Sustainability Themed Children and Teen Books

Sustainability is the idea that people must interact with the environment in a way that ensures there will be enough resources left for future generations. These books touch upon themes on nature, conservation, and communities that encompass sustainability. These books are available at the Sussex County Library System. These books include picture books, juvenile graphic novels, juvenile nonfiction, and young adult nonfiction.

For titles of books on the topics of Sustainable Development Goals can be found by clicking on this link. The Sustainable Development Goals are a list of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations and the countries that make it up. They aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved by 2030. They are: ending poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities; responsible production and consumption, climate action, life below water, life on land; and peace, justice and strong institutions as well as partnerships to achieve these goals.

This book list includes books that you can find at the Sussex County Library System that promote the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to our young patrons and inspire action for a better world for all.

Updated April 25, 2024
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A garden to save the birds
McClure, Wendy
Paper Book
ALA Top 10 Sustainability-themed Children's Books 2022 A brother and sister learn that small changes can make a big difference. When a bird flies into their window by accident, Callum and his sister, Emmy, learn that from the...
If bees disappeared
Williams, Lily
Paper Book
What would happen if bees disappeared? Find out in this fourth book from Lily Williams in the award-winning If Animals Disappeared Series that imagines the consequences of a world without bees. The rolling hills and lush climate of Kent, England are home to many creatures.
The Last Plastic Straw :
Romito, Dee/ Chen, Ziyue (ILT)
Paper Book
Learn how and why a useful, 5000-year-old invention has become a threat to our planet--and what you can do about it--in this history of the simple straw. From reeds used by ancient Sumerians to bendy straws in World War II hospitals, people have changed the straw to fit their...
Reuse this book!
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (COR)
Paper Book
A picture book with sturdy pages and the interactivity of Press Here that introduces younger readers to recycling, resources, Earth science, and conservation. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Revitalize. Learn how budding environmentalists can help take care of the Earth with the interactive story...
Team trash : a time traveler's guide to sustainability
Wheeler, Kate
Paper Book
When a science project goes awry, two student activists travel through time to learn how to protect our Earth from plastic pollution in modern times. Studious environmentalist Charlie is stuck with a science fair partner who seems like her complete opposite- Charlie wants to save...
The wisdom of trees : how trees work together to form a natural kingdom
Judge, Lita
Paper Book
With lush illustrations, poems, and accessible scientific information, The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge is a fascinating exploration of the hidden communities trees create to strengthen themselves and others. We clean the air and seed the clouds, we drench the...

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