The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Gratz, Alan. Two Degrees. Scholastic Inc., 2022.

Alan Gratz's novel Two Degrees is written from the third person point of view and in the past tense. The novel is divided between three main characters' distinct storylines. The sections titled "The Sierra Nevada, California," are set in the Sierra Nevada region of California and trace Akira's experiences during the Morris Fire. The sections titled "Churchill, Manitoba," are set in a small town in northeastern Canada, and trace Owen's experiences trying to escape a hungry polar bear. The sections titled "Miami, Florida," are set in Miami, Florida, and trace Natalie's experiences throughout Hurricane Reuben. From beginning to end, the author alternates between these various settings, paralleling the three main characters' encounters with climate change. For the sake of clarity, the following summary employs a streamlined mode of explanation, and relies upon the present tense.

Akira lives in the Sierra Nevada region of California with her father Lars, her mother, and her younger sister. Akira's favorite pastime is horseback riding through the local woods and mountains with her father. Indeed, Lars has passed his love for the natural world onto his daughter. Despite this point of connection, Akira and Lars disagree on one important issue: climate change.

Therefore, when Akira and Lars encounter a wildfire while out horseback riding one day, Akira decides not to show her concern to Lars. She knows the worsening smoke and flames are the result of climate change, but is disinterested in getting into an argument with her dad. However, shortly after running into two hikers, Daniel and Sue, the group is forced to flee the woods because of the worsening fire.

Shortly thereafter, Akira and Sue are separated from Lars and Daniel when a flaming tree falls in their path. Akira and Sue do their best to support one another and get out of the woods. Although Akira feels a connection with Sue, she encourages her new friend to take a ride from a woman to the hospital, deciding to stay in the burning woods with her horse instead. Ultimately, Akira's experiences running from the fire make her realize the importance of stopping climate change.

Owen lives in Churchill, Manitoba. This town is located not far from the Arctic Circle in northern Canada. Although the region is remote and desolate, Owen loves his hometown.

One day, while out snowmobiling with his best friend George, Owen is attacked by a polar bear. He and George are both badly injured. Despite their pain and fear, the friends learn to rely upon one another for their survival. Their time running from the hungry polar bear also makes Owen realize the importance of protecting the natural world. If he does not start advocating for the stop of climate change, wildlife like the polar bears will soon die.

Natalie lives in Miami, Florida with her mother. Although Natalie has seen many hurricanes sweep through her hometown, when the local meteorologist calls Hurricane Reuben the Big One, Natalie starts to panic. Shortly after the storm starts, Natalie's home floods, separating her from her mother.

Throughout the following hours, Natalie tries to stay alive by herself. She relies upon the comfort of her neighbor's dog and the support of several local citizens she meets along the way.

In the final hours of the storm, Natalie takes refuge in the home of a young woman named Patience. Patience's passion for climate change inspires Natalie. While helping support the community in the days following the storm, Natalie realizes she must use her voice to spread awareness about the environmental crisis.

Akira, Owen, and Natalie meet one another while attending a climate change rally in Washington, D.C. They not only discover that they are all connected to each other, but learn the importance of community and solidarity to overcoming crises and accomplishing impossible goals.