An environmentalist's guide for kids to take action to reduce use of plastics and protect the oceans. The British author/activist started in 2013 with an online campaign called #2minutebeachclean that encouraged people to spend two minutes picking up plastic waste that had washed ashore onto beaches. In that same spirit, with the creation of 50 #2minutesuperhero challenges kids can do, this aims to lessen the amount of plastic that gets into the ocean in the first place. Engaging diagrams help convey the amount of plastic in the ocean, different kinds of plastic, and the history of plastics. Brief explanations illuminate why people need to limit plastic use and plastics' effects on climate, air quality, and animal life. Looking at plastics use in school, home, and recreational activities, the book explores the unusual places that plastics show up; through the challenges, it provides actions readers can take to limit their use and impact. When it comes to minimizing use of plastic around shopping, cooking, and meals, it assumes a certain amount of food security, and the fictional "Everyday Superheroes" highlighted are either marine animals or, despite the presence of other dark-skinned characters, White-presenting individuals. Supporting evidence is scant and at times anecdotal, making this more a tool for those already committed to the environmental cause than a piece of persuasion. Light on the science but packed with good suggestions for environmental action. (resources) (Nonfiction. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 5--7--This how-to guide will encourage readers to take ownership of the small actions they can do in order to save the oceans and end plastic pollution. These actions include picking up plastic, cutting down on plastic consumption, and writing emails to local officials. Readers taking on these missions will not only be more informed about the cause but will also be successful in doing their part. Dorey was inspired to write this book based on his own social media challenge to clean up beaches. Participants were asked to pick up beach litter for two minutes and post a photo of the trash, using the hashtag #2minutebeachclean. Fun, simple cartoons illustrate various aspects of the text in humorous ways while still conveying the book's overall message. Each mission includes background information, stats, and snapshots on why those actions are needed. Wesson's illustrations use a pleasing yet simple palette. At the end of the book, a system calculates one's superhero rating based on completed missions. VERDICT A smart addition to upper elementary and middle school nonfiction collections. Dorey weaves a narrative that appeals to young readers with a personal interest in becoming "superheroes" while offering enriching lessons and general knowledge on environmental sustainability.--Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK