Ours to Share: Coexisting in a Crowded World

From the subtitle – Coexisting in a Crowded World – and cover images of throngs of people and dense urban housing to dramatic examples of the effects of human population growth, Ours to Share clearly presents the challenges our world faces in terms of space, resources and lifestyles. The “Introduction” poses the questions, “Whose world is this? And how are we going to share it?” Four chapters talk about the need to co-exist with each other and with other species. The first chapter, “Shaping the World”, gives an overview of human population growth and changes over 12,000 years. The second chapter, “Sharing the World”, spotlights specific impacts of overpopulation, such as environmental and social problems, and conflicts over resources. Chapter 3, “Whose World is This?”, which looks at co-existence with the rest of the animal kingdom, offers examples of attempts to mitigate displacement due to loss of habitat. The final chapter, “Sharing Our Lives”, questions our attitudes and examines sharing at home, in the community, at school and globally. It concludes with examples of young people finding ways to make a difference. The finished copy will include “Resources”, “Glossary” and “Index”.

Like other books in the “Orca Footprints” series, a complex topic is approached in a straightforward, easy-to-read manner, using kid-friendly examples: how domesticating animals made life easier for farmers; how farmland is shrinking and degrading; how the simple addition of solar powered lights in cattle pens in Kenya helps keep predatory lions away; how volunteering in your community can help newcomers from other lands feel welcome. Comparing numbers of people to drops of water gives startling images: “a million people is only about 38 liters of water.” The author intersperses personal anecdotes to reinforce points, such as the many ways to support a refugee family forced from their homeland by conflict. Each situation simply described can generate more ideas as readers consider them in the context of their own lives.

The fourth chapter takes this a step farther with specific suggestions for kids to take action: paying attention to plastic use, supporting wild creatures with feeders, donating to local charities, raising funds for social justice issues, learning about other cultures. Here readers also see references to other “Orca Footprints” titles that expand on ideas mentioned in this book.

Photos are used generously and are well-placed with captions that offer additional details. Only one photo on the last page that shows kids playing sports at school seems to lack a specific message. Sidebars (“Shared Lives”, “Density Fact”) offer additional interesting information.

Read on its own, or in conjunction with other books in the series, Ours to Share continues the mission to enhance awareness of global issues that youngsters can embrace at the local level, helping to make a difference for their futures.