It is time that we all become stewards of our planet so we can protect it for our children and our children’s children,” writes Carole Lindstrom in We Are Water Protectors. Stewardship can take many shapes, from reducing water waste to restoring lost habitats. Much like a healthy ecosystem, there is abundant diversity among the books in this list. Topics range from conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature. Several biographies shine a spotlight on young eco leaders and environmental activists whom elementary readers can turn to as role models. Or they may prefer text that details the problem of plastic or why a healthy ocean is necessary for a healthy planet. Some may enjoy their science presented within a story, through poetry, or in the form of a graphic novel adventure. A couple of books even speak from the planet’s own point of view.

With a sea of options to suit readers’ tastes, it’s clear these topics have never been more relevant. Whatever approach appeals, the destination is the same: a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

Early Readers

Alexander, Lori. Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park. illus. by Jenn Ely. Astra/Calkins Creek. 2024. ISBN 9781662680212.
Gr 1-3–This picture book follows environmental hero Minerva Hoyt and her inspiring efforts to save the unique features of the Mojave Desert, including the creation of displays showcasing the wildlife, a letter writing campaign to the National Park Service, and speaking directly to President Franklin Roosevelt. Gouache illustrations portray Hoyt pursuing her goal, demonstrating how one person’s determination can have a lasting positive impact. Also included are tips for aspiring environmental activists, photos of Hoyt and the park, and a selected bibliography.

Anganuzzi, Clara. The Ocean Gardener. illus. by author. Tiger Tales. 2024. ISBN 9781664300279.
K-Gr 3–When warming temperatures bleach the coral reef surrounding their home, causing the fish to leave, Ayla and her marine biologist mother set to work cultivating hardy coral to rebuild the reef. Vibrant illustrations capture the colors of the healthy reef ecosystem the mother and daughter are trying to preserve, proving to readers that change is possible. Back matter explains the inspiration behind the story and the importance of coral reefs to the environment.

Curtis, Andrea. Loop de Loop: Circular ­Solutions for a Waste-Free World. illus. by Roozeboos. Groundwood. 2024. ISBN 9781773069418.
PreS-Gr 3–A loop de loop world acknowledges the cycles of nature and the need to reuse energy and materials. Vibrant gouache and colored pencil images show renewable energy sources, neighbors sharing seldom used appliances, and communities working to gather trash. A final spread depicts a town where mass transit, green spaces, and local produce take center stage. Information on “brilliantly loopy ideas,” like aquaponics and toy rentals, are an added bonus.

James, Josie. Marjory’s River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the Everglades. illus. by author. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano. 2024. ISBN 9780316446914.
Gr 1-4–Readers meet the Everglades through Douglas’s eyes. Illustrations portray “one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth”—the river of grass she worked to protect from developers. Roseate spoonbills and peaceful manatees contrast with the dredgers and straight lines of canals imposed on the wetlands. An author’s note, a photo of Douglas, suggestions on limiting water waste, and a list of sites to visit round out the book.

Katz, Karen. My First Earth Day. illus. by author. Macmillan/Godwin. 2024. ISBN 9780805078954.
PreS-Gr 2–In this introduction to Earth Day, a young child and grandmother spend time together learning to care for the planet. Throughout the day, the child questions what will happen to animals if their habitats are not protected, or how the air quality might change if everyone used public transport. Gouache and collage capture scenes of gardening, shopping the farmer’s market, and creating a poster of “How to help the earth.”

Lindstrom, Carole. We Are Water Protectors. illus. by Michaela Goade. Roaring Brook. 2020. ISBN 9781250203557.
K-Gr 3–A young Ojibwe girl fulfills her role as water protector by rallying others and defending against the “black snake” of the oil pipeline that threatens life within their lands. Primarily watercolor artwork provides young readers a glimpse of the earth, wildlife, and people that depend on clean water, as well as the diverse group that gathers to protest its endangerment. Notes from the author and illustrator impart more details about the Standing Rock protests that inspired the book.

McAnulty, Stacy. Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth. illus. by David ­Litchfield. Holt. 2022. ISBN 9781250782496.
PreS-Gr 1–Earth itself explains why it is “the perfect home planet,” including its position in space and its climate. The planet asks readers for help in using cleaner energies to keep the climate perfect for humans and other species. Mixed-media illustrations show melting icebergs and areas of drought, as well as Earth making heart-hands at readers in appreciation for their help. Back matter includes statistics, sources, and suggestions for ways to help slow climate change.

Scott, Jordan. Angela’s Glacier. illus. by Diana Sudyka. Holiday House/Neal Porter. 2024. ISBN 9780823450824.
PreS-Gr 2–From the day she is born, Angela’s father helps her connect to the nearby glacier Snæfellsjökull. She learns to listen to the sounds of nature, recognize her own heartbeat in the glacier’s name, and return to it for renewal, conceptualizing humanity’s connection to the natural world and duty to protect it. Gouache watercolors capture the many hues of the ice and the relationship between girl and glacier. A letter from Angela expounds the importance of listening “to the ecosystems and their inhabitants who sustain us.”

Soontornvat, Christina. To Change a Planet. illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Scholastic. 2022. ISBN 9781338628616.
PreS-Gr 2–Clever juxtapositions show readers that “our planet seems big, but it needs us.” Small, insignificant carbon dioxide molecules may be harmful in large numbers, but small, insignificant humans can make big changes when they work together. Riveting scenes of wildfires, floods, and shrinking polar ice give way to community gardens, letters to support green policies, and candlelight vigils. A final wordless spread shows a child gently holding the planet in their hands.

Stickley, Frances. Love, the Earth. illus. by Tim Hopgood. Candlewick. 2024. ISBN 9781536234121.
PreS-Gr 2–“I’ll take care of you. Will you take care of me?” the Earth asks of a small child. Rhyming text and mixed-media illustrations show the wonders of the planet, from rainbows to thunderstorms. These epic events are balanced with small ways even young children can show they care, like planting seeds. The final thought reminds readers that everything shown is a gift, so treat the Earth fairly.

Upper Elementary and Middle Grade

Colfer, Eoin & Andrew Donkin. Global: One Fragile World. An Epic Fight for Survival. illus. by Giovanni Rigano. Sourcebooks. 2023. ISBN 9781728257235.
Gr 3-8–Two young people suffer from the effects of global warming on their homes. Polar bears are searching for food in Yuki’s hometown because of the melting ice in the far north of Canada. Sami’s home on the Indian Ocean is in danger from rising sea levels. The graphic novel format makes the dangers of strong tropical storms and hungry bears vividly apparent. An author’s note and an explanation of global warming are included.

Motum, Markus. Ducks Overboard!: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2021. ISBN 9781536217728.
Gr 3-5–A rubber duck narrates the story of a container of plastic toys lost overboard in the Pacific Ocean. Mixed media illustrations depict sea life entangled by plastic, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and a map of the duck’s journey. Additional details about each spread are in a smaller font than the main narrative. Bonus content lists plastic facts, details about the lost shipping container, and ways readers can help combat plastic pollution.

Simon, Seymour. Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do. HarperCollins/Harper. 2021. ISBN 9780062943316.
Gr 2-6–Detailed explanations of the causes and effects of climate change are supported with plentiful photographs and sidebars containing additional information. Teen climate leaders from around the world are featured throughout, along with their work in combating deforestation, protecting water sources, and other issues. Each topic is accompanied by suggestions for what can be done to help, from eating a plant-based diet to reducing energy usage.

Strauss, Rochelle. The Global Ocean. illus. by Natasha Donovan. Kids Can. 2022. ISBN 9781525304910.
Gr 3-7–Clear-cut issues such as overfishing, the problem of plastic trash, and the acidification of ocean waters are presented alongside colorful illustrations and supporting informative text boxes about the ocean. “Ripple of change” sidebars on nearly every spread feature activism examples, like Norway changing to electric ferries or Bangladesh banning single-use plastic bags. “Waves of Change” is a final section about conservation efforts. There is a note to adults about ocean literacy and a list of helpful websites to visit.

Wheeler, Kate. Team Trash: A Time Traveler’s Guide to Sustainability. illus. by Trent Huntington. Holiday House. 2023. ISBN 9780823452279.
Gr 3-6–Graphic novel appeal combines with humor, time travel, and sustainability tips in this story of Charlie, Oliver, and their science fair project. The duo is accidentally sent back in time and must collect data on recycling to power the machine that can get them back home. Images of their travels to various locations in history are accompanied by Oliver’s journal sketches about what they learn. A sample letter to government officials is included to encourage young readers to use their voices for change.

Suzanne Costner is the school library media specialist and STEM coordinator at Fairview Elementary in Maryville, TN.