Northern grandmothers publish books about climate change to inspire youth
Two grandmothers in the North Bay area are publishing books at the same time with the same audience in mind about the changing climate and endangered wildlife.
Their goal is to inspire young readers to make a difference.
Martha Attema and Donna Sinclair, who have been friends for more than three decades, are hoping the next generation will protect planet Earth.
Both women have a passion for storytelling, children, our planet and its inhabitants.
“We all have to act. Not just the children, but their parents and grandparents," said Attema.
Sinclair and Attema discovered they had each just written a book about the same subject: young climate activists at the same time for the same audience, children. They decided to launch their books together.
Both women are aware of children's fears about the future when it comes to climate change and its impacts.
"We can't wait for politicians to do something. The children have to start and so many young people inspired me because they take up the courage and stand up for the environment," said Attema.
Her novel, ‘Awesome Wildlife Defenders,’ tells the story of 11-year-old Rebecca who loves owls. She creates a friendship with her classmate, Cedar, as they work together to save the endangered northern spotted owl. The owl species is currently at risk.
"When I did the research in 2012, I found out there were only 70 species left in British Columbia," said Attema.
"Now the northern spotted owl only has 30 species left."
Sinclair's non-fiction book, ‘Saving The Future,’ highlights the wisdom of nine young activists trying to save the planet. They offer advice on how to stand up against racism, how to fight for rights, how to care for endangered animals and more.
Some of these young characters are from northern Ontario.
“One of them is a young woman in British Columbia who's trying to get the vote for 16-year-olds. She's trying to save democracy," said Sinclair.
"One of the characters is Sophia Mathur from Sudbury who is really active in climate marches."
Both grandmothers plan on launching their book Saturday afternoon from 2-4 at the Gateway To The Arts studio on Main Street in North Bay.
They hope young people will read them and reflect on their actions and what they've done to save the planet.
"The planet they live on is a totally different planet I lived on. You care quite deeply for the world that they live on," said Sinclair.
"We want to help."
Both women hope their books will be in schools for children to read and they hope to go to schools to speak to children about climate change and the role they can play in preserving life.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NORAD tracking high-altitude surveillance balloon detected over the U.S., Canada says
The Department of National Defence says Canada is working with the United States to protect sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats after a high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected.

Are magic mushroom stores the next pot shops?
Magic mushroom dispensaries are popping up in cities across Canada, with customers ranging from those looking for treatment for depression or PTSD to people wanting to 'micro-dose' a small amount of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms. But while the situation is in some ways reminiscent of when cannabis retailers set up shop before marijuana was legalized in 2018, Health Canada says there are no plans to legalize or decriminalize psilocybin products.
Migrant workers sneak secret menus into Canadian restaurants to expose exploitation
Hundreds of customers who scan QR codes for restaurant menus across Canada are being surprised by secret menus instead, revealing the hidden costs behind the food they eat.
Q & A with a Russian warfare expert: 'This is not a proxy war' with the U.S.
With the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion by Russia around the corner, CTV News sat down with a Russian warfare expert to discuss how he sees the conflict playing out and what happens next.
'Brutally cold': Extreme weather warnings spread across Canada
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, as of Thursday morning there were extreme cold or winter storm warnings active from coast to coast, with the harshest extreme cold warnings stretching from northern Alberta all the way to Nova Scotia.
Video of Sask. hockey rink's 95-year-old staircase grabs national attention online
One of Saskatchewan’s oldest hockey rinks has garnered national attention for its unique features and unusual design.
Ontario paramedic breaks down during emotional final radio call before retirement
A paramedic signing off for duty for the last time got choked up and teary-eyed during his final radio call to colleagues.
Quebec recommends booster only to vulnerable never infected with COVID-19
Quebec is changing its vaccine strategy: public health officials are now recommending booster shots only for vulnerable people who have never had COVID-19.
Would you pay $300 a year for quick access to a nurse? Dealing with demand, Ontario doctors get creative
Paid subscriptions to on-demand care are among the many strategies primary health-care providers in Ontario are adopting in order to meet increased demand for access to doctors in the past year, while also managing staffing shortages.