Gloria Muñoz’s “This Is the Year” is a captivating young adult climate fiction novel that skillfully blends prose and verse to tackle pressing environmental issues. The author’s unique approach to storytelling creates an immersive experience for readers, drawing them into a world grappling with the consequences of climate change.

Muñoz’s writing style is both evocative and accessible, making complex topics relatable to a young audience. Her ability to weave together personal narratives with larger global concerns demonstrates a keen understanding of the anxieties and hopes of today’s youth. The protagonist’s journey serves as a mirror for readers, reflecting their own struggles to find their place in a rapidly changing world.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to balance the gravity of climate issues with moments of hope and resilience. Muñoz doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of environmental degradation, but she also highlights the power of individual and collective action. This nuanced approach prevents the story from becoming overwhelmingly bleak, instead inspiring readers to consider their own role in shaping the future.

While the novel’s blend of prose and verse is innovative, some readers may find the transitions between styles occasionally jarring. Additionally, certain plot points could have been further developed to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the characters’ motivations.

Despite these minor critiques, “This Is the Year” stands out as a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant addition to the growing genre of climate fiction. Muñoz’s poetic sensibilities shine through, creating a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. This book is sure to spark important conversations among young readers about climate change, personal responsibility, and the power of community in the face of global challenges.

"This is the Year" is a YA science fiction novel by Gloria Muñoz. 17 year old Julieta is still dealing with the accidental death of her twin sister, Ofelia, which happened a year ago. Julieta pulled away from her friend group and now that school is restarting, she begins to reach out. She doesn't know what she wants to do or how she still fits in without her sister. When Cometa, a privately funded space mission comes to the school to recruit potential New American teenages, she applies and is accepted. The book is set in the future where climate change has and is wreaking havoc: constant tornados, hurricaines, temperature changes, animals becoming extinct. Muñoz brings up a lot of hard topics: climate change, death of a loved one, exploitation of lower classes. The book deals with all of these topics well, though it is a heavy book. A must buy for all YA collections.