1952 –
Environmental movements have shaped the global conversation about protecting the planet. In the 1960s, Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides, sparking the modern environmental movement. Activists pushed for cleaner air and water, leading to the creation of Earth Day and major environmental laws. Over time, movements expanded to address climate change, deforestation, and species extinction. Today, young activists like Greta Thunberg are leading global efforts to combat climate change, calling for urgent action to protect the Earth for future generations.
Picture books
Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement
Upbeat picture biography of Rachel Carson
Buy
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Inspiring true story of a Gambian woman who started a recycling movement
Buy
The Day the River Caught Fire: How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day Movement
True story of how a fire on the the Cuyahoga River fueled the environmental movement and led to Earth Day
Buy
A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History
True story of pollution and restoration through the lens of one river
Buy
I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon
Inspiring true story of a farmer and environmentalist in Cameroon
Buy
All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff
True story of a barge full of garbage that sparked environmental activism
Buy
Alexander von Humboldt: Explorer, Naturalist & Environmental Pioneer
Incredible true story of a naturalist and explorer who became the “father of ecology”
Buy
Into the Deep: The Life of Naturalist and Explorer William Beebe
Exciting true story of a deep-sea explorer and conservation pioneer
Buy
Saving American Beach
True story of a woman preserving an important beach
Buy
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs
Inspiring story of an environmental scientist rebuilding coral reefs
Buy
The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever
Lovely story of an environmental activist who helped make San Diego a lush city
Buy
Non-fiction books
Biographies
Who Was Rachel Carson?
Biography of a pioneering environmentalist
Buy
Who Is Greta Thunberg?
Biography of a current environmental activist
Buy
Who Is Jane Goodall?
Biography of a naturalist who studied primate behavior
Buy
Who Was Pete Seeger?
Biography of a musician whose work supported the Civil Rights and environmental movements
Buy
