Nơra Dåsnes translated by Lise Lærdal Bryn, Save Our Forest!, HarperCollins Publishers, January 2025, 232 pp., RRP $22.95 (pbk), ISBN 9780008653781
Bao finds out that the local council is going to destroy her beloved forest to construct a carpark for her school. Bao is not at all pleased, in fact, she is furious and will not be deterred from challenging what she sees to be the senseless demolition of this precious resource adjacent to the school. The forest is extremely important to the students, so it is imperative that they must get their message through to the decision-making authorities.
And while Bao studies and researches the climatic impacts of deforestation to support her argument, it is not going to be that easy. Even with her friends Tuva and Linnéa doing their best to support Bao’s passionate mission, it is convincing the adults that will prove the greatest challenge. Bao may be considered old enough to have an educated awareness of climate issues, but she is deemed too young to be taken seriously. Bao remains determined.
Save Our Forest! is a very timely book, particularly for mid-primary to junior secondary school students who are enmeshed in a world filled with global issues that will affect their future. Author Nơra Dåsnes brilliantly presents the rage and passion that young people can feel and the intense frustration at their lack of power to affect change.
Nơra Dåsnes has chosen a graphic novel style to convey this story which gives a definite focus on the dialogue that, while limited in word usage, is powerful and to the point. This brilliantly written book is about reality – emotions and relationships are tested as they are in everyday life. There is tension within families, and communication is at times fraught as these young people endeavour to be heard and acknowledged.
The visual impact of Save Our Forest! is nothing short of fabulous with Dåsnes choosing to break the graphic novel style on occasions with double pages of lusciously painted images. These are works of art.
Save Our Forest! is a powerful book. Dåsnes has effectively portrayed the full range of expression and emotion in these characters even though there is a simplicity to the graphics. This book is funny at times, full of heightened feelings, and deeply moving. It is about believing in something outside oneself and staying committed to that goal—toward making a genuine difference. Our sympathies and our own values are tested and there are lessons to be learned for everyone, regardless of age.
Save Our Forest! has a place in every household and every library. It opens a full range of discussion points as the reader becomes involved in the complex process that can be the struggle for young people trying to be heard—and, as appropriate for the situation, their concerns acted upon. I have also had the pleasure of reading (and reviewing) Dåsnes marvellous book, Cross My Heart and Never Lie, which is an equally clever and creative story that makes us think or rethink the journey to adulthood that our young people must navigate with us at their sides.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
