Meredith Costain (text), Danielle McDonald (illus.), Going Green (Ella Diaries #11), Scholastic Australia, 1 July 2017, 144pp., $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760279059
A new book in the Ella Diaries series, Going Green tackles environmental issues within the frames of girls’ friendships and primary school politics.
Ella responds to the challenge of campaigning to be Planet Protector Captain, but will she be thwarted by rival candidate sneaky Peach and her perfect ponytail?
A pseudo-hand-written font and touches of green on the line drawings featured on every page, make this 143 page book an accessible yet sustained reading experience.
The overall mood is up-beat and humorously optimistic. The theme of environmentalism is carried along by playful language that takes full advantage of the humorous possibilities in repetitions of the letter P.
Although it seems that Ella’s quest to be Planet Protector Captain doesn’t succeed, there is a last minute development that validates her efforts. An upbeat junior novel with core values of sustainability and a satisfying conclusion where the heroine’s sustained commitment to a cause is rewarded.
Reviewed by Julie Thorndyke
- Read reviews of other books in the Ella Diaries series : #9 Operation Merry Christmas, #7 Friends Not Forever, #4 Dreams Come True and #1 Double Dare You.
