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The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government over Climate Change
In 2015, the lawsuit Juliana v. United States was filed by an organization called Our Children First on behalf of 21 plaintiffs who ranged in age from seven to 19. The suit argued that the U.S. government’s active role in promoting fossil fuels when it had long known the danger they present is in violation of the plaintiffs’ constitutional right to life, liberty, and property. This largely chronological account introduces lead attorney Julia Olson and several of the diverse young plaintiffs. When the case was first filed, the general consensus among legal scholars, including those specializing in environmental law, was that it didn’t have a chance. Most have since changed their minds. Despite numerous machinations by the U.S. government across every presidential administration since 2015 to delay the case or have it dismissed, the Juliana legal team has kept it alive by their insightful, tactical, and creative arguments and appeals grounded in the law. Meanwhile, climate change continues to worsen, while the plaintiffs are growing up; some of them are now college graduates (including one who attended UW-Madison). This account makes clear that even as it is undeniably political, this is a case and issue that transcends party lines and politics. Teens interested in climate change activism or the law will find it fascinating. End matter includes updates on the 21 plaintiffs, legal definitions, a timeline, and more. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 13 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Activism and Resistance
Environmental Challenges
Judicial System
Diversity subject:
Multicultural General
Publishers:
Greenwillow, HarperCollins
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 386
ISBN: 9780063220850
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 363 Rusch