Greta Thunberg named author of the year for her compilation of speeches in 'No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference'
Swedish teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg has been named the author of the year by British bookshop Waterstones, according to reports. The 16-year-old's book titled 'No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference' is a collection of speeches Thunberg delivered over the last couple of years about climate change.
The teen, who rose to popularity through her weekly Friday protest outside the Swedish parliament a year ago, inspired millions of people across the world to take to the streets in an effort to demand emergency action on climate change from their governments.
The book's chapters include one titled 'Our House Is On Fire' and 'You're Acting Like Spoiled, Irresponsible Children', referring to a popular speech she delivered to EU leaders in February.
The climate activist slammed world leaders in September for their inaction towards climate change and said: "This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words."
Thunberg has spent the last year traveling the world to spread her climate activism. The teen has mostly used public transport and transatlantic yachts during her travels while encouraging others to participate in climate strikes every Friday.
Reports state that the teenager is currently in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere on her way to the COP25 global climate conference in Spain. She headed to Spain after the event, which was supposed to be held in Chile was canceled amid ongoing protests in the country.
Waterstones' book of the year prize this year went to 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse' by Charlie Mackesy. The book beat the Booker Prize winner 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood.
Waterstones campaign manager Kate McHale, while speaking about the winners, said: "This year, we are delighted to name both a book that celebrates a wonderful artist, and an author whose words have had a unique impact on our world. 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox And The Horse' is a wise and beautiful tale calling for love, friendship and courage."
"Greta Thunberg's speeches have been an inspiration to millions, and these are now brought together in a new edition of 'No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference' that powerfully illustrates that remarkable story," McHale added.