“How Are YOU Going to Save the Planet?”: The Trope of the Eco-Warrior Girl in Mini Biographies for Children

Abstract: This article examines the way that the increasingly popular subgenre of mini biography aims to introduce children, and particularly girls, to key figures in environmental activism. As evidenced in profiles of activist Mari Copeny, the subgenre frequently elevates the trope of a young “eco-warrior” who will “save” the earth rather than emphasizing the importance of empowered communities. Many mini eco-biographies are found within collective biographies, such as the popular Rebel Girls series, that hail child readers directly, suggesting they too can effect change. Yet the peritexts of these biographies typically encourage readers to embark on small-scale lifestyle changes rather than offering opportunities for reflective, collaborative environmental action beyond the text. While there is work to be done within this genre, certain collectivist profiles in the Rad Women series do resist this trope of the individual eco-warrior or savior.