Looking for inspiring reads to dive into this summer? Whether you want to help the children in your life develop connections to the planet, want to expand your own knowledge or simply want to escape into an environmental fiction, these books recommended from our education team offer something for everyone.
Young Children
The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Age Group: Suitable for all ages; ideal for young children 5-8
Why: Illustrated by talented Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, The Little Hummingbird tells a powerful story of courage and hope in the face of ecological crisis. Inspired by a traditional Quechuan tale, this picture book resonates with its message of individual agency and collective action. It's a beautiful reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet.
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Age Group: Young children; under 2
Why: This beautiful picture book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy, many of which are connected to place.
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Age Group: Ideal for young children 4-8
Why: This book is a stunning exploration of the beauty and complexity of the world around us, touching on subjects from life cycles to weather, colors, shapes, and patterns. This is an ideal resource for science and language art curriculums and a terrific book for bedtime sharing!
Young Adult/Adult - Nonfiction
A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet by Sarah Jaquette Ray
Genre: Nonfiction, Environmental Justice
Age Group: All, especially Gen Z and younger Millennials
Why: Sarah Jaquette Ray addresses the emotional toll of climate change in this essential guide. She explores why people disengage from environmental issues and offers strategies for cultivating resilience and advocacy. Ray's framework helps readers navigate their emotions and understand their responses to environmental challenges, fostering a sense of empowerment and community amidst daunting realities.
We are the Weather: Saving the Planet Starts at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer
Genre: Nonfiction, Food, Science
Age Group: Young Adult, Adult
Why: Jonathan Safran Foer blends personal narrative with compelling scientific research in this thought-provoking book. Through exploring our daily food choices and their impact on the environment, Foer offers practical actions that each of us can take to combat climate change. It's a perfect balance of facts, stories, and achievable steps, making it both empowering and enlightening.
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Genre: Science
Age Group: Young Adult, Adult
Why: Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrates how all living things—from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen—provide us with gifts and lessons. This new version has been adapted to provide the essence of this book in a way that better engages young adults.
Adults - Fiction
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Genre: Solarpunk (Solarpunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction that envisions the progression of technology alongside the environment)
Age Group: Adult
Why: This unique book offers a positive vision for a future where humans use a combination of technology and simplification to live harmoniously on the planet - also features an interesting take on robots!
These books offer a blend of knowledge, inspiration, and hope, perfect for deepening your understanding of environmental issues or seeking motivation to take positive action. Whether you're lounging at the beach or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, consider adding these titles to your summer reading list. Have a book you would recommend? Send us your favourites! (serena@elements-society.org).
Happy reading!