When Greta Thunberg refused to go to school last August, demanding that the Swedish government reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, a spark of youth climate activism ignited across the globe. From Europe to Africa, and Asia to North America, school-aged children ditched school and took to the streets adorned in cheeky cardboard signs. Their demand? That adults and world leaders take action to prevent an imminent climate crisis that would jeopardize their future.
At Global Greengrants Fund, we’re thrilled youth are stepping up worldwide to take action on climate change. Helping to fuel the movement, our Next Generation Climate Board has funded youth activists taking a stand against this global crisis for the past seven years.
In light of increased action and awareness from the generation of tomorrow, our staff has decided that our annual hand-picked summer reading list should focus on children’s books. If you’re seeking to pique your child’s interest in the natural environment, or if you’re trying to talk to your 5-year-old about environmental justice and don’t know where to start, this list is for you. We hope that these reads leave your child feeling energized to protect the planet they will inherit.
Picture Books
A is for Activist: Not your typical alphabet board book, “A is for Activist” is an excellent social justice read for toddlers and adults alike. Our personal favorite is letter G – “G is for Grassroots. Sprouting from below. Sharing nutrients, and the waters’ flow. Below the surface we’re all connected. Stronger together – we Grow.”
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree: What happens when your grandmother gives you a lemon tree to grow, when really you wanted that new iPhone? Quirky, funny, sweet story about appreciating nature and family instead of consuming the latest gadgets.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type: Don’t be fooled by the silly name – this hilarious book serves budding activists a taste of the power of peaceful protest. A group of very communicative cows go on strike for better living conditions, finding an old typewriter that allows them to write their demands to the farmer.
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted a Million Trees: A fabulous introduction to the world renowned environmentalist and Goldman Environmental Prize recipient.
Islandborn (Spanish version titled Lola): Lola learns about her identity as a Dominican immigrant, including the dictatorship that forced her family to leave such a wonderful place. This book beautifully illustrates a range of skin colors and Afro-Latinx identity, and explores the complex topic of immigration in an age-appropriate way.
The Lorax: For obvious reasons, we would be remiss to not include this on our list, However, other Dr. Suess books such as Horton Hears a Who, The Sneeches, and Yertle the Turtle all have powerful social justice themes.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: William Kamkwamba, a young boy from a small village in Malawi, figures out how to make a windmill to pump water for his village that was hit by a drought. There is also a young reader version and a full-length book, and movie soon to be released directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Heal the Earth Travel around in a magic plane with Julian Lennon to save the earth: bring medicine to people in need, dive below the ocean to bleached coral reefs, and help the rainforest return and give its animals a home. Love this read? Check out the other two books in its trilogy: “Love the Earth” and “Touch the Earth.”
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist: Meet Eugenie Clark, an ocean scientist who proved to the world that sharks are beautiful creatures to be admired and protected – and women can do anything they set their minds to.
The Great Kapok Tree: A beautiful introduction to the Amazon Rainforest and the biodiversity and cultures that inhabit it. When a man exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree, a child from the Yanomamo tribe whispers in his ear about the importance of trees and how all living things depend on each other.
One Plastic Bag: Have you heard of Isatou Ceesay, the “Queen of recycling of the Gambia”? Follow the journey of this inspiring woman who launched a movement to recycle the plastic bags that were polluting her community.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered – wiggly worms, rooting vegetables, snakes and predators hunting, and so much more – all in your own backyard! Get your hands dirty, bring your sense of wonder, and discover new ecosystems that aren’t so far from home.
Miss Rumphius: Recommended by our Grants Manager, Rob Riker: “This was a favorite of mine as a kid that I find myself thinking about as an adult. The idea of making the world more beautiful is something I think about a lot, but also shows a kid very visually the impact one person can have.”
In search of books for your own reading list? Click here and here.
Stay tuned for another reading list later this summer, which will feature chapter books for your pre-teen climate activist.