A review by molly_dettmann
The Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U. S. Government Over Climate Change by Elizabeth Rusch

emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

This was a great read about the court case Juliana v. United States that was filed in 2015 by 21 youths that argued that the US government had violated their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property as well as failed to protect public grounds (including the atmosphere) from the harms of climate change. They were backed by lawyers from Our Children’s Trust. The bravery and passion of these young people is truly inspiring and it was so hard reading how legal hoops, the oil industry, politicians from both sides, and climate deniers tried to squash their dreams for a livable Earth. The extreme weather and damages to their homes and health were especially hard to read knowing not a lot has been done to help mitigate the effects of climate change. This is an incredible book about activism big and small and while the case has been dismissed the 21 are still fighting. 

"We cannot push society toward more positive, inclusive, sustainable directions without LOVE as the main driver of activism. Because you cannot burn out of love.” -Kelsey Juliana