For Parents and Children
Here, we’ve gathered book recommendations for all ages: the very young, grade school children, middle school and high school aged kids. We’ve also included a few other resources for parents.
I do not want my children operating in fear. I do not want them operating in a mind-set that all hope is lost. That is not my mind-set.
– Heather McTeer Toney ,
a former regional Environmental Protection Agency administrator and national field director for Moms Clean Air Force
Washington Post 2/14/20
Pre-school, early grade school
The Lorax (1971)
A classic by Dr. Seuss, this book addresses over consumption and disregard for nature in a whimsical, poignant manner and with a bit of hope at the end.
The Earth Book (2010)
This simple picture book by Todd Parr is about loving the earth and taking care of it. It relates activities like riding a bike or turning of lights to taking care of plants and animals on our planet.
CLICK, CLACK, MOO, Cows that Type (2000)
The cows want better living conditions! First they ask, then they go on strike, then they negotiate. Not a book about climate change per se, but a useful story for explaining why people protest and strike.
Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming” (2007)
Churchill, Manitoba is in fact known for it’s polar bears. The bear’s in this book want the attention of all the tourist; they want help to stop climate change! It’s a cute book with a sense of humor. It includes a brief description of what climate change is and why it is happening – written by Winston the bear, and just enough for young children.Grade school
The Magic School Bus And The Climate Challenge (2010)
This book covers what climate change is, its effects on the planet, and how people can change to lessen greenhouse gas emissions. It is as entertaining and quirky as any book with Ms. Frizzle and her Magic School Bus.
Earth’s Fever (2012)
Earth’s Fever is an introduction to what climate change is, how green house emissions by humans cause it, the effects of climate change on people, and ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A slight drawback is that the two groups of people highlighted as being affected by climate change are in Bangladesh and Africa, leaving the reader to possibly conclude that the negative effects are happening “over there”.
Mission Save the Planet (2009)
Written by astronaut Sally Ride and her partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, this book explains the science behind climate change and offers many activities for older kids to do. It’s focus is on individual actions, although it does suggest writing representatives in congress. The effects of climate change and the urgency of action are not addressed.
Climate Change by Basher Science (2014)
In usual Basher Science style, this book is more like a visually engaging dictionary of terms grouped by topic. It covers over 100 climate related terms like: weather, sea ice, paleoclimate, forcing mechanism, tipping point, methane, reforestation and acidification.
33 Things to talk to Kids About Global Challenges (2015)
In 2015, the United Nations identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals to “to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. This book is designed to start conversations between parents and children around these global goals. It covers topic from poverty to refugees, child marriage, as well as topics directly related to climate change such as severe weather, overconsumption, deforestation, and air pollution. It it well laid out, explains each topic via situations familiar to children, and draws connections (literally) between various topics.Middle School and High School
It’s Getting HOT in Here (2015)
This is an excellent book covering many aspects of climate change. It opens by introducing the 100,000 people of Kiribati whose Pacific Island home is literally disappearing under the ocean. The book reviews the history of Earth’s climate, how we know humans are causing climate change, the many ways our current weather has changed and the effects this has on humans and other living beings. It wraps up touching on politics, economics, governments at all levels, and actions people are taking. There are many wonderful photos, diagrams, and graphs. Included is a list of sources, further resources, a glossary, and an index.
Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines (2014)
This is an excellent book for middle school or high school kids. It covers many aspects of the climate crisis including acknowledging it, those who deny it, the science, how to sort fact from fiction in the media, global aspects, and what we can do. The book includes a list of sources, further resources, a glossary, and an index.
It’s Your World (2015)
This book by Chelsea Clinton covers many topics, from the economy and poverty, to equity, to health, and the environment. One chapter focuses on climate change. In addition to some basic science, the chapter discusses deforestation, droughts, flooding, destruction of habitat including coral reefs, and touches upon the urgency of the situation.
Parent Resources
A Guide for Parents about the Climate Crisis (2018)
This amazing resource sheet (pdf), by the Australian Psychological Society, addresses the question of how to talk to children about the climate crisis, breaking down information by age group. They discuss feelings both you and your children may be having, how to be hopeful, and what actions you can take with your children to protect their future. The companion sheet “Raising Children to Thrive in a Climate Changed World” discusses skills children will need to both restore our climate and adapt to current and future changes.