Children, Youth and Environments Vol. 22 No. 2 (Winter 2012) ISSN: 1546-2250 Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans & Waterways Cathryn, Berger Kaye and Cousteau, Philippe (2010). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing and EarthEcho International; 128 pages. $14.99. ISBN 1575423480. Being intimately involved with the Colorado Ocean Coalition’s inland ocean movement, we really appreciated Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers and Wetlands. Written by Cathryn Berger Kaye and Philippe Cousteau, grandson of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, this guide provides inspiration and advice for young people who would like to help improve our world. Knowing firsthand the struggle to make a difference, we welcomed this guide that provides effective, attainable actions that can help teens to protect our vital resource, water. The book clearly identifies the complexity of ocean issues while being written in an accessible language that allows young people to truly understand and engage. Going Bluefocuses on overfishing, ocean acidification, watershed connections, and plastic pollution. In every section the authors not only identify the issue, but also explore how teens can help to solve these problems and share their perspectives with others. This book uses engaging examples of “Teens in Action” to illustrate how others have made a difference in their communities. Going Blue is organized in five sections: Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration. Each section is detailed and provides examples of projects teens have taken on in their communities. The first section, “Investigate,” encourages youth to learn more about themselves and their skills as well as the communities they are trying to help. Section two helps teens prepare for action by explaining the issues affecting our oceans. The third section, “Act,” readies youth to generate ideas and provides examples 309 on how to take action. Section four, “Reflect,” gives teens a chance to think about their experiences from a variety of angles and to find what they are able to accomplish and the bigger picture of self-discovery. The last section, “Demonstrate,” encourages youth to share their projects and their results. Going Blue is very timely because more and more communities throughout the world are recognizing that our oceans are in trouble and that we need youth leaders to get involved and be change agents for our planet. A shining example of action in Colorado is the Net Zero Club at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, powered by motivated high school students who are passionate about environmental issues. Currently they are working to ban plastic bags, which contribute to plastic pollution in our oceans. The club was instrumental in encouraging Boulder to implement a tax on plastic bags. Additionally, the non-profit Teens4Oceans use education to promote awareness, action and exploration among Colorado’s youth. Going Blue chose Sylvia Earle, legendary oceanographer, and Captain Jacques Cousteau as icons in the ocean leadership realm. Having these ocean heroes highlighted in the book and in our community helps to generate interest in the oceans. A highlight of the book is the action items, including the sections focusing on how teens can make a difference. The book wraps up with a valuable resource list that teens can utilize to get information and encouragement from others in the field. Cover to cover, Going Blue is filled with eye-catching and relevant photographs, charts, and stories. The book balances the terrifying realities about the issues facing our ocean with the tools and inspiration needed for teens to make a difference. Reviewer Information Vicki Nichols Goldstein 310 Vicki Nichols Goldstein is the founder and Executive Director of the Colorado Ocean Coalition. The mission of the Colorado Ocean Coalition (COCO) is to create, unite and empower a Colorado coalition with shared values, goals and actions to promote healthy oceans through education and community engagement. Vicki founded COCO after 25 years of experience in natural resource management and environmental negotiation. Vicki earned a Master’s degree in environmental studies and marine policy from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and served as Executive Director of the marine advocacy organization Save Our Shores (SOS) from 1993-2004. Shayna Brody Shayna Brody is...