Authors Of Josie & The Fourth Grade Bike Brigade On Climate Issues, Activism, And Why The Book’s Fictional Neighborhood May Seem Familiar

A feisty nine-year-old girl becomes a crusader for preventing disastrous climate change and other environmental threats — sounds like a tale that could be set in Park Slope, right? Well it turns out that the new children’s book Josie and the Fourth Grade Bike Brigade was inspired by activism at PS 321, and is co-authored by one of the local school’s assistant principals, and a 321 graduate.

The book, which was released this week and is already prepping for its second printing, is written by “A.B.K. Bruno,” a name that represents the family of co-authors: recent college graduate and former PS 321 student Antonia Bruno and her parents, Beth Handman, assistant principal at the school, and Kenny Bruno, who has worked in and written about the environmental movement for many years.

In advance of several upcoming events in our area where the authors will discuss the book and how kids can get active in environmentalism themselves, we asked the authors about what inspired the book, how they hope Josie will inspire others, where they love to bike in the neighborhood, and more.

PSS: Tell us a bit about yourselves.

A.B.K. Bruno: Beth is Assistant Principal at PS 321, where she has worked for 22 years. Kenny is a philanthropic advisor and has worked on environmental issues for over 25 years. Antonia recently graduated from Binghamton University and has just started a job as communications and development coordinator at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives in Berkeley, CA. When we originally wrote the book, Antonia was still in high school.

Kenny has co-authored a couple of specialist books for adults, but none of us had ever tried a hand at children’s books, nor even aspired to, until now. But we sure are excited that we’re launching this book, and that we’ve done it as a family project.

What was the “spontaneous activism” by students at PS 321 that helped inspire this book? And what else helped you decide to write this series?

About eight years ago, PS 321 started the Go Green Walkathon and the Roots and Shoots after school club. As the kids learned about environmental issues and causes, they sprung into action. For example, they went to local stores and asked them to stop carrying disposable plastic bags. The raided their piggy banks for donations to environmental groups. And we heard from parents that they started pressing them to save energy and water.

The kids were so cute and so enthusiastic that one night in the kitchen Beth said someone should write a book about these kids. And then we did. That was six years ago, but we only just found a publisher — Green Writers Press — earlier this year.

What do you think is Josie’s most inspiring aspect, and why?

Josie organizes others. Individual action, while important, is not enough. And Josie makes it fun.

What do you hope the book’s message can accomplish?

We hope kids will discover what they’re passionate about, study enough to understand the fundamental issues, and figure out solutions they can be part of. Kids are smart!

What are some things that neighbors in the Park Slope area can do on a daily basis that can help fight climate change in Josie’s spirit?

Drive less, get solar roofs, join the People’s Climate March on September 21, and press elected officials to support climate action, from their Council Member to the Mayor to the President.

Are there any initiatives planned for this year to incorporate more environmentalism into PS 321?

We have a strong Green and Healthy Committee at PS 321, and the kids are doing more intensive recycling and adding composting. We would love to see a PS 321 contingent join the youth bloc at the September 21 climate march in Manhattan. The year is just starting, and the kids will come up with great new ideas, as they have in the past. And we’d like them to share their ideas with other schools.

What are some of your favorite places to ride bikes to in Park Slope?

Our favorite is the downhill part. Antonia organized her own mini bike brigade from Brooklyn to LaGuardia High School — a 20-mile round trip. Kenny was a bike commuter for many years when he worked in Manhattan. All of us like to ride around Prospect Park of course.

What are some of the issues Josie and her friends may tackle in future books?

We are asking our readers to suggest themes for future books, either in person at our book launch events (see below for details) or on our website. Nothing is set in stone, but some of the big issues that interest Josie include deforestation, fracking, and consumerism.

Anything else you’d like neighbors to know?

Yes, thanks for asking. Note that Josie’s neighborhood of “Parkside” might seem familiar to you, and her school PS 99 is also based on a certain educational institution in Brooklyn. In fact, we think of Brooklyn as one of the coolest characters in the book.

And please take the “Josie Challenge” by visiting our webpage josiegoesgreen.com so we can keep the conversation going.

Meet the authors and pick up a signed copy of the book at launch events on Friday, September 12 at 5:30pm at

Community Bookstore, 143 7th Avenue.