Calling all Early Climate Optimists! Our ECO Bookworms book club invites parents, caregivers and educators to start conversations about climate change and the environment with their little ones.
Knowing how to talk about climate change with children can be difficult. We all want to nurture the next generation and encourage a sense of hope and personal power.
Reading stories about climate change and our changing planet is a great place to start. Check back at the beginning of each month for a new featured book.
November 2024 ECO Bookworm
This November, our ECO Bookworms selection is “The Mess That We Made” written by Michelle Lord and illustrated by Julia Blattman. This powerful picture book takes readers on a journey through the devastating effects of ocean pollution, particularly the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Through rhythmic repetition and vibrant illustrations, children will see how plastic and waste harm marine life, and how their actions can contribute to the cycle of destruction or become part of the solution. The book is an urgent call for action, reminding young readers that they, too, can help protect our oceans. Perfect for children ages four to eight, this book encourages both awareness and positive change. Published by Flashlight Press.
Discussion questions:
- How do the images in the book make you feel about the problem of ocean pollution?
- What small steps can you take to reduce plastic waste in your everyday life?
- Why is it important for both kids and adults to take action in saving our oceans?
October 2024 ECO Bookworm
Our ECO Bookworms selection for October is “What to Do When Climate Change Scares You: A Kid’s Guide to Dealing with Climate Change Stress” written by Leslie Davenport and Illustrated by Irma Ruggiero. This 80-page workbook is a treasure trove of age-appropriate coping tools for six to 12-year-olds experiencing stress, discouragement and “eco-anxiety” about climate change. The authors distill this complicated topic for young minds using evidence-based activities and practices along with approachable illustrations and language. In addition to identifying and working with eco-emotions, kids are encouraged to find ways to participate in creating a healthier world without placing the burden on their young shoulders. This workbook was released by Magination Press.
Discussion questions:
- What do you feel when you hear the words “climate change”?
- How do you know that adults are hearing your concerns?
- What type of actions can you take that might make you feel better?
September 2024 ECO Bookworm
Our September ECO Bookworm selection is a graphic novel collection, “Drawn to Change the World” written by Emma Reynolds. The author recruited 16 graphic artists to illustrate the lives of 16 young environmental activists from around the globe. This book will engage all middle grade readers and help them identify what they would like to do to save the planet. The images for each story are unique and underscore the emotion behind decisions to stand up for the environment. “Drawn to Change the World” is the first graphic novel promoted by ECO Bookworms. Published by Harper Alley, this book is for children ages 8-12.
Discussion questions:
- Which activist’s story stood out to you?
- How did each artist’s style help convey the story?
- What is happening in your community that you would like changed?
August 2024 ECO Bookworm
Our August ECO Bookworm selection is “Not for Me, Please!” by Maria Godsey with illustrations by Christoph J. Kellner. In this book for children ages 2-7, we follow Luke as he learns how to “reduce, reuse and recycle.” Throughout the book Luke faces many scenarios where he can make a choice to be more conscious about the resources he is using. “Not for me, please!” is Luke’s magic phrase to decline a straw at a restaurant or refuse to use single-use plastic. The rhyming language is engaging, and the book includes factoids and reflection pages at the end for grown-ups to continue the discussion. Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Discussion questions:
- How did Luke’s actions help the air, land and sea?
- How can you reduce what you use today?
- When could you use the phrase, “Not for me, please!”?
July 2024 ECO Bookworm
This July, our ECO Bookworms Book Club selection is “Something Happened to Our Planet: Kids Tackle the Climate Crisis” by Marianne Celano, PhD, and Marietta Collins, PhD, and illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe. In this book, a small group of children show how mighty they are when they work together. Starting with concerns about plastics in our waterways, our young activists start a group to ask for improvements in their elementary school cafeteria. The authors use their decades of experience to write extensive reader’s notes to help adults answer kids’ questions about the climate crisis. Published by Magination Press, this book is for children ages 4-9.
Discussion questions:
- Did you know how ants are important to flowers and the planet?
- How can you limit what is thrown in the trash?
- How could you and your friends work together to make a change at your school?
June 2024 ECO Bookworm
This June, our ECO Bookworms Book Club selection is “What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet” by Jess French. This hefty book (75 pages) shares age-appropriate concerns about pollution and conservation of natural resources with children. While this book explains where we are going wrong, it also shares what we are getting right! The author shares solutions both large and small — from how countries are implementing green projects worldwide to how individuals are turning trash into something useful. Published by DK Children, this book is for children ages 4-9.
Discussion questions:
- What plastic item could you swap out this week?
- How can you make your house more energy efficient?
- What item can you reuse, rather than throwing it away?
May 2024 ECO Bookworm
This May, our ECO Bookworms selection is “The Lost Whale” by Hannah Gold. This adventure tale introduces us to Rio as he moves to a beach town and is overcome by the majesty of the massive gray whales he discovers there. When his favorite whale goes missing, Rio must embark on a journey across the dangerous ocean to find her. This fierce celebration of friendship informs the reader about the struggles facing whales and other ocean life from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Published by HarperCollins, this book is for children ages 8-12.
Discussion questions:
- What would you cross the ocean to find?
- How does pollution in the water affect whales?
- What can you do to prevent water pollution?
April 2024 ECO Bookworm
This April, our ECO Bookworms selection is “The World is Ours to Cherish” by climate writer Mary Annaise Heglar and illustrated by Vivian Mineker. This author writes an honest, open letter to children about climate change and urges them to band together to help the planet. She underscores that the world is beautiful, but changing. Climate change has already had a devastating effect on the planet, but it's not too late if we work together. Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, this book is for children ages 4-9.
Discussion questions:
- What parts of the planet do you think are the most beautiful?
- What steps can we take together to prevent climate change?
- Who can you ask to help you protect the land where you live?
March 2024 ECO Bookworm
This March our ECO Bookworm selection is “We are All Connected” by Gabi Garcia and illustrated by Natalia Jimenez Osario. This charming book in verse begins with “We all live on one blue dot spinning in space. We are all a part of one human race.” Throughout the book, the author underscores that everyone on earth is connected and thus we need to care for one another and our planet. She identifies that children can take strong stands for the climate, including protecting water, land and animals on earth. Published by Skinned Kneed Publishing, this book is for children 3-8.
Discussion questions:
- What is one thing you can do today to protect our land?
- How can you help others care for the Earth?
- Can you write a poem about protecting the planet?
February 2024 ECO Bookworm
“How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other,” by Rebecca Stefoff and Naomi Klein is our ECO Bookworms Book Club pick for February. Adapted from the author’s book for adults, the author reminds children, ages 10 and up, that this is a time of great opportunity—an opportunity to change everything. Children are not just part of the climate change movement, but many are leading the way.
Full of empowering stories of young leaders from all over the world, this book offers young readers a comprehensive look at the state of the climate today and how we got here, while also providing the tools they need to join this fight to protect and reshape the planet they will inherit. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some activities can you participate in to increase awareness of climate change?
- Why are climate and justice related issues?
- What tools do you already have to protect our planet?
January 2024 ECO Bookworm
This month, our ECO Bookworms Book Club pick, “The Artivist,” encourages children to use their talents for change! When the young boy in this book uses art to highlight social justice issues, like environmental negligence, he is both raising awareness and encouraging others to take action.
The author writes, “They say I’m an Artist. They say I’m an activist. I think it’s time to combine both parts of who I am: to take ACTION with my ART. It’s time to become … the ARTIVIST.” Written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. Published by Kokila. Intended for children ages 4-8.
Discussion Questions:
- What is an Artivist and how do they encourage change?
- What did the Artivist inspire when he painted what people deserved to have?
- What talents do you have that can encourage change in your neighborhood?
November 2023 ECO Bookworm
In honor of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, our ECO Bookworms book pick is “The Big Beach Cleanup,” written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Katie Rewse and published by Albert Whitman & Company.
This book follows the story of Cora who was excited to compete in a sandcastle building contest, but the event is canceled because of all the litter that washed up on the beach. Cora is determined to get her community together and clean up the beach and she will not stop there. Intended for children ages 4-8.
Discussion Questions:
- What are Cora’s big plans after the beach cleanup?
- Have you noticed litter in your community? How can you help your community stay clean?
- What are single-use plastics?
October 2023 ECO Bookworm
This October, check out our ECO Bookworms Book Club pick, “Rise Up and Write It,” written by Nandini Ahuja, illustrated by Anoosha Syed and published by Harper Festival. This interactive book includes different envelopes with letters, postcards and more. Make sure to open them and follow along as Farah Patel brings her community together to help make her neighborhood greener! Intended for children ages 4-8.
Discussion Questions:
- What motivated Farah to write to Mayor Khan?
- How did the community garden benefit Farah’s community?
- How does Farah’s story inspire you to take action in your community?
September 2023 ECO Bookworm
APHA’s ECO Bookworms Book Club wants to ensure our conversations about climate, health and equity start with respect for all and a curiosity to discover more. Check out our September Book Club pick, “Melanin Brown Discovers America,” written by Candice Davis and illustrated by Benedicta Buatsie. This book reminds us that when we are kind to one another and care about people and the planet, we can stand up to bullies and overcome challenges. Let’s work together to address climate change and help heal our planet! Intended for children 8-12.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some ways you can show love and kindness to yourself, others and the Earth?
- Name three things you like to find out about other people.
- Why is it important to treat each other and the Earth with respect?
Books can convey big and scary subjects like climate change in ways that inspire young people to act with optimism. Our stories focus on solutions to help young readers feel empowered, rather than overwhelmed.
Our selected books target readers 8 years old and younger, but we encourage everyone to follow along and read. Let’s empower our young climate optimists by equipping ourselves with the right tools to start a conversation. Check with your local library or bookstore to find a copy of each month’s book.
We are excited to be on this book club journey with the APHA community and friends. Tell us about your favorite environmental or climate change children’s book.