[Coral-List] messages for the public?

[Neus Figueras]

Dear Ellen,

I have published a book for young adults focused on coral reefs and have
tackled pollution, overfishing and climate change, picturing corals as an
“alarm” for the planet.

The main focus of the book, however, is getting people to feel a connection
to the reef.

To achieve this, I first get my readers to relate to the main character,
Lorac, and then I make Lorac become part of the coral reef, so that when he
departs on a mission to save his coral family, readers care about the fate
of the corals because they care about Lorac.

I also made Lorac belong to an indigenous community because protecting the
reefs would require listening to both science and indigenous wisdom.

This is what has worked for me. “Lorac” is getting great feedback even from
the readers who are not used to books that deal with these topics.

So nice to meet a fellow author with that passion for nature and the
oceans. Keep on the good work!

[image: photograph]
Neus Figueras
Marine Scientist & Author
www.ImWithLorac.com <https://imwithlorac.com/>
[image: facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/ImWithLorac> [image:
twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/NeusMarine> [image: linkedin icon]
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/neus-figueras-bala%C3%B1a/> [image: instagram
icon] <https://www.instagram.com/neusmarine/>


El mié, 26 may 2021 a las 11:24, Ellen Prager via Coral-List (<
coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>) escribió:

> Dear Coral List friends and colleagues
>
> What do you think are the top three messages the public and youth need to
> hear and learn about coral reefs right now (beyond the obvious and overall
> message that coral reefs are in serious trouble).
>
> I’ve spent much of my time over the last several decades trying to find
> ways to reach the public, particularly the non-choir, and engage them in
> learning about the ocean, marine life, environmental issues, etc.
>
> Several years ago, it was pointed out to me that I (we) had not targeted a
> very influential and important age group - middle graders (8 to 12 years
> old). They are discovering their potential career and life-long interests
> and have significant influence over their peers and parents (and sometimes
> can even reach politicians).
>
> Thus, I started writing adventure novels targeted at middle graders that
> combine action, humor, and relatable characters with fun learning about
> science, nature, and environmental issues.
>
> My latest series is The Wonder List Adventures published by Tumblehome
> Books. Book one was Escape Galapagos, the second released in April is
> Escape Greenland (underlying theme of climate change) and I am beginning to
> write the third book in the series, which will be Escape Undersea with a
> focus on coral reefs. Check out the wonderful reviews on amazon.
>
> Would love your feedback and input on what messages I should include in
> the book - other than the obvious, coral reefs are in trouble. And if you
> have any funny stories based on real experiences that can help to make the
> science fun, please share.
>
> In the back of each book is a section Real vs Made-Up in which I ask the
> readers to decide what in the story is based on real science and what is
> pure fiction. This is hugely popular with educators, readers and in talks.
> It provides a great opportunity to point to further learning and to educate
> about causes of coral reef decline as well as the value to society/ocean
> coral reefs provide.
>
> Thank you
> Ellen
>
> Dr. Ellen Prager
> Earth2Ocean, Inc/StormCenter Communications
> Ph 305.720.7070
> @elprager
> Latest Book: Escape Greenland
>
>
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