Ten of the Best Books books for young environmental activists


Way back in 1991, Books for Keeps published its very own Green Guide to Children’s Books. Edited by Richard Hill and with an introduction from Jonathon Porritt it is now long O/P. Sadly the need for books to introduce children to green issues and environmental action is greater than ever. Selected by the BfK editorial team, here’s a list of ten of the best recent books in this vital area.


10


Climate Crisis for Beginners


Andy Prentice and Eddie Reynolds, Usborne, 978-1474979863, £9.99 hbk


Full of clearly presented facts and figures, plus useful advice on ways they can make a difference,


this


is an excellent introduction to the climate crisis for young readers. The language is simple and backed up throughout by illustrations making complex issues easy to understand and digest. The book explains the basics; talks about what we need to do, and why we’re not doing it faster;


and finishes by listing things individuals can do now to make a difference, no matter their age. The conclusion reassures readers that having read the book, they will have the tools to imagine the future they want as well as ideas about how to get it.


Eco Warrior: Understand, Persuade, Change, Campaign, Act! Catherine Barr, J H Hayne & Co, 978-1785217258, £6.99 pbk Author Catherine Barr worked at Greenpeace in the late 80s and her passion for protecting the natural world has endured. Designed to encourage young people to get involved in big issues, this pocket sized guide shows how they can make a real difference to the world. With sections on food production, biodiversity and plastic, it’s full


of useful information, while other sections introduce campaigners who have successfully made a difference, and challenge readers to check the evidence before accepting something as fact. With colour photographs throughout, it’s attractive as well as informative and you can feel the urgency of the message throughout.


You Can Save The Planet: 101 Ways You Can Make a Difference J.A. Wines, Clive Gifford, Sarah Horne, Buster Books, 978-1780556604, £6.99 pbk


This little volume is just the right size to fit into a pocket or backpack and one to carry at all times as it’s packed with handy advice on ways to be more green. Chapters include ‘Do You Live in a Green House?’, ‘Shopping for the Planet’ and ‘Stop Polluting the Planet’ and after describing the impact of the ways of life we all take for granted,


they list things we can easily do to make a difference. These ‘over to you’ sections are practical, do-able and empowering. There’s a list of websites to visit at the end to find out more, as well as Planet Pledges to sign – one for the reader, one for the reader’s family. .


Plastic Sucks Dougie Poynter, Macmillan Children’s Books, 978-1529019377, £9.99 pbk


This book’s dedication to Sir David Attenborough – ‘the most awesome human who has ever lived’ – sets the tone for this book; author, former McFly and Busted member Dougie Poynter keeping the tone friendly and real, while focussing on the big issues, and what we need to do about them. There’s no talking down to readers and


he invites contributions from a range of scientist and campaigners, who all show that taking action is far more doable than we think. The book clearly lays out the huge problems our planet is facing from plastic while showing how changing our behaviour can really make a difference, and still allow us to live fun and happy lives.


10 Books for Keeps No.248 May 2021


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