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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The 21 :
Rusch, Elizabeth.
Paper Book
Compelling and timely, award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch's The Twenty-One tells the gripping inside story of the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit, Juliana vs. United States of America. The Twenty-One is for readers of Christina Soontornvat's All Thirteen, fans of...
Climate : our changing world
Sima, Andrew
Paper Book
2024 Green Earth Book Award Shortlist Climate change affects all of us, but by working together, we can help make the world safer for ourselves and future generations. From the smallest piece of plastic in the oceans to the...
Eyes wide open : going behind the environmental headlines
Fleischman, Paul
Paper Book
Paul Fleischman offers teens an environmental wake-up call and a tool kit for decoding the barrage of conflicting information confronting them. We're living in an Ah-Ha moment. Take 250 years of human ingenuity. Add abundant fossil fuels. The result: a population and lifestyle...
Food for the future :
Wenjen, Mia,
Paper Book
★ "An exciting overview of traditional and innovative farming techniques that will warrant repeated reading, for casual browsing or classroom use." -Sally A. James, School Library Journal Go on a tour of eco-friendly farms around the globe! From urban gardens to farms...
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.
An inconvenient truth : the crisis of global warming
Gore, Al
Paper Book
'Each one of us is a cause of global warming, but each of us can become part of the solution- in the decisions we make on what we buy, the amount of electricity we use, and how we live our lives.' What do you think about global warming? Do you care enough about the Earth's future to get...
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...
A short, hopeful guide to climate change
McGann, Oisín
Paper Book
Author Oisín McGann explains Climate Change science, and encourages young people to be part of positive change by getting involved in the global movement to fight humanity's biggest challenge. This book does not sugarcoat the current climate change crisis, but nor is it all doom and gloom....
Taking on the plastics crisis
Testa, Hannah
Paper Book
"Taking on the Plastics Crisis delivers straightforward advise for getting involved in the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics." -- Booklist, Starred Review "Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change."--Kirkus...
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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