"Amidst the current deluge of statistics about global warming, this book provides a refreshing look at how individuals are affected. This is a beautiful book to keep near, open at random, and share the words of gifted writers as they prepare for the coming changes."-PUBLISHERS WEEKLYFacing the Change is a new kind of book about climate change. Instead of experts talking at us, this innovative literary collection shares the voices of fellow citizens struggling to make sense of the concrete changes taking place in our world today. Instead of scientific facts and predictions, this book offers personal essays, poems, and short stories expressing what's going on in people's lives, hearts, and dreams. Instead of leaving readers guilty and disempowered, this book will help us all to begin to work through the full range of emotions-confusion, fear, sorrow, anger, and realistic hope-that we must face in confronting the crisis. Showcasing the voices of a wide range of authors-from prize-winning writers and poets such as Roxana Robinson, Audrey Schulman, and Barbara Crooker, to regular citizens and young people-Facing the Change offers a new opportunity for moving past denial and despair to awareness and action.

Introduction 1Part I: Observations1. Strangely Warmed 6About the Weather / Harry Smith, MaineSnowshoe Hare / Roxana Robinson, MaineOn the Eve of the Invasion of Iraq / Todd Davis, PennsylvaniaBe Prepared to Evacuate / Tara L. Masih, MassachusettsWeather Weirding, 2012 / Barbara Crooker, PennsylvaniaA Guest in the House / Paul Sohar, New JerseyThe Things We Say When We Say GoodbyeAlan Davis, Minnesota2. Species Out of Joint 27Search / Margarita Engle, CaliforniaTo Wit, to Woo / Kathryn Miles, MaineWinter Visions / Paul Sohar, New JerseyTrees of Fire and RustMargaret Hammitt-McDonald, OregonBurning to Zero / Carla A. Wise, OregonA Jungle for My Backyard / Golda Mowe, Malaysia3. Bearing Witness 57Edged off Existence / Audrey Schulman, MassachusettsUrsus Maritimus Horribilis / Diane Gage, CaliforniaThin Line Between / Marybeth Holleman, AlaskaPolar Bears / J. R. Solonche, New YorkPart II: Generations4. The Gifts We're Giving Our Children 74Learning Their Names as They Go / Kristin Berger, OregonThe Darkness / Lilace Mellin Guignard, PennsylvaniaThe Innocence of IceJamie Sweitzer Brandstadter, PennsylvaniaAnnapolis Bus Ride / Julie Dunlap, MarylandThe Last Days / Dane Cervine, California5. Future Imperfect 87The Last Snow in Abilene / Benjamin Morris, MississippiBlue Sky / Penny Harter, New JerseyAfter / Jo Salas, New YorkFirst Day at School / Katerina Stoykova-Klemer, KentuckyA Small Sedition / Ellen Bihler, New JerseyTiny Black Rocks / Rachel M. Augustine, New YorkPart III: Revolutions6. Twistings 107Late Night News / Malaika King Albrecht, North CarolinaThe Wind / Jim O'Donnell, New MexicoA Shocking Admission of Heroic Fantasy / Jill Riddell, IllinoisThe Watcher / Susan Palmer, ColoradoHopeless for Today / Helen Sanchez, MontanaWrath of Human upon Gaia / Quynh Nguyen, Florida7. Turnings 125Strand Sonnets / Kathryn Kirkpatrick, North CarolinaBeyond Denial / Willow Fagan, MichiganGlooscap Makes America Known to the EuropeansSydney Landon Plum, MassachusettsCredo / Charlie Krause, MaineDoing Work, Causing Change / Monica Woelfel, CaliforniaHow to Be a Climate Hero / Audrey Schulman, MassachusettsCoda 159The Lucky Ones / Penny Harter, New JerseyThe Angels Are Rebelling / Barbara Crooker, PennsylvaniaAbout the Authors 162Acknowledgments 172