activists and tasty tidbits on things like best-before dates, Good Food, Bad Waste offers much food for thought.

The news can inform and inspire, but it can also misinform and mislead. Becoming a savvy news consumer is more important than ever as people are spending an increasing amount of time on the internet and social media, where they're exposed to fake news and clickbait. And as major news events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us, the global spread of misinformation and disinformation puts lives at risk and accurate and reliable information can save lives. Breaking News: Why Media Matters helps kids become critical news consumers and teaches them how to tell fact from fiction. It explores the history of the media industry, the important roles the news plays today and the challenges it faces, and it gives kids the tools they need to find the news they can use.

Science is for everyone, right? Unfortunately, that's not always true. Discovery, research and innovation are often top secret, and big businesses charge high prices for that information. The field of open science is trying to change that. It's all about sharing knowledge. Teams of scientists around the world are working together to improve and speed up scientific research and share their results so that everyone benefits. Open Science: Knowledge for Everyone examines the history of scientific research and how ideas and information are shared and why. It also looks at innovations made using open science, such as treatments for diseases and vaccines to protect against viruses like COVID-19, discoveries that were only possible thanks to the sharing of information. Discover how regular people, including kids, can be citizen scientists and what we all can do to share science and make the world a better place.

The world is full of remarkable places. There's Antartica, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands and many more. There is so much to explore, but some of those places might not exist long enough for us to see and experience with our own eyes. The planet is changing and the consequences are devastating. Beautiful and ecologically important sites are burning, sinking, flooding, melting or are otherwise being destroyed because of human-caused global warming. But there is hope. Many environmental scientists say that if we do something now, we can reduce our impact on the planet. In Gone Forever?, take a trip around the world to discover the incredible places at risk and the many people who are using their unique skills to save them. Discover how making small changes can help safeguard these places for future generations and keep them on the map. Praise for Erin Silver: ★ "Enthralling…Empowers readers to understand their own human coping mechanisms, while colorful, detailed images soaked in softly muted earth tones build a base of strong general knowledge. The challenge for readers young and old will be to see who says 'ew' first! A thoroughly engaging, fact-filled book with audacious and memorable animal responses to predators. A must-have for every library."-School Library Journal, starred review for Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves Key Selling Points: • This STEM title discusses how specific places we know and love around the world are being affected by climate change. The chapters are divided into locations affected by melting, flooding, fire and habitat loss such as Antarctica, Australia, California, the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. • This is a timely subject as in the last 50 years, hundreds of natural landmarks have changed or disappeared, including Darwin's Arch, the Mukurob ("the Finger of God"), five Solomon Islands, the Dead Sea, the Larsen C ice shelf and Flower Pot Rock. • This book challenges young readers to think about their role as stewards of the planet as it deals with key themes including climate change, climate resilience, climate migrants, conservation and activism. • The book features profiles of a wide range of conservation experts, including a wildlife researcher, an ice-core scientist, a veterinarian, an artist, a climate architect and an Indigenous fire management expert. • Erin Silver is an award-winning author of children's fiction and nonfiction, including seven titles with Orca: Rush Hour in the Footprints series, All Consuming, In It to Win It and Good Food, Bad Waste in the Think series, and the picture books Sitting Shiva, Mighty Scared and Plant Attack!. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young people to places around the world that could disappear because of the effects of human-caused climate change. Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. Her books for children include Just Watch Me, (Crystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: Canadian LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Ontario Library Association Best Bets, Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor, Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award finalist), Good Food, Bad Waste: Let's Eat for the Planet, Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves, Plant Attack: The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself, In It To Win It: Sports and the Climate Crisis and All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet. Erin lives in Toronto. Xulin Wang is an award-winning Canadian-Chinese illustrator, cartoonist, writer and muralist based in Toronto. They write and illustrate comics at the intersection of science and social justice. As a lifelong learner passionate about educatio

The world is full of remarkable places. There's Antartica, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands and many more. There is so much to explore, but some of those places might not exist long enough for us to see and experience with our own eyes. The planet is changing and the consequences are devastating. Beautiful and ecologically important sites are burning, sinking, flooding, melting or are otherwise being destroyed because of human-caused global warming. But there is hope. Many environmental scientists say that if we do something now, we can reduce our impact on the planet. In Gone Forever?, take a trip around the world to discover the incredible places at risk and the many people who are using their unique skills to save them. Discover how making small changes can help safeguard these places for future generations and keep them on the map. Praise for Erin Silver: ★ "Enthralling…Empowers readers to understand their own human coping mechanisms, while colorful, detailed images soaked in softly muted earth tones build a base of strong general knowledge. The challenge for readers young and old will be to see who says 'ew' first! A thoroughly engaging, fact-filled book with audacious and memorable animal responses to predators. A must-have for every library."-School Library Journal, starred review for Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves Key Selling Points: • This STEM title discusses how specific places we know and love around the world are being affected by climate change. The chapters are divided into locations affected by melting, flooding, fire and habitat loss such as Antarctica, Australia, California, the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. • This is a timely subject as in the last 50 years, hundreds of natural landmarks have changed or disappeared, including Darwin's Arch, the Mukurob ("the Finger of God"), five Solomon Islands, the Dead Sea, the Larsen C ice shelf and Flower Pot Rock. • This book challenges young readers to think about their role as stewards of the planet as it deals with key themes including climate change, climate resilience, climate migrants, conservation and activism. • The book features profiles of a wide range of conservation experts, including a wildlife researcher, an ice-core scientist, a veterinarian, an artist, a climate architect and an Indigenous fire management expert. • Erin Silver is an award-winning author of children's fiction and nonfiction, including seven titles with Orca: Rush Hour in the Footprints series, All Consuming, In It to Win It and Good Food, Bad Waste in the Think series, and the picture books Sitting Shiva, Mighty Scared and Plant Attack!. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young people to places around the world that could disappear because of the effects of human-caused climate change. Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. Her books for children include Just Watch Me, (Crystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: Canadian LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Ontario Library Association Best Bets, Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor, Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award finalist), Good Food, Bad Waste: Let's Eat for the Planet, Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves, Plant Attack: The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself, In It To Win It: Sports and the Climate Crisis and All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet. Erin lives in Toronto. Xulin Wang is an award-winning Canadian-Chinese illustrator, cartoonist, writer and muralist based in Toronto. They write and illustrate comics at the intersection of science and social justice. As a lifelong learner passionate about educatio

What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Buy now, the planet pays later Our shopping culture isn't an obvious polluter. There's always more to buy, buy, buy. Kids love trendy clothes, the latest electronics, fast food and even plastic gift cards. Sales draw us in, shiny new gadgets have us going ga-ga and personalized pop-up ads on our social media feeds have us frantically buying things-and throwing them out-without a second thought. You can't see the pollution the way you can see smog in the air or a forest that's been chopped down. But our buying habits and obsession with the latest and greatest are affecting the planet. All the things we need, want and gotta have are responsible for big environmental problems. But making small changes in what and how often you buy can have an impact. All Consuming shows the pros and cons of making different choices when it comes to buying the things you love. It also shines a spotlight on kids who are bringing about change and offers ways you can help out too. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines disposable culture, its effect on the planet and practical ways young people can use their purchasing power. Key Selling Points: • This book examines the things young people like to buy (and throw away), what those shopping habits mean for the planet and how they can use their purchasing power to do their part for the climate crisis. • Asks young people to think critically about their shopping habits and the effect they have on the environment in four key areas––clothing, technology, food and gifts. • The clothing industry creates 1.3 billion tons (1.2 metric tons) of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Thirty-eight billion plastic water bottles end up in US landfills every year. The average American keeps their cell phone for 34 months before getting a new one. • A study in the UK involving 2,000 parents found that, on average, their kids had four toys they had never played with. In the US each person produces 234 pounds (106 kilograms) of plastic waste per year, and 91% of plastic isn't recycled. Food takes up more space in US landfills than anything else (1.4 billion tons (1.3 metric tons) a year). • Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. She has written Good Food, Bad Waste and In It to Win It, also in the Orca Think series, as well as Rush Hour in the Orca Footprints series. Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. Her books include Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award finalist) and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let's Eat for the Planet (2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books finalist). Erin was chosen to tour during Canadian Children's Book Week in 2023 and is a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries and conferences. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a postgraduate journalism degree. Erin lives in Toronto. Suharu Ogawa is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her love for drawing started in a kindergarten art school after being kicked out of calligraphy class for refusing to convert to right-handedness. Formally trained in art history and cultural anthropology, she worked for several years as a university librarian until her passion for illustration called her out of that career and into the pursuit of a lifelong dream. Since then, Suharu has created illustrations for magazines

Did you ask Siri for directions to soccer practice today or use face recognition to log on to your phone? That's AI. The latest generation of tech tools uses artificial intelligence to perform everyday tasks. AI can speed up repetitive jobs and even be used in software to help with medical diagnoses. But when the intellectual property of writers, actors and artists is uploaded into AI systems and used without permission, AI can cause harm. In Smart Machines, young readers will look at the history of AI, how it works, how it's used for good and bad and the ethical issues it raises. They'll also discover how the risks of AI can be managed through responsible design, regulation and in the individual choices people make about which tools to use or those to avoid. AI isn't intelligent, but it's a tool that is revolutionizing robotics and computer programming-and it could change humanity forever. Key Selling Points • This STEAM book discusses the history of AI, what it is, how it works, how we use it in our lives, the good and the bad of the technology for humans and the planet, the ethical questions it raises and the future of AI. • This topic is timely. Kids are using AI technology every day, including chat bots, facial recognition software on their cell phones, smart home devices and social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. • This book encourages kids to think critically about the role of AI in their lives and the ethics of using technology to help with homework assignments. • This book has been fact-checked by experts in the field of AI including Derek Ruths at McGill University and Matt Hemsley at the University of Toronto. • Helaine Becker is an award-winning science writer. She is the two-time winner of the Lane Anderson Award for science writing for children, as well as the Outstanding Youth Book Award from the Canadian Science Writers Association. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young readers to artificial intelligence and how this technology will influence humanity now and in the future. Helaine Becker is the award-winning author of more than 90 books for children, both nonfiction and fiction. She is the two-time winner of the Lane Anderson Award for science writing for children, as well as the Outstanding Youth Book Award (Science Writers & Communicators of Canada (SWCC)) and the Picture Book of the Year Award (Canadian Booksellers Association). Two of her numerous math- and science-related books focus specifically on technology and robotics: Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals and Hubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by Humans. Helaine's books have been translated into 14 languages, and she is a frequent speaker at schools, universities and conferences. The very first novel she wrote (and stuffed deep into a drawer, never to be seen again) was called Robot Girl and was about an AI clone of a teen prodigy. Pui Yan Fong is an illustrator from Toronto. As an avid sports fan, her artwork is primarily focused on sports and editorial illustration. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and was featured in American Illustration and The Society of Illustrators. Some of her notable clients include Jordan Brand and MLSE. She enjoys reading and coming up with conceptual imagery. When she is not reading or drawing, she spends her time gaming. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Artificial Intelligence Gets Real

Creativity is everywhere and everyone is creative. Our brains and bodies are built to make and innovate, and that instinct is as old as humanity itself. Starting when we're babies, we draw, tell stories, invent, dance, perform, make music, among dozens of other creative acts. Did you know that our ancestors were weaving 12,000 years ago and using pigment to make paintings 17,000 years ago? Today, creativity is all around us, in public and private spaces and places all over the world. From graffiti and flash mobs to music class and TV screens, Creatively Human encourages young readers to look at the world with a creative eye. Explore the origins and impact of ideas and inventions, arts and technology, and learn about the developments and advances that change and improve the lives of everyone. It's time to recognize and celebrate how everyone-including you-contributes to our world in so many creative ways! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points • This book explores the who, what, when, where and why of creativity. It discusses creativity in the brain, spaces and places for creativity, tools and technology to create and how creativity can be good for people and the planet. • This STEAM title challenges young readers to look at their world through the lens of their own, and other peoples', creativity and discover that innovation, imagination and exploration are everywhere. • Incorporates timely discussion equity, diversity and inclusion in the creative sectors including an exploration of cultural appropriation and accessibility in art, for example. • The book lists and refers to more than 100 creative activities for the young reader. • Lois Peterson is an award-winning children's author. She's the author of Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community in the Orca Think series. She describes herself as serial creator. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series, this illustrated book for middle-grade readers explores creativity and how it affects our lives and our world. Lois Peterson writes articles and short stories and is the author of one writing book for adults. This is her 10th children's book with Orca Book Publishers and her second nonfiction, after Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community. When she is not writing, teaching writing or walking on the beach, she makes art with all kinds of paper, pencils and paint. She lives on Vancouver Island. Madeline Yee is a Chinese Canadian illustrator with a background in design and science, and a passion for bringing unique stories to life through visuals. She graduated from the Illustration program at the Ontario College of Art and Design University in 2023. Her practice is currently based in Edmonton. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Creativity is everywhere, and everyone is creative. Our instinct to draw, tell stories, invent, dance, perform and make music starts when we're babies, and it's as old as humanity itself. Did you know that our ancestors were using pigment to make paintings 17,000 years ago, or that a children's orchestra in Paraguay uses instruments made from recycled materials? Discover why we have such a strong urge to create and how our creativity has made the world a better place. Express Yourself!

What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces readers to ecological restoration and what they can do to help ecosystems in their own communities and around the world. Healthy ecosystems are important to the more than eight million different species that live on Earth, including humans. But over the centuries humans have damaged and changed the environment that we all depend on for our survival. We cut down forests, dam rivers, build cities and pollute the air, water and soil. That's where ecological restoration comes in. It aims to reverse the degradation of ecosystems, like grasslands, mountains and forests, on every continent and in every ocean. These are big goals, so everyone will need to step up! In Taking Care of Where We Live, readers will explore restoration projects, big and small, around the world, from the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami program in Pakistan to the Green Corridors project in Colombia. They'll also find out how to take small actions for the ecosystems in their own communities, such as learning about the land where they live and the people who lived there, planting native plants and trees and helping to remove invasive species. By putting our best human qualities together, we can repair some of the human damage to the planet and help make the its ecosystems healthy again. From the ground up Key Selling Points • Introduces readers to STEM concepts, such as ecology and ecosystems, ecosystem services, biodiversity, ecological degradation, climate change, deforestation and how ecological restoration works. Also looks at the role ecological restoration can play in social issues such as fighting poverty and food insecurity. • Readers will discover the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and how Indigenous knowledge is key to understanding and restoring ecosystems. • The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration launched on June 5 (World Environment Day), 2021, in response to a proposal from more than 70 countries around the world. It encourages young people to become part of #GenerationRestoration. • Features restoration projects in different ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands, grasslands, islands and marine ecosystems) around the world, such as the Great Green Wall in Africa (the world's largest ecological restoration project), the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project in northwestern Pakistan (aiming to restore the region's forests and fight the effects of climate change) and the Maiden Island Reef in the Caribbean (the world's largest marine habitat restoration, including both coral reefs and mangrove habitat). • The author has a diploma in the restoration of natural systems from the University of Victoria. She spoke with leading experts in the field of ecological restoration during her research for this book. She's published two Footprints titles with Orca, What's the Buzz? and Nature Out of Balance.

What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Buy now, the planet pays later Our shopping culture isn't an obvious polluter. There's always more to buy, buy, buy. Kids love trendy clothes, the latest electronics, fast food and even plastic gift cards. Sales draw us in, shiny new gadgets have us going ga-ga and personalized pop-up ads on our social media feeds have us frantically buying things-and throwing them out-without a second thought. You can't see the pollution the way you can see smog in the air or a forest that's been chopped down. But our buying habits and obsession with the latest and greatest are affecting the planet. All the things we need, want and gotta have are responsible for big environmental problems. But making small changes in what and how often you buy can have an impact. All Consuming shows the pros and cons of making different choices when it comes to buying the things you love. It also shines a spotlight on kids who are bringing about change and offers ways you can help out too. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines disposable culture, its effect on the planet and practical ways young people can use their purchasing power. Key Selling Points: • This book examines the things young people like to buy (and throw away), what those shopping habits mean for the planet and how they can use their purchasing power to do their part for the climate crisis. • Asks young people to think critically about their shopping habits and the effect they have on the environment in four key areas––clothing, technology, food and gifts. • The clothing industry creates 1.3 billion tons (1.2 metric tons) of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Thirty-eight billion plastic water bottles end up in US landfills every year. The average American keeps their cell phone for 34 months before getting a new one. • A study in the UK involving 2,000 parents found that, on average, their kids had four toys they had never played with. In the US each person produces 234 pounds (106 kilograms) of plastic waste per year, and 91% of plastic isn't recycled. Food takes up more space in US landfills than anything else (1.4 billion tons (1.3 metric tons) a year). • Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. She has written Good Food, Bad Waste and In It to Win It, also in the Orca Think series, as well as Rush Hour in the Orca Footprints series. Erin Silver is an award-winning children's author. Her books include Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award finalist) and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let's Eat for the Planet (2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books finalist). Erin was chosen to tour during Canadian Children's Book Week in 2023 and is a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries and conferences. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a postgraduate journalism degree. Erin lives in Toronto. Suharu Ogawa is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her love for drawing started in a kindergarten art school after being kicked out of calligraphy class for refusing to convert to right-handedness. Formally trained in art history and cultural anthropology, she worked for several years as a university librarian until her passion for illustration called her out of that career and into the pursuit of a lifelong dream. Since then, Suharu has created illustrations for magazines

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers examines how artists are using their creativity to help the environment and build a more sustainable world. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Color the World Green Environmental artists across the globe are using their creativity to help the environment and create a more sustainable world. There's no question that creating art makes our lives better. Just think about how happy you feel when you're dancing, singing, painting or crafting. But have you ever stopped to think about how creating art might make the world better, too? Environmental artists around the world are harnessing their creativity to help the planet. And their work isn't just beautiful to look at. Some are creating important art that protects animal habitats, reclaims damaged natural environments, increases biodiversity and restores ecosystems. Others are raising awareness about local and global environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, soil erosion, pollution and habitat loss. Incredible art is featured, such as the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton, artificial coral reef installations in the Caribbean Sea and a tree sculpture in Bristol, England, fitted with solar panels that can charge phones and computers. “Let's Get Creative: Art for a Better World” encourages young readers to explore how creativity can make the earth a cleaner and greener place for everyone. Key Selling Points • This book explores STEAM topics and brings art and conservation science together through real-world examples. • It discusses environmentalism, sustainability and activism, and asks kids to think about how art and conservation can be and are linked. • Encourages young readers to look at art differently and think of it not just as something that hangs on a gallery wall. • Includes examples of environmental art from around the world, including the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton, Earthwork on the shores of Great Salt Lake in Utah, artificial coral reef installations in the Caribbean Sea, the Javits Center in New York City and a tree sculpture in Bristol, England, fitted with solar panels that can charge phones and computers. • Encourages young readers to think about their own art as a tool for change. Their art matters and can have an impact beyond the simple enjoyment of making it.

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines how sports are affecting the planet, what climate change means for athletes and sporting events, and what young people can do to make sports sustainable for the future. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Playing for the planet A stats and sports-packed book about how organizations, players and fans around the world are tackling the climate crisis. Playing and watching sports can have a big impact on the environment. From skiing and sailing to baseball and basketball-sports are contributing to the climate crisis. Thankfully, sports organizations, athletes and fans around the world are stepping up and playing a role in raising awareness, taking action and changing the rules of the game to help the planet. From innovative stadium design and zero-waste sporting events to recycling tennis balls and getting to practices and games using sustainable transportation, athletes and fans are taking action to ensure everyone can enjoy their favorite games for years to come. Whether you're a future professional athlete or a sports fan watching from the sidelines, we can all help play for the planet! Key Selling Points • This book examines the impact of sports on the environment, the ways climate change affects athletes, and how organizations, athletes and fans are taking action to make amateur and professional sports sustainable for the future. • In It to Win It offers a unique angle on the climate crisis and includes practical actions young readers can take to make the sports they play and watch better for the planet. • The global sports industry contributes the same amount of Co2 to the environment as some entire countries, like Spain and Poland. • The author spoke with industry experts and professional athletes around the world for research and examples to include in the book, like the Climate Pledge Arena, Oracle Park, EcoAthletes and Forest Green Rovers. • The author's son attends a baseball academy in Florida and they did some of the research for this book together.

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers examines how artists are using their creativity to help the environment and build a more sustainable world. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Art for the Planet Environmental artists across the globe are using their creativity to help the environment and create a more sustainable world. There's no question that creating art makes our lives better. Just think about how happy you feel when you're dancing, singing, painting or crafting. But have you ever stopped to think about how creating art might make the world better, too? Environmental artists around the world are harnessing their creativity to help the planet. And their work isn't just beautiful to look at. Some are creating important art that protects animal habitats, reclaims damaged natural environments, increases biodiversity and restores ecosystems. Others are raising awareness about local and global environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, soil erosion, pollution and habitat loss. Incredible art is featured, such as the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton, artificial coral reef installations in the Caribbean Sea and a tree sculpture in Bristol, England, fitted with solar panels that can charge phones and computers. Let's Get Creative: Art for a Better World encourages young readers to explore how creativity can make the earth a cleaner and greener place for everyone. Key Selling Points • This book explores STEAM topics, and brings art and conservation science together through real-world examples. • It discusses environmentalism, sustainability and activism, and asks kids to think about how art and conservation can be and are linked. • Encourages young readers to look at art differently and think of it not just as something that hangs on a gallery wall. • Includes examples of environmental art from around the world, including the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton, Earthwork on the shores of Great Salt Lake in Utah, artificial coral reef installations in the Caribbean Sea, the Javits Center in New York City and a tree sculpture in Bristol, England, fitted with solar panels that can charge phones and computers. • Encourages young readers to think about their own art as a tool for change. Their art matters and can have an impact beyond the simple enjoyment of making it.

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book explores the concept of open science and how scientists around the world are working together to make research available to everyone. Knowledge is meant to be shared. Science is for everyone, right? Unfortunately, that's not always true. Discovery, research and innovation are often top secret, and big businesses charge high prices for that information. The field of open science is trying to change that. It's all about sharing knowledge. Teams of scientists around the world are working together to improve and speed up scientific research and share their results so that everyone benefits. Open Science: Knowledge for Everyone examines the history of scientific research and how ideas and information are shared and why. It also looks at innovations made using open science, such as treatments for diseases and vaccines to protect against viruses like COVID-19, discoveries that were only possible thanks to the sharing of information. Discover how regular people, including kids, can be citizen scientists and what we all can do to share science and make the world a better place. Key Selling Points • A primer on the history of science, how research and discovery were managed and what the field of open science is doing to make knowledge and innovation available to everyone. • Introduces STEM concepts, such as the scientific method, user innovation, citizen science and how kids can get involved. • Open Science addresses issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in innovation and research in the sciences. • The world's first open science institution is in Montreal, and UNESCO has recently endorsed the concept of open science. Guy Rouleau, the director of The Neuro and co-founder of the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute, was the expert reader of the text. • The development of the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best examples of open science at work, where teams of scientists around the world collaborated to create a vaccine in record time. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking!

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores loneliness and the lessons we can learn about connection even when we're alone. Is one the loneliest number? The world is facing an epidemic of loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us new words, like isolation, quarantine and social distancing. In places like the UK and Japan, governments have appointed ministers of loneliness to examine the problem and find ways to help their citizens. What does it mean to be lonely, and what can we do about it? “Alone Together” explores what superheroes can teach us about being alone, the ways kids have survived on their own and how activists in the civil rights movement took a stand against loneliness. Discover what comfort foods, sweatpants and being kind to each other have to do with loneliness. Based on the podcast of the same name. Readers will learn about loneliness and how being alone can ultimately bring us closer together. Key Selling Points • This book explores loneliness and the lessons we can learn about how it can bring people together. • Loneliness is a global phenomenon that affects people young and old. In the UK (2019) and Japan (2020) governments appointed ministers of loneliness to tackle the problem in their respective countries. • The COVID-19 pandemic school closures, lockdowns and social-distancing rules took a toll on youth mental health and put their loneliness and isolation in the spotlight.

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores the art and science of memory and what it can tell us about ourselves and the world we live in. Don't forget! Uncover the science of memory and how important it is to our daily lives. We all make memories, and memories make us who we are. Remember This explores the science of memory, how and why we remember what we do and what happens when we start forgetting. From working memory to flashbulb memory, young readers are introduced to the field of neuroscience. It also looks at the role memory plays in our daily lives and collective history, and how major global events get imprinted in our minds. You will also find out how memory can work for you. Have you ever met Roy G. Biv? (He helps you remember the colors of the spectrum.) How come you can't forget the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? (Because it's set to music.) Why don't elephants ever forget? (They've got a great sense of smell.) Discover more tips and tricks to train your brain to remember. Young or old, let's start making memories. Key Selling Points • Memories are universal. This book explores the role of memory in our lives, whether we are young or old. • The book discusses a number of STEAM topics including the science of the brain, how and why we make memories, societal and cultural memory, memory champions and memory loss. • It speaks to issues young readers are facing in their own lives, such as the role memory plays in succeeding (or not) at school, developing your working memory to learn, forming memories as kids and using memory for creativity, etc. • Full of amazing facts, such as the origin of memory foam and why mnemonics work. • The author interviewed and consulted experts in memory and neuroscience, including the world-renowned Brenda Milner, who pioneered research in the human brain and revolutionized our understanding of human memory and other brain functions. • Addresses connections between memory and contemporary topics, such as COVID-19, PTSD, residential schools and Alzheimer's disease. • The author is an award-winning writer of dozens of books, including Why Humans Work, also in the Orca Think series. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Monique Polak is the author of more than 30 books for young readers. She is a three-time winner of the Quebec Writers' Federation Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature (formerly called the QWF Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature). She is also an active freelance journalist whose stories appear across the country. She recently retired after a long and happy career teaching English and Humanities at Marianopolis College and now devotes herself to writing full-time. When she isn't at her desk or reading on the couch, you can find her baking cookies or out jogging on the streets of Montreal. Valéry Goulet is a French Canadian designer, illustrator and design instructor originally from Quebec. With a master's in interaction design from Université Laval, she's worked with global brands and agencies, and her illustrations have garnered attention far and wide. When she's not illustrating, Valéry instructs for the Visual Communication Design program at the University of Alberta and the Bachelor of Design program at MacEwan University. She lives in Edmonton

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores the art and science of memory and what it can tell us about ourselves and the world we live in. Don't forget! Uncover the science of memory and how important it is to our daily lives. We all make memories, and memories make us who we are. Remember This explores the science of memory, how and why we remember what we do and what happens when we start forgetting. From working memory to flashbulb memory, young readers are introduced to the field of neuroscience. It also looks at the role memory plays in our daily lives and collective history, and how major global events get imprinted in our minds. You will also find out how memory can work for you. Have you ever met Roy G. Biv? (He helps you remember the colors of the spectrum.) How come you can't forget the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? (Because it's set to music.) Why don't elephants ever forget? (They've got a great sense of smell.) Discover more tips and tricks to train your brain to remember. Young or old, let's start making memories. Key Selling Points • Memories are universal. This book explores the role of memory in our lives, whether we are young or old. • The book discusses a number of STEAM topics including the science of the brain, how and why we make memories, societal and cultural memory, memory champions and memory loss. • It speaks to issues young readers are facing in their own lives, such as the role memory plays in succeeding (or not) at school, developing your working memory to learn, forming memories as kids and using memory for creativity, etc. • Full of amazing facts, such as the origin of memory foam and why mnemonics work. • The author interviewed and consulted experts in memory and neuroscience, including the world-renowned Brenda Milner, who pioneered research in the human brain and revolutionized our understanding of human memory and other brain functions. • Addresses connections between memory and contemporary topics, such as COVID-19, PTSD, residential schools and Alzheimer's disease. • The author is an award-winning writer of dozens of books, including Why Humans Work, also in the Orca Think series. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Monique Polak is the author of more than 30 books for young readers. She is a three-time winner of the Quebec Writers' Federation Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature (formerly called the QWF Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature). She is also an active freelance journalist whose stories appear across the country. She recently retired after a long and happy career teaching English and Humanities at Marianopolis College and now devotes herself to writing full-time. When she isn't at her desk or reading on the couch, you can find her baking cookies or out jogging on the streets of Montreal. Valéry Goulet is a French Canadian designer, illustrator and design instructor originally from Quebec. With a master's in interaction design from Université Laval, she's worked with global brands and agencies, and her illustrations have garnered attention far and wide. When she's not illustrating, Valéry instructs for the Visual Communication Design program at the University of Alberta and the Bachelor of Design program at MacEwan University. She lives in Edmonton

This illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores loneliness and the lessons we can learn about connection even when we're alone. Is one the loneliest number? The world is facing an epidemic of loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us new words, like isolation, quarantine and social distancing. In places like the UK and Japan, governments have appointed ministers of loneliness to examine the problem and find ways to help their citizens. What does it mean to be lonely, and what can we do about it? Alone Together explores what superheroes can teach us about being alone, the ways kids have survived on their own and how activists in the civil rights movement took a stand against loneliness. Discover what comfort foods, sweatpants and being kind to each other have to do with loneliness. Based on the podcast of the same name. Readers will learn about loneliness and how being alone can ultimately bring us closer together. Key Selling Points • This book explores loneliness and the lessons we can learn about how it can bring people together. • Loneliness is a global phenomenon that affects people young and old. In the UK (2019) and Japan (2020) governments appointed ministers of loneliness to tackle the problem in their respective countries. • The COVID-19 pandemic school closures, lockdowns and social-distancing rules took a toll on youth mental health and put their loneliness and isolation in the spotlight. • Author Petti Fong is the host and researcher of the Alone Together podcast. It was launched during the pandemic and features interviews with more than 200 people around the world with expertise on and insight into loneliness. The show has been heard in more than 30 countries and downloaded by hundreds of thousands of listeners. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Petti Fong is a journalist, educator and author. She was a staff reporter at the Vancouver Sun, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star and CBC and now writes for The Economist. Petti teaches journalism, ethics and business communications at Kwantlen University, Langara College and the University of British Columbia. During the pandemic she created and hosted a podcast with interviews from experts around the world on the topic of isolation and loneliness. The podcast, Alone Together, has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of listeners and heard in more than 30 countries. Petti lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Jonathan Dyck is an illustrator, designer and cartoonist. Since graduating from design school he has worked with a range of clients across various applications, from editorial illustration in magazines and books to logo design and illustrations for coffee mugs, T-shirts and posters. Jonathan lives in Winnipeg, on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces readers to ecological restoration and what they can do to help ecosystems in their own communities and around the world. Healthy ecosystems are important to the more than eight million different species that live on Earth, including humans. But over the centuries humans have damaged and changed the environment that we all depend on for our survival. We cut down forests, dam rivers, build cities and pollute the air, water and soil. That's where ecological restoration comes in. It aims to reverse the degradation of ecosystems, like grasslands, mountains and forests, on every continent and in every ocean. These are big goals, so everyone will need to step up! In Taking Care of Where We Live, readers will explore restoration projects, big and small, around the world, from the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami program in Pakistan to the Green Corridors project in Colombia. They'll also find out how to take small actions for the ecosystems in their own communities, such as learning about the land where they live and the people who lived there, planting native plants and trees and helping to remove invasive species. By putting our best human qualities together, we can repair some of the human damage to the planet and help make the its ecosystems healthy again. From the ground up Key Selling Points • Introduces readers to STEM concepts, such as ecology and ecosystems, ecosystem services, biodiversity, ecological degradation, climate change, deforestation and how ecological restoration works. Also looks at the role ecological restoration can play in social issues such as fighting poverty and food insecurity. • Readers will discover the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and how Indigenous knowledge is key to understanding and restoring ecosystems. • The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration launched on June 5 (World Environment Day), 2021, in response to a proposal from more than 70 countries around the world. It encourages young people to become part of #GenerationRestoration. • Features restoration projects in different ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands, grasslands, islands and marine ecosystems) around the world, such as the Great Green Wall in Africa (the world's largest ecological restoration project), the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project in northwestern Pakistan (aiming to restore the region's forests and fight the effects of climate change) and the Maiden Island Reef in the Caribbean (the world's largest marine habitat restoration, including both coral reefs and mangrove habitat). • The author has a diploma in the restoration of natural systems from the University of Victoria. She spoke with leading experts in the field of ecological restoration during her research for this book. She's published two Footprints titles with Orca, What's the Buzz? and Nature Out of Balance.