In 2015, the lawsuit Juliana v. United States was filed by an organization called Our Children First on behalf of 21 plaintiffs who ranged in age from seven to 19. The suit argued that the U.S. government’s active role in promoting fossil fuels when it had long known the danger they present is in violation of the plaintiffs’ constitutional right to life, liberty, and property. This largely chronological account introduces lead attorney Julia Olson and several of the diverse young plaintiffs. When the case was first filed, the general consensus among legal scholars, including those specializing in environmental law, was that it didn’t have a chance. Most have since changed their minds. Despite numerous machinations by the U.S. government across every presidential administration since 2015 to delay the case or have it dismissed, the Juliana legal team has kept it alive by their insightful, tactical, and creative arguments and appeals grounded in the law. Meanwhile, climate change continues to worsen, while the plaintiffs are growing up; some of them are now college graduates (including one who attended UW-Madison). This account makes clear that even as it is undeniably political, this is a case and issue that transcends party lines and politics. Teens interested in climate change activism or the law will find it fascinating. End matter includes updates on the 21 plaintiffs, legal definitions, a timeline, and more. (Age 13 and older)

Compelling and timely, award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One tells the gripping inside story of the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit, Juliana vs. United States of America. The Twenty-One is for readers of Christina Soontornvat’s All Thirteen, fans of Steve Sheinkin’s books, and anyone interested in the environment and climate change, as well as youth activism, politics and government, and the law.

From severe flooding in Louisiana to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest to melting permafrost in Alaska, catastrophic climate events are occurring more frequently—and severely—than ever. And these events are having a direct impact on the lives (and futures) of young people and their families.

In the ongoing landmark case Juliana vs. United States, twenty-one young plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change, and that all citizens have a constitutional right to a stable climate—especially children and young adults, because they cannot vote and will inherit the problems of the future.

Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One is a gripping legal and environmental thriller that tells the story of twenty-one young people and their ongoing case against the U.S. government for denying their constitutional right to life and liberty. A rich, informative, and multifaceted read, The Twenty-One stars the young plaintiffs and their attorneys; illuminates the workings of the United States’s judicial system and the relationship between government, citizens’ rights, and the environment; and asks readers to think deeply about the future of our planet.

Features extensive backmatter, including a timeline, glossary, call to action, additional resources, and photographs.