In a Changing World: Climate Fiction Adventures for Middle Grade Readers
ISBN: 978-0-9969446-7-0
In a Changing World: Middle Grade Climate Fiction, Wildlife & Adventure
August 10, 2026
An Interview with Author Claire Datnow
I’m fascinated by new scientific discoveries—especially what scientists are learning about our changing planet. Every day, researchers gather evidence about how climate change is affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and communities, and what those changes may mean for the future.
But scientific facts alone don’t always make us feel what is happening.
Stories through novels, movies, television, and science can become personal and emotionally meaningful. That’s what I strive to do when I write climate fiction for upper elementary and middle grade readers ages 10–14. I weave nature adventure and scientific mystery together to show young readers something remarkable: the natural world is already responding and adapting to climate change.And perhaps we can learn from nature.
For teachers, librarians, families, and young readers, these stories offer an exciting and adventurous way to explore climate science, wildlife, adaptation, conservation, and the choices we can make in a changing world.
Why do animals and wildlife play such an important role in my books?
No matter the setting or theme, wildlife finds its way into my stories. I’m constantly reading about animals, ecosystems, conservation, and new scientific discoveries that I can weave into my eco-adventures.
In a Changing World, young readers encounter monarch butterflies, Kodiak brown bears, anole lizards, and Joshua trees. Each story begins with a mystery inspired by real science:
What happens when familiar migration routes shift?
Why might bears change what they eat?
How can tiny lizards survive increasingly powerful hurricanes?
And what happens when a tree can no longer move its seeds into a changing habitat?
These real-world mysteries allow me to explore not only the effects of climate change, but also adaptation, resilience, biodiversity, and successful conservation efforts.
How would you describe your climate fiction?
My stories are part climate fiction, part mystery, and part nature adventure.
Climate change is such an enormous subject that it can feel difficult—even overwhelming—for young readers. Instead of beginning with the enormity of the problem, I begin with something they can see and wonder about.
Why are there fewer butterflies this summer?
Why are bears changing their diets?
How could a tiny anole lizard survive a monster hurricane?
These questions turn climate science into mysteries young characters—and young readers—can investigate. Through adventure and discovery, the larger picture gradually emerges.
My goal is to help children understand the seriousness of climate change without overwhelming them with fear.
How do you write hopeful climate-action stories?
I focus on two things: solutions and young heroes.
My protagonists are curious, determined young people who ask questions, investigate mysteries, make mistakes, discover evidence, and ultimately find ways to help.
Just as importantly, I want young readers to imagine a future in which solutions are possible—communities restoring habitats, scientists and citizens working together, renewable energy becoming part of everyday life, and young people contributing ideas of their own.
Children hear plenty about what could go wrong with our planet. They also deserve stories that help them imagine what could go right.
Climate hope doesn’t mean pretending the problems aren’t serious. It means showing that knowledge, creativity, conservation, and collective action can make a difference.
Who Are These Climate Adventures For?
Teachers and homeschool educators: The stories can spark discussions about climate science, biodiversity, wildlife adaptation, conservation, resilience, and problem-solving—while giving students mysteries and adventures they actually want to read.
Librarians: In a Changing World offers adventure-driven environmental fiction for readers ages 10–14 who enjoy animals, mysteries, science, nature, and stories about young people making a difference.
Parents and grandparents: These climate adventures provide a hopeful way to introduce young readers to environmental challenges without overwhelming them with fear. They can also open conversations between generations about wildlife, nature, and our changing planet.
Environmental organizations and nature centers: Climate fiction can complement environmental education and youth outreach by turning real scientific research and conservation challenges into stories young people can connect with emotionally.
Young readers: Most of all, these are adventures—filled with hurricanes, bears, butterflies, lizards, mysteries, danger, discovery, and young people determined to find answers.
Teachers and librarians can also explore my Discussion Questions and educational resources for ways to extend the stories beyond the page.
Can climate mysteries inspire kids to become part of the solution?
I believe stories can plant that first seed.
Over twenty-five years as a published author, I’ve seen how deeply young readers can connect with fictional characters. When they care about what happens to a character, an animal, or a place, complicated environmental issues suddenly become personal.
Learning about climate science has changed me, too. The more I understand, the less helpless I feel. Instead of seeing only problems, I can see choices, possibilities, and solutions.
That is what I hope readers ages 10–14 take away from In a Changing World.
Nature is changing. Wildlife is adapting. People are finding solutions. And young people can help shape what happens next.
For teachers, librarians, families, and young readers, I hope these climate adventures offer something beyond information: curiosity, courage, and a reason to believe that a more hopeful future is still ours to create.
Discover In a Changing World
Four climate mysteries. Four young heroes. Real science. One hopeful message: nature can adapt—and so can we.
Written for readers ages 10–14, In a Changing World combines mystery, wildlife, science, adventure, and climate solutions to show young readers that the future isn’t something they simply inherit—they can help shape it.
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In a Changing World
Teacher discussion and questions
Meet Claire Datnow
Cli-Fi With Hope, Teens & Tweens
Writers working in climate fiction and other genres that can weave in dark themes—such as romantic comedies, crime dramas, legal dramas, children's books, or science fiction—face the challenge of crafting compelling stories without sugarcoating the truth. It is not necessary to steer away from doom and gloom entirely. In eco fiction and climate narratives, for example, protagonists may be depicted as anxious about climate issues but also inspired to act. This balance allows the story to remain honest while motivating readers.
The Impact of Story Tone on Readers
Fiction that leans heavily into doom and gloom tends to elicit negative emotions from readers, such as anger, helplessness, shame, and sadness. These darker stories often leave readers feeling passive, uncertain about their ability to make a difference, and thinking, “I have no idea what I can do.” On the other hand, stories that focus on solutions are more likely to inspire action and engagement, helping readers feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Techniques to Empower and Inspire Young Readers
Writers can utilize a variety of techniques to inspire young people to feel empowered and motivated to act, even when addressing dark or challenging themes.
Humor
Incorporating humor into troubling situations can lighten the mood and make stories more engaging. For example, Carl Hiaasen uses humor in difficult circumstances in his novel “Chomp”: “The first rule of hurricane coverage is that every broadcast must begin with palm trees bending in the wind.” Another comedic moment from the same book is when Mickey Cray has been unemployed ever since a dead iguana fell from a palm tree and struck him on the head.
Similarly, “Fried Green Tomatoes” by Fannie Flag offers humorous moments centered around quirky characters and unexpected situations. A memorable example is Idgie putting poker chips into the church collection basket just to get a laugh, as well as the characters’ lighthearted reactions to serious events.
“One Small Hop” by Madelyn Rosenburg blends humor with story twists, while Tony Hawks’s “Round Ireland with A Fridge” includes the witty line: “It is surely a brave man who goes ahead and checks into an establishment where the first question is 'Where's your fridge?'” Wren James’s “The Loneliest Girl in the Universe” provides another humorous observation: “Things on Earth I want to experience most: Quicksand – how often do you usually get stuck in this stuff? A few times a month? It seems to happen all the time in films!”
Setting
A vivid setting, whether local or global, can draw readers deeply into the character’s world. For example, in Claire Datnow’s “The Gray Whale’s Lament,” the setting is described as follows: “The town of Nahoon, on Chichagof Island, 30 miles from Juneau, Alaska: It is late spring on Chichagof Island, and the air and water are warming. The bears have woken from their long sleep. All eyes are on the horizon for the ocean’s grateful giants, the gray whales.” Such descriptions immerse readers in the environment and heighten their engagement with the narrative.
Empathy
Empathy plays a crucial role in connecting readers to the characters and their experiences. In “The Gray Whale’s Lament,” as highlighted by marine biologist Dr. Margaret Amsler, three diverse teens from around the world share not only an uncommon Dr. Doolittle-like connection with wild animals but were also trapped in devastating wildfires. The heroes in these vignettes include a Sumatran orangutan, an Australian black-footed wallaby, a broad-winged hawk, and a peregrine falcon. This focus on empathy encourages readers to identify with the characters and feel invested in their journeys.
Joy
Introducing joyful moments, even amidst dire situations, can uplift both the protagonist and the reader. For instance, in “Red Flag Warning: An Eco Adventure,” the first book in a climate fiction trilogy, a reviewer observed that the author explores pressing environmental issues but does not leave out moments of joy and delight. These positive moments provide hope and balance within the narrative.
Positive Protagonists
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, in “What If We Get It Right: Visions of Climate Futures,” offers a framework for weaving joy into narratives using the overlapping circles of a Venn Diagram:
· What are your characters good at or what special gifts do they have?
· What work needs to be done?
· What brings your characters joy?
By focusing on these aspects, writers can create protagonists who are not only believable but also inspiring.
Special Gifts
In “The Gray Whale’s Lament,” three teenagers use their unique gift—the ability to communicate with animals—to help save them. In turn, these animals save the teens from certain death during a race to outrun roaring flames. Aisyah, a compassionate free spirit from Sumatra, bonds with Pongo, an endangered orangutan. Kirri, a competitive marathon runner from Australia, bonds with Rocky, an endangered Rock wallaby. Hector, a headstrong and gifted falconer from California, bonds with Swain, a magnificent Swainson’s hawk. After recovering from burns, the teens embrace a new challenge: caring for animals injured in the fires, combining their talents with what brings them joy.
Conclusion
Although dark themes are present, these techniques can lift the mood of stories and inspire hope, demonstrating to readers—especially young ones—that positive action is possible.
Honest Book Reviews
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Science and Storytelling
Interview with Writer Claire Datnow
“My books open the hearts and minds of young people and inspire a love for the natural world and diverse cultures.” 
View all The Books
This month’s Breezer Making Waves is Claire Datnow, author of The Adventures of The Sizzling Six Series!
Let’s dig into how Claire interweaves science and storytelling to encourage readers to become good stewards of the Earth.
Hi Claire. What are we celebrating with you?
The publication of two new books in The Adventures of The Sizzling Six Series, by Star Bright Books.
Congratulations! What does this opportunity mean to you?
This opportunity provides an outstanding way to promote my books that open the hearts and minds of young people and inspire a love for the natural world and diverse cultures.
What do you feel led you to this place on your journey?
I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, which ignited my love for the natural world and diverse cultures. After earning an MA in Education for Gifted and Talented and a second MA in Public History, I taught creative writing and environmental studies in the Birmingham, Alabama, public schools. Together with my students, I created a nature trail, now named the Alabama Audubon-Datnow Nature Preserve. My students inspired me to begin writing environmental fiction with themes of mystery, adventure, and environmental action. I interweave science and storytelling, STEAM, to encourage readers to become wise and just stewards of the Earth. My eco mysteries are set in my home state of Alabama and across the globe and feature endangered species.
Do you have any advice for Breezers who want to achieve something similar?
Writers can learn the art and craft of how to apply the building blocks of compelling science-based stories that will resonate with tweens and teens and correlate with state standards across the curriculum.
More Teacher Resources
Weaving Joy into Climate and Dark fiction.
In climate fiction or any genres that explores darker themes, how can writers weave a compelling story without sugar coating the truth? Here are some powerful techniques:
Humor: Sprinkle humorous moments into the story. Carl Hiaasen inserts humor into troubling situations. For example:
The first rule of hurricane coverage is that every broadcast must begin with palm trees bending in the wind.”
― Carl Hiaasen
“Mickey Cray had been out of work ever since a dead iguana fell from a palm tree and hit him on the head.”
― Carl Hiaasen, Chomp
In climate fiction or other genres, how can writers weave a compelling story about climate change without sugar coating the truth? Here are some techniques:
The setting: The setting can be local or across the global. Describe the setting that pulls readers into the character’s’’ world. For example: “The town of Nahoon, on Chichagof Island, 30 miles from Juneau, Alaska: It is late spring on Chichagof Island, and the air and water are warming. The bears have woken from their long sleep. All eye are on the horizon for the oceans grateful giants, the gray whales.” The Gray Whale’s Lament by Claire Datnow
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In a review by Maragaret Amsler she highlights the setting of The Gray Whale’s Lament:
“First the reader travels to Sumatra, Indonesia and meets talented Aishya who has a special bond with a rescued orangutan Next Datnow takes the reader to western Australia where marathon runner Kirri has a similar special bond with a wallaby. The third vignette focuses on Californian Hector and an injured Swainson’s hawk he is dedicated to rehabilitating. These diverse teens share not only an uncommon Dr. Doolittle-like relationship with their rescued wild animal, but each teen also becomes trapped in a devastating wildfire. The hero in the vignettes are the orangutan, wallaby and the hawk – each leading the grievously injured teen to safety.
Joy: Introduce joyful moments, despite dire situations looming over the protagonist.
“Red Flag Warning: An Eco Adventure,” the first book in my Climate Fiction trilogy, a reviewer wrote, “With inspiring breadth and creativity the author explores pressing environmental issues . . . but doesn’t leave out moments of joy and delight. — Professor Sue Brannon Walker, selected to Alabama Writers Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
In “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures,” Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson puts forward other ways to weave joy into your narratives, which she illustrates with the overlapping circles of a Venn Diagram:
1) What are your characters good at/special gift?
2) what work needs to be done?
3) And what brings your characters joy?
Special Gifts: In the “The Gray Whale’s Lament,” Book two of the trilogy, three teenagers use their powerful gift—the ability to communicate with animals—to save them. In turn, their animals save them from certain death during a race to outrun the flames roaring toward them. Aisyah, a compassionate free spirit from Sumatra, bonds with Pongo an endangered orangutan. Kirri a competitive marathon runner from Australia, bonds with Rocky an endangered Rock wallaby. And then there’s Hector, a headstrong and gifted falconer from California, who bonds with Swain, a magnificent Swainson’s hawk. After their painful recovery from burns, the teens in return take on a new challenge, caring for animals injured in the fires (what they are good at and what brings them joy).
Despite dark themes, these techniques will lift your storie’s mood and inspire hope that positive action is possible.