Two Degrees by Alan Gratz follows three teenagers: Akira, who narrowly escapes a wildfire in California; Owen and George, who endure a polar bear attack in Manitoba; and Natalie, who survives a catastrophic hurricane in Florida. Their stories interweave and culminate at a climate justice rally, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change. Includes detailed descriptions of drowned and burned bodies.

Reviews for Alan Gratz's Two Degrees highlight its compelling narrative and timely theme of climate change, appreciated for engaging young readers. Critics praise its fast-paced, educational approach but note some characters may feel underdeveloped. Overall, it's commended for raising environmental awareness through gripping storytelling.

A reader who would enjoy Two Degrees by Alan Gratz is typically a middle-grade student interested in climate change and adventure. Fans of Refugee by Alan Gratz and I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis will find this book equally compelling, as it blends action with relevant environmental issues.

**Akira Kristiansen**  
The primary character in the Sierra Nevada storyline, Akira is a resourceful and independent girl with a strong connection to her natural surroundings and a personal journey touched by themes of friendship and self-discovery.

**Lars Kristiansen**  
Akira’s father, who embodies a skeptical perspective on climate change, showcasing a complex relationship with the natural world in the Sierra Nevada.

**Sue Tookome**  
A mysterious figure with inner strength, whose interactions with Akira reveal deep personal growth as the story unfolds in the backdrop of a wildfire.

**Owen Mackenzie**  
An extroverted tour guide with an infectious sense of humor, whose journey involves maturing awareness and responsibility regarding environmental issues.

**George Gruyere**  
Owen’s serious-minded best friend and storyteller, deeply connected to his Indigenous roots and motivated by his love for his home in the Churchill area.

**Natalie Torres**  
A climate-conscious seventh grader driven by her fascination with hurricanes, who embraces her leadership abilities through community involvement and activism.

**Tía Beatriz**  
An elderly, close neighbor to Natalie, symbolizing vulnerable populations during natural disasters through her relationship with Natalie and her dog, Churro.

Alan Gratz

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Two Degrees reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Two Degrees | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Two Degrees and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Two Degrees Summary and Study Guide

Background

Two Degrees Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 1: “Miami, Florida”

Part 1, Chapters 1-17

Two Degrees Part 1, Chapters 1-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 2: “Miami, Florida”

Part 2, Chapters 18-40

Two Degrees Part 2, Chapters 18-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 3: “Miami, Florida”

Part 3, Chapters 41-55

Two Degrees Part 3, Chapters 41-55 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 4: “Miami, Florida”

Part 4, Chapters 56-72

Two Degrees Part 4, Chapters 56-72 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 5: “Miami, Florida”

Part 5, Chapters 73-77

Two Degrees Part 5, Chapters 73-77 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The Sierra Nevada, California”-Part 6: “Miami, Florida”

Part 6, Chapters 78-103

Two Degrees Part 6, Chapters 78-103 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Epilogue: Washington, DC”

Part 7, Chapters 104-108

Two Degrees Part 7, Chapters 104-108 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Two Degrees Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Two Degrees Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Two Degrees Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Two Degrees Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Two Degrees Essay Topics

Introduction

Two Degrees Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Two Degrees Before Reading

During Reading

Two Degrees During Reading

After Reading

Two Degrees After Reading

Two Degrees

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Two Degrees?

Reading Age

Book Details