Donna L. Goodman’s Ecomasters: A Planet in Peril is a bold and imaginative eco-fantasy that weaves environmental urgency with empowering storytelling, inviting young readers into a world where climate change, water scarcity, and ecological collapse are more than background noise—they are the core battle of a generation.
At the heart of the story is Coral, a vibrant and emotionally grounded protagonist who, despite living a privileged life in New York City, feels the increasing weight of the world’s environmental strain. Through Coral’s eyes, readers experience a future that feels startlingly near—one where oppressive heat waves, water shortages, and strange symbols hint at a looming global unraveling. When she receives a mysterious compass and a cryptic invitation, Coral is thrust into a destiny far greater than she imagined: to become the Pathfinder of the Ecomasters, a team of globally-connected girls who will guide the world toward healing and balance.
Goodman’s narrative is gripping yet intimate, drawing strength from Coral’s emotional complexity. We witness a young girl caught between her father’s secretive overprotection and the aching absence of her mother. Coral’s longing to belong—to find purpose and reconnect with her roots—mirrors the larger theme of the book: a planet yearning to reconnect with the natural world and restore its equilibrium.
The magic of the book lies not in fantasy for fantasy’s sake, but in its realism interwoven with mysticism. From mysterious packages and encoded symbols to ancient-looking compasses and mystical guardians, Ecomasters feels like a modern-day quest in the spirit of A Wrinkle in Time, but with a decidedly urgent eco-conscious twist. The story introduces elements of environmental science, indigenous wisdom, and systems thinking without ever sounding preachy or didactic. Instead, it fosters curiosity, awareness, and empowerment.
Illustrated by Luisa Faletti, the visual elements further elevate the story. The illustrations are delicate and grounded, capturing the mystery and emotional tone of each chapter. The aesthetic balances the heavy themes of planetary peril with the resilience of young minds rising to meet it.
What truly makes Ecomasters stand out is its sense of purpose. This is more than a novel; it’s a call to action disguised as an adventure. It doesn’t merely entertain—it educates, inspires, and equips its young audience to see themselves as part of the solution. Coral’s journey is personal, but it’s also collective. As the first of a series, this installment lays a rich and hopeful foundation for what’s to come.
In an age when climate anxiety is real and the future feels uncertain, Ecomasters offers a story of courage, community, and transformation. Donna L. Goodman has crafted a tale that doesn’t just imagine a better world—it points us toward the path to create one.
Verdict: A must-read for middle-grade readers who love meaningful adventure. Insightful, heartfelt, and urgently relevant.
