The first half of Severn Speaks Out is a reprinting of the speech Severn Cullis-Suzuki delivered at age 12 at the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. She became known as “the girl who silenced the world for five minutes” when she addressed world leaders with a challenge to take action to protect the Earth for generations to come.

The text of the speech is accompanied by illustrations by Ana Suárez. These images give readers the opportunity to reflect on the importance of Cullis-Suzuki’s message, that when adults – especially world leaders – are making decisions, they must consider what the impact will be on their descendants. Cullis-Suzuki provides a voice to children and inspires them to take on the responsibility of making changes in the world, even though they are “only a child.”

The second half of the book consists of commentary by Spanish writer and geologist Alex Nogués, written nearly 30 years later. This section highlights some of the experiences Cullis-Suzuki and fellow delegates had after speaking with local children. Those most distant from hardship often make decisions that impact the lives of many. Time continues to pass, and yet we are still fighting for the same goals. The text concludes with another intergenerational advocate, Greta Thunberg, who addressed the UN conference on climate change in 2018. Her speech echoed Cullis-Suzuki’s sentiment, calling for a “renewal of hope.”

There are several connections to the Science and Social Studies/Geography curriculum from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Page 41 explains how Cullis-Suzuki’s speech is an example of a persuasive message and provides students with the ancient Greek structure of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (active reasoning). The book closes with an invitation for readers to continue to be part of the “renewal of hope.” Using this book as a teaching tool can ignite student imaginations and provide a sense of how the world has changed – and stayed the same – since Cullis-Suzuki’s original speech.

Jennifer Tobin is a member of the Durham Teacher Local.