TOP 10 SUSTAINABILITY THEMED CHILDREN'S BOOKS 2023�Presenting the SustainRT Top 10 Children’s Books published last year! The American Library Association’s Sustainability Resources Committee curates an annual list of 10 notable children’s books on nature, conservation, and communities that reflect SustainRT’s mission “to exchange ideas and opportunities regarding sustainability in order to move toward a more equitable, healthy, and economically viable society.” Check them out today!
Find out more about SustainRT: http://www.ala.org/rt/sustainrt
Listen to the Language of the Trees by Tera Kelley
Listen to the Language of the Trees provides a beautiful and approachable introduction to the mycorrhizal network. The author explains how trees use the network of fungi in the soil to communicate about dangers, pests, and resources to help the whole forest flourish. The “Explore More” section at the end of the book encourages ongoing learning. Age Range: 4-8
To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat To Change a Planet encourages children to work together for a common good. The consequences of climate change, along with some ways to slow or reverse the effects of climate change, are discussed. More detailed information about climate change is listed in the back of the book. �Age Range: 4-8
We Have a Dream by Dr. Mya-Rose Craig
We Have a Dream provides a great introduction for kids and teens to a wide range of sustainability issues, through the eyes and words of 30 young activists around the world. This book gives them a chance to see how individuals can take on an issue, small or large, and make a difference in the world. Age Range: 8-12
��
How to Say Hello to a Worm by Kari Percival�How to Say Hello to a Worm offers a fantastic introduction to gardening and being outside for younger readers. The text is accessible and interesting, the art is comforting, and the color palette is reminiscent of what you might see in your garden. This book does include a section with notes for adults, and also tips for kids who are interested in growing their own food. �Age Range: 2-4
Uncle John’s City Garden by Bernette G. Ford
Uncle John’s City Garden emphasizes the importance of community gardens and sustainable living. Through the eyes of a young girl, readers are taken on a journey that showcases the benefits of urban agriculture, including the preservation of green spaces, access to fresh produce, and the promotion of social connections. Age Range: 4-8
Sun in My Tummy by Laura Alary
Sun in My Tummy shows how energy flows from the sun through the ecosystem to create things a child sees and enjoys every day. This book is a great introduction to the cycles of nature that caters to a young person’s perspective. The author also gives guidance to older readers, and provides a list of helpful resources. Age Range: 4-7
Just Help! How to Build a Better World by Sonia Sotomayor
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s book Just Help! encourages children to consider the question “How will you help today?” This book gives examples, such as helping with a service project, starting a recycling program, participating in a clean-up day at the park, donating unused toys, and encouraging others to vote, just to name a few. Age Range: 4-8
Fashion Forward: Striving for Sustainable Style by Raina Delisle
Fashion Forward highlights an area of sustainability not typically represented in children’s books. It explains the history of clothing from its beginnings to today’s disposable fashion. This book explores all facets of fashion’s negative contributions to our planet but also highlights organizations who fight for sustainable fashion. Readers are urged to follow 7 simple steps to ethical fashion. Age Range: 9-12
A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn by Patricia Newman
A River’s Gifts is about the history of the Elwha River and the way our collective history has been affected by it. The vibrant illustrations in the book resemble oil paintings and are the perfect way to depict the true stories of the river including the native communities that cared for it and what changed during the U.S.’s colonial times. Age Range: 8-12
My First Book of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle by Asa Gilland
My First Book of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle provides a simple introduction to the importance of taking care of our planet. The author discusses reducing what we use and what we throw away, reusing items for other purposes, and recycling what we can’t reuse, for example, using plastic bottles and yogurt containers to make clothing and toothbrushes. Age Range: Baby-4