58 pages • 1-hour read
Greenwild
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Background
Literary Context: Middle-Grade Literature and Ecocriticism
Ecocriticism is a field of literary theory that assesses how nature-themed texts address ecological issues and inform people’s understanding of these real-world problems. Ecocriticism is an interdisciplinary study that draws from environmental and cultural studies to examine the ways in which social attitudes can either support conservationism or contribute to ecological destruction. Some ecocritics hold that literature can act as a valuable conduit for ecological activism, particularly through its incorporation of various subfields such as environmental justice, ecofeminism, and the overlap between ecological justice and racial justice.
Themes of eco-fiction commonly appear in middle-grade novels as the industry responds to the activist attention that many young people give to the environment; this trend is notably spearheaded by figures such as Greta Thunberg, who began working as an activist when she was still a child and who has, as an adult, written The Climate Book, which seeks to educate readers on climate change. Within this social framework, middle-grade eco-fiction often places child protagonists at the head of conservation efforts, collectively suggesting that children may be better poised to safeguard the environment because they have a keener understanding of the importance of safeguarding the natural world rather than working for personal financial gain. Notably, this precise theme is frequently explored in Greenwild, as Daisy and her companions fight to thwart those, like Craven, who would ravage the magical world for their own benefit. Key titles in middle-grade ecological fiction include Carl Hiassen’s Hoot (2002), which emphasizes the importance of protecting endangered species. Louis Sachar’s Fuzzy Mud (2015) features the unusual premise of enhanced mud that threatens all life on Earth, using a science fiction-themed approach to teach younger readers about the importance of scientific responsibility.
Scientific Context: Environmental Stewardship
The premise and events of Greenwild implicitly examine the importance of environmental stewardship, a practice that emphasizes humanity’s responsibility to protect the environment and utilize its finite resources wisely. The practice of environmental stewardship requires adopting sustainable practices that benefit both humanity and the broader world. Key practices in environmental stewardship include using natural resources responsibly, minimizing consumption, reducing waste, conserving natural habitats, preventing pollution, and protecting endangered species and ecosystems. The philosophy also advocates for engaging with communities at the grassroots level to build individuals’ awareness about ecological needs.
While Greenwild presents the fight against ecological destruction as a literal battle, true ecological stewardship can take many different forms. Those who engage in ecological stewardship might work in an educational capacity to promote responsible behavior on the individual level, or they may also support sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide use and practicing organic gardening or farming. Activists can replant forests to combat deforestation, clean up polluted sites, or help rehome animals that have been rescued from damaged areas. On a broader scale, such stewards might also prevail upon large companies to reduce pollution and adopt cleaner technologies.
The benefits of environmental stewardship, if applied on a grand scale, may one day ensure that natural resources such as clean water and farmable soil are widely available. Sustainable practices will also help repair damaged ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and reduce the deadly greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Protecting the environment also helps to safeguard humans’ well-being and that of plants, animals, and the planet at large. Novels like Greenwild, which envision worlds that prioritize environmental stewardship, are designed to encourage readers to engage in responsible environmental practices.
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