Ecomasters: A Planet in Peril Book One: The Pathfinder gives young adult sci-fi fans a satisfyingly engrossing read and revolves around thirteen-year-old New York City girl Coral, who faces difficulties to her young life on many levels. The city's water supply may be contaminated and has caused her best friend Jasper to become ill, her mother has vanished, her father is involved in questionable business activities, and Coral is just tired of it all. When she stumbles on an opportunity to travel through time with her dog Peeve with other girls who also hold special abilities, Coral finds herself challenged in a different way. One approach which makes this story a standout is Donna L. Goodman's use of the first-person and her attention to reinforcing Coral's character, determination, and observations: "When I get back to the building, Mr. Dobbins eyes me like a puppy who just peed in the house again. I start to lower my head, and then realize I don't care what he thinks. I have important things to do, too important to waste time feeling bad." From her goal of getting to Illuminada to interacting with peers and the Ecomasters who will play a big role in the future of humanity, Coral adopts a proactive approach to life that embraces not just successes, but failures as she learns about different cultures, new forms of interaction, and the importance of using role models to learn new skills. Under Goodman's hand, climate change issues assume both a fantasy element and a personal connection that places Coral and friend Miriam in surprisingly key roles usually reserved for adults. The result is a story that is multifaceted and engrossing. It's as much a tale of assuming responsibility and learning from new life circumstances as it is a tale of one girl's newfound mission to heal both the world and her life in an unusual way. Teen readers looking for action, adventure, and a sense of growth and social responsibility will find Ecomasters: A Planet in Peril Book One: The Pathfinder just the ticket for a thought-provoking read that operates on more than one level.

A truly inspiring and relevant read in today's context of climate change and water scarcity. A must read for young children and adults alike, who aspire find their voice and bring about heart centered, courageous change to protect and preserve our mother earth and its inhabitants.

‘EcoMasters’ would be a good book for middle school Science and Social studies. Teachers could use the book to teach or just to introduce the basics of ecology and how it effects the society as a whole.

The series possesses elements of magic, using the natural and scientific principles of water to create a world of magical realism. Donna believes reading is a fundamental process for young people to expand their dreams. She envisions a final series of five books and multimedia adaptation.