Book Reviews: Best Books for Kids on Climate Change – Explore, Learn and Make a Difference
A young person between the ages of 8 to 13 will soon be able to vote and most likely will do so over 7 decades. Now is the time to impart the foundations of responsible citizenship and awareness of anthropogenic climate change. The challenges to do so are many – teaching this topic has become politicized, curricula are being legislated and books addressing the topic are now banned from some school libraries.
Education is our best chance to survive the challenge. To help parents and families, I’ve put together some exciting reading recommendations for young people (ages 3 to 19) on all aspects of climate change – general description, biodiversity, melting ice, single-use plastic, activism and more. Many of the books do so via unusual tales and include great visual presentations. Some books also provide pathways for young people to confront the changes occurring through their own actions and/or influencing others' actions. These books represent a diversity of authors, ethnically and geographically.
Despite the political polarization affecting education, providing young people with informative and empowering resources is a vital step in preparing them for the decades of civic engagement ahead. Consider making a difference and empowering young minds.
Climate Books: Comprehensive Overview
What is Climate Change? (Gail Herman and Who HQ, Penguin Workshop, 112 pages, Ages: 8-12)
This small paperback packs in plenty of information in its 112 pages, from identifiable impacts of melting sea ice and rising global temperatures, to scientific research and the heroes of climate science – Arrhenius, Revelle, Keeling – to politics, feedback loops, denialism, and extreme weather.
Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change (Marc ter Horst, Greystone Kids, 192 pages, Ages: 8-12)
Overall, one of the best one stop sources on climate change and is nicely illustrated. It spans from prehistoric to modern times, encompassing the presence of humans and exploring how their behaviors, particularly post-industrial revolution, have ignited (no pun intended) a comprehensive and fast-moving change in earth’s climate, all for the worse. Importantly, the book includes chapters on biodiversity impacts and transitioning from fossil-fueled energy to greener sources of energy. I found the last chapter especially interesting as it lays out thoughtful responses to those who deny or are skeptical of climate change. Its shortcomings are graphics which are not best in class, lack of footnotes and lack of further sources to pursue the topics the book touches upon. I also am skeptical that the book would be adequately comprehended by someone under 10 years of age.
Planet SOS (Marie Rohde, What on Earth Books, 60 pages, Ages: 8-12)
Marie Rohde takes a unique approach in this book, originally published in Spain. Through eye-catching illustrations, Rohde creates 22 mythical creatures (more like monsters) to introduce 22 causes of concern to the long-term health of our planet and to many of its inhabitants. Monsters with names such as Oil Spilliathan, Trash Kong, and Smogosaurus imperil our environment. The book also covers the impacts of man induced change such as smog, garbage dumps and grease blobs. I found this book to be very compelling, maybe because of its non-conformist approach to alerting a young person to the breadth of challenges. No footnotes here, but there is a modest list of follow-up sources and at the very end a compilation of how young people might encounter each of the monsters they’ve learned about.
Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do (Andrea Minoglio, Blue Dot Kids, 72 pages, Ages: 8-12)
Essentially an A-Z primer of climate change and its real-life, real-time impacts on our world and its inhabitants. Each topic occupies two well illustrated pages and includes three to five points about the problem, its causes, and its link to long range global warming. Each section also includes one area where change can be made or impacted through policy, technology, or human actions. I was impressed with the breadth of topics, exposing young people to the complexity of the problem but also remaining somewhat optimistic that a young reader will engage and not run and hide from them. A good glossary and resource page with links at the end. A worthy effort.
Saving Earth: Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future (Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Farrar Straus and Giroux, 240 pages, Ages: 10-14)
This well written and minimally illustrated book for older readers follows the arc of Nathaniel Rich’s Losing Earth book. There is an age-appropriate discussion as to how we arrived at this point, from both a scientific and public policy perspective. There is finger pointing at those who conspired to slow down the early recognition of climate impacts and to stall actions which might have made our current predicament less dire. The author is primarily motivated to inspire activism. I liked the book because it has a more global scope than many youth targeted books and does not skimp on the broad topic of climate justice. The comprehensive end notes are a wealth of resources to be further pursued by a reader looking for greater challenges.
Climate Emergency Atlas: What's Happening – What We Can Do (Dan Hooke, DK Children, 96 pages, Ages: 13-17)
This book is part of the DK Where on Earth? Atlases. The book is illustrated with compelling photographs and graphics which enhance the explanation of advanced climate topics. It is not an alarmist book, but a serious one. It touches on most topics relative to our changing climate, heat, biodiversity, climate justice, migrations, but also does another thing well – it draws linkages between western world behaviors and the degradation of our planet, such as plane travel, fast fashion, dietary preferences, and general over consumption. The illustrations drive home the concept of pro-rata or per person impacts, and rightfully points a finger at humans from the “developed world” as having the greatest fault. The book concludes with a fulsome discussion of actions to be taken, as an individual (activism, diet, sustainable living) or as a collective through government policy on an array of topics to confront the emergency. A very detailed and more global approach than many other books.
Climate Books: Biodiversity
Let's Save Our Planet: Forests (Jess French, Ivy Kids, 64 pages, Ages: 8-14)
A standout book addressing deforestation with eye-catching illustrations. The causes and consequences of deforestation are explored, including economic motivations, the impact on indigenous people, the loss of habitat, and the consequences on the entire planet by the lack of tree cover. The book does not stop there, thankfully; the second half is dedicated to solutions, concluding with a meaningful chapter on “What You Can Do.” The book also includes a nice glossary of terms. As with most of the larger format books mentioned here, it is appropriately printed on recycled or sustainably harvested paper.
They Are Here! How Invasive Species Are Spoiling Our Ecosystems (Roland Smith, Henry Holt & Co / Godwin Books, 160 pages, Ages: 8-12)
This book, essentially non-illustrated, is a thorough accounting of one consequence of global warming – the rapid spread of invasive species. Author Roland Smith uses specific examples of fauna, bacteria, mammals, and mollusks whose introduction to new biospheres has upended native species and even pushed some into pre-mature extinction. The last chapter is compellingly entitled “Are Humans an Invasive Species?” Read it with a young person and find out!
A Wild Promise (Allen Crawford, Tin House, 208 pages, Ages: All)
A beautiful book, great for gifting, and wonderfully illustrated, with an introduction by Terry Tempest Williams. The book features 80 species of animals whose existence has been saved since the enactment of the Endangered Species Act in 1973. A great case of bipartisan public policy action to reverse the impacts of bad behaviors. An example of what is possible.
Climate Books: Melting Ice
Iceberg: A Life in Seasons (Claire Saxby, Groundwood Books, 30 pages, Ages: 3-6)
This wonderfully illustrated book for younger readers tracks an iceberg from calving in Antarctica to its multi-year journey through the Antarctic Ocean. It avoids the inevitable final melting, sparing the audience the sad end. The book is not a climate book per say but will introduce a child to a phenomenon that they will be hearing more about as the decades pass.
Glacier on the Move (Elizabeth Rusch, West Margin Press, 32 pages, Ages: 6-9)
This book, targeting a younger audience, is character driven. The protagonist is a glacier named Flo. Using wonderful illustrations, the book follows Flo from its formation to the sea – a trip taking hundreds of years. Along the way, the reader is introduced to glacial terminology, their physical dynamics and even “ice worms.” At the end there is a helpful glossary and a scientific recap and references for further study. A model of a good introductory climate book.
Meltdown: Discover Earth's Irreplaceable Glaciers and Learn What You Can Do to Save Them (Anita Sanchez, Workman Publishing, 128 pages, Ages: 8-12)
This substantial (>120 pages) book addresses more than just glaciers. The book, and its nicely illustrated pages, use glaciers as the focal point to ultimately discuss the broader topic of climate change. Of particular interest is its deep dive into the science of glaciers and their very useful role in telling us the earth’s climate back hundreds of thousands of years ago to help explain what may happen to our world if we maintain the course of destructive behaviors we are currently on. The book also does a great job of explaining the interrelationships between glaciers and other natural systems on the planet, i.e., how melting glaciers not only raise sea levels but change the flows of ocean currents, not only affecting sea life, but weather patterns across the globe putting agricultural areas and many species, including humans, at risk. The book concludes with a “What Can You Do?” chapter as well as a nice summary of further resources one can access.
Mission: Arctic - A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole (Katharina Weiss-Tuider, Greystone Kids, 128 pages, Ages: 8-13+)
A standout book originally published in Germany. The book follows the 316-day Mosaic Expedition aboard the Polarstern. Lucky for us, the author was along for the voyage. The prose is accompanied by illustrations, graphs and photographs on every page which enhance a readers’ comprehension of timely topics such as the melting of the Arctic and the effects on trade routes, the Beaufort Gyre, as well as on sea life and mammals which depend on its frozen state. There is much covered in this 120-page book, and I cannot imagine an adult catching a glimpse of it without feeling compelled to read it themselves. A must read for any young person.
Antarctica: The Melting Continent (Karen Romano Young, What on Earth Books, 64 pages, Ages: 10-14)
This comprehensive book on Antarctica is written by an actual polar explorer. The author knows all of the players – geologists, glaciologists, pilots, oceanographers, etc. and introduces us to many of them. There are also extensive discussions of the geologic and topographic formation of the last continent to be explored and what scientific explorations are being conducted there daily. Although this book is meant for young people, I can heartily recommend it to adults as an introduction to Antarctica. It concludes with a valuable list of sources notes and is nicely illustrated throughout.
Climate Books: Single-Use Plastic
One Turtle’s Last Straw: The Real-Life Rescue That Sparked a Sea Change (Eliza Boxer, Crown Books, 40 pages, Ages: 4-8)
This book tells the tale of a Ridley turtle found off the coast of Costa Rica with a straw blocking its airways. Through this narrative vehicle, the evils of plastic straws are subtlety conveyed to the youngest of readers. To allay parental fears, the ending is happy, at least with respect to this particular turtle. In a very good set of end notes there is an author’s discussion, plans of action, a bibliography, and further sources.
The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It (Dee Romito, Holiday House, 40 pages, Ages: 6-9)
The book is focused on one of the most dire and unnecessary uses of plastic – the drinking straw. It traces the history of the straw from ancient times to today where, in the United States alone, over 500 million straws are disposed of every day! Real life anecdotes of environmental harm are included, as are stories of youth activism. The book ends with a nice list of sources. It is hard to imagine any child reading this who would reach for a plastic straw again!
Plastic Sucks! How YOU Can Reduce Single-Use Plastic and Save Our Planet (Dougie Poynter, Feiwel & Friends, 210 pages, Ages: 8-12)
This is the hippest book included in my list, written by author Dougie Poynter, a bassist with the English band McFly. An in-your-face title is then followed by a series of in-your-face vignettes on the harm single use plastic bottles cause our planet. The book discusses the harm these bottles cause in their production as well as the residual harm by their disposal whether tossed in a gutter, put in a bin, or recycled. The book includes stories of many young people working for change. I think that the publishers' age range is a little too young and I would suggest ages 11-15.
Taking on the Plastics Crisis (Hannah Testa, Penguin Workshop, 64 pages, Ages: 12-17)
This pocket-sized book by climate activist Hannah Testa (Hanna4change) aims to motivate young people not only to eliminate single-use plastic from their own lives but also to try to change the behaviors of others for the health of our planet. A useful and digestible read.
Climate Books: Activism
I Have the Right to Save My Planet (Alain Serres, Groundwood Books, 48 pages, Ages: 4-7)
This book is part of the I Have the Right Series – “I Have the Right to Be a Child” and “I Have the Right to Culture.” The narrative centers on the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. I liked the fact that it is not an American-centric story, but one that takes us all around the world. It does a good job of demonstrating the interdependency of creatures, climate, and anthropogenic behaviors harming the earth. Its prose is empowering and motivational.
Better Than New: A Recycle Tale / Mejor Que Nuevo: Un Cuento de Reciclaje (Robert Broder, Patagonia, 44 pages, Ages: 4-8)
This book, published by the Patagonia clothing company, is focused on efforts to make our oceans less polluted. It is a bilingual publication (written in both English and Spanish). The primary focus, told through the story of young siblings from Chile, is the recycling of sea plastics, specifically discarded fishing nets which make up 10% of ocean plastics. Note: These materials are used by Patagonia in the manufacturing of its fabrics as noted in a disclosure at the end of the book. The recycling story is a valid example of practical and economically sustainable applications of actions and technology.
Something Happened to Our Planet: Kids Tackle the Climate Crisis (Marianne Celano and Marietta Collins, Magination Press, 40 pages, Ages: 4-8)
This excellent book, which is part of the Something Happened Series, weaves a tale of elementary school children following a pathway of discovery, actions and results which is easily understood by grammar-schoolers. I especially appreciated that it is the only book, among the many I have read, in which a family of color is the main protagonist. At the end of the book there is an extensive readers guide for adults to do follow up with young readers, including lesson plans. The co-authors are both faculty members of Emory University School of Medicine who focus on children's behavioral health and social justice. The book is wonderfully illustrated and published by the American Psychological Association.
No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change (Edited by Lindsay Metcalf, Keila Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley, Charlesbridge Publishing, 40 pages, Ages: 5-9)
This book focuses on 12 young people from all over the world and their efforts, from scientific, social activism, and educational, to positively impact the health of our planet. Each participant is described both in prose and via a poem. I found the book educational and motivating and really appreciated the global scope.
Linda and the Mysterious Footprints (Linda Pistun, Tabletop Publishing, 42 pages, Ages: 6-12)
This charming book, written by 11-year-old Linda Pistun, introduces young people to the concept of carbon footprints. Examples are shared as Linda goes about her day encountering “carbon footprints.” Once Linda reaches an understanding, plans of action are developed and executed. These actions are ones that can be taken by young people. The story is followed up by a multi-page resource section.
Old Enough to Save the Planet (Loll Kirby, Harry N. Abrams / Magic Cat Publishing, 32 pages, Ages: 7-10)
Another call-to-action book which is nicely illustrated and centers on 15 youth activists from around the world. Each young person tackles a specific climate challenge such as deforestation, traffic, single-use plastic, biodiversity protection and locavore consumption. It should be heartening for a young reader to see that there are age peers making a difference. The book concludes with a concise “How to Join the Cause” section.
Climate Change (and How We’ll Fix It) (Alice Harman, QED Publishing / Union Square Kids (Sterling Children’s), 64 pages, Ages: 8-12)
This is an important book which, through words rather than illustrations, does not shy away from criticizing groups or individuals impeding the actions necessary to save our planet. Forty percent of the book is dedicated to discussing problems, such as “Why Should I?”, “They Made Me Do It”, or “Would I Lie to You?” After addressing the hurdles to change, the book concludes with a lengthy chapter on solutions. I have found these solutions useful in my own dealings with the obstacles to changing minds and behaviors.
How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other (Naomi Klein, Antheneum Books, 336 pages, Ages: 10-18)
Naomi Klein’s book for older children, like her previous work at the New York Times and most famously her book, On Fire, is a no holds barred call-to-action to all youth. It starts with a significant background on what global warming and climate change are, drawing a link between the extreme heat events of the past few years, such as the Australian brush fires, and extreme windstorms, and man-induced global warming. This is the only book mentioned here that has a discussion of “feedback loops” and “tipping points.” This is followed by a robust discussion of climate justice, a section which, quite frankly, should be read by many adults I know. There are sub-sections in this chapter entitled “Climate Cruelty,” “Sacrifice Zones,” and “Paying Our Climate Debt.” The middle third of the book, titled “How We Got Here,” recaps the government and corporate policies that have brought our planet to the brink, with the intent of inciting some indignation, if not anger. The last third of the book, “What Happens Next?” addresses technological efforts, such as carbon capture and storage, solar geo-engineering, and nuclear fusion with skepticism. The author has more faith in grassroots efforts and protest to bring about the needed change. Certainly, there are powerful thoughts in this book for teens to contemplate.
The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change (Elizabeth Rusch, Greenwillow, 400 pages, Ages: 13-19)
Elizabeth Rusch writes of the ongoing youth-led climate rights case – Juliana vs United States. For the past eight years, 21 diverse youths, originally aged 8 to 19 years old, have been the face of the case, along with their lead attorney Julia Olsen. There is a discussion of each plaintiff, and the impact climate change has had on each of their lives. The story takes the reader through a myriad of judicial jurisdictions and members of the courts. The back-and-forth is fascinating and tense. The reader will no doubt be surprised at the voracity of the U.S. government’s efforts to reject any responsibility for climate change, including through the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. Somewhere, Gaia the earth mother, will be saving a sainthood for the patience and perseverance of Julia Olsen and her young advocates. This book is for all ages, and certainly for anyone who wants to become emotionally engaged in the cause. Bravo!
Climate Books: Other Topics
Oil (Jonah Winter, Beach Lane, 40 pages, Ages: 4-8)
This nicely illustrated book takes a young person on a tour of the 800-mile Trans-Alaskan oil pipeline to its terminus at the Valdez port. As if a pipeline running through indigenous lands and caribou migration paths wasn’t enough of a problem, the oil ends up onloaded onto a tanker which breaks up and creates an environmental disaster. The book, published on the 30th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, is not a climate change book but certainly explains an important piece of history to have in mind as oil companies continue to influence the climate narrative and oil still seeps into the coastal ecosystem today. There is a worthy list of further references on this topic at the back of the book.
Discovering Energy (Eduard Altarriba, Veronica Sanz, and Johannes Hirn, Button Books, 48 pages, Ages: 8+)
This book is different – it discusses energy – what it is, how it is used, and how it is generated. Topics include the origin of man’s relation with the sun, and the development and uses of energy since ancient times. As each form of energy generation is mentioned so are the fuel sources and consequences of the generation and its consumption. I don’t think a stone is left unturned. It has to be the only young adult book that discusses smart grids and nuclear fusion along with the entire spectrum of renewables. It also includes very pleasing graphics.
Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge (Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger, Annick Press, 120 pages, Ages: 11-15+)
Indigenous people of First Nations have much to teach us regarding human interactions with nature. Using photographs, oral histories and multiple stories of individuals and spirits, we learn how those who preceded European settlers dealt with fire, land management, food security, relations with animal species and respected water and air. They were greater stewards of our planet than those who displaced them. Readers can learn a lot from these short vignettes, which can be read over time. An added bonus is the multi-page list of further resources at the end of the book.
Lastly, in good conscious, I cannot write a summary of climate books for kids without mentioning the collective works of Jason Chin, a writer and illustrator. He has written specifically on the following topics: Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Water, Gravity, the Galapagos Islands, the Grand Canyon, the Planetary Universe, and the Microscopic Universe. While not directly about climate, his works are either influenced by climate or influence our understanding of climate. Chin always uses a protagonist who navigates through the story, concludes each book with pages of follow-up resources, and even includes above-grade-level asides in the body of the texts for older readers. In my opinion, he is the best communicator of scientific concepts to an 8-year-old, his primary target audience.
About the Author:
Keith Forman is a Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Senior Fellow with over four decades of experience in leadership positions in the energy industry. He currently serves as the Chairman of Capital New Energy Carriers L.P., a shipping company based in Greece, and an advisor to Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors on energy transition issues. Over the years, he has advised global infrastructure and private equity funds on midstream energy investments, served as the CEO for renewable energy companies, and held positions as a senior financial executive in large midstream energy companies.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and are based on my personal reading experience as an adult and father. While I strive to provide unbiased and thoughtful reviews, readers are encouraged to explore these books and form their own opinions.