Luz Sees the Light

An award-winning eco-focused graphic novel series gets an update and a new look!

Change is in the air. Power outages are increasing, and gas prices are soaring. At first, 12-year-old Luz sulks, not thrilled by the prospect of having to walk to the mall instead of getting a drive. But Luz doesn’t mope for long. Soon she begins to understand that she must change with the times. With food prices also rising, Luz decides to help create a more self-sustaining 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, they doubt it will work. Can Luz pull off her plan and help make a small change in the world?

This award-winning graphic novel by Claudia Dávila is part of the Luz Goes Green series, about a girl who helps the environment one small step at a time. It’s an engaging read that also presents the issues of energy conservation in a way that’s relatable to preteens. Luz offers a locally oriented model of how children can make a difference, such as by becoming aware of how much energy they use, questioning how much they actually need, considering alternative modes of transportation and seeking out ways to live more sustainably. This book makes a useful resource for environmental science lessons, with an emphasis on living sustainably. There’s a DIY plan to make compost for a garden at the back of the book. Originally published in 2011, this revised edition includes updated art and content to reflect current climate issues.