As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice

As the Sea Rises is a biography of Nicole Hernandez Hammer. Nicole has lived through two natural disasters, has lived in many places, and has a fondness for nature that helped her to notice the increasingly volatile weather conditions and the effects on frontline communities. Many people living next to the coast or other vulnerable locations are people of color and low income and have few supports and resources in place when weather disasters strike. Nicole has made it her life’s work to raise awareness of climate issues and start efforts to help vulnerable populations find climate justice as we face continuing concerns related to global warming. I like that this biography focused on an issue of global warming that has not been explored well by focusing on the impacts on the community. The illustrations are clear and show clearly how events in her life led to her career and the need for climate justice. Backmatter gives definitions for a better understanding of global warming and small steps that everyone can take to have a positive impact. I like the emphasis that most efforts need to start at the individual and community level and that they have a big impact if we all help. Overall, this was an interesting biography that highlighted a current issue, had a positive representation to inspire others, and is someone still currently working in today’s time.

As the Seas Rise is a thoughtful glimpse at how the life story and heritage drove Nicole Hernandez Hammer's passion for climate justice. It shows the impact that one person can have to encourage change on a large scale.

The focus on Hammer's cultural background and how it helped her connect with and empower more people is an understated celebration of diversity.

With As the Seas Rise, children are introduced to concepts such as environmental justice, social change, and the impact weather can have on different communities.
The back-matter includes information on Nicole Hernandez Hammer, as well as different climate change facts and what you can do to help. The resources sited/provided are wonderful.

The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant, with wide representation from cover to cover.