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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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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The 21 :
Rusch, Elizabeth.
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 :
Sima, Andrew,
2024 Green Earth Book Award Longlist 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...
Earth Day and the global environmental movement :
Peterson, Christy
On April 22, 1970, an estimated twenty million people held in a teach-in to show their support for environmental protections. This new celebration, Earth Day, brought together previously fragmented issues under the same banner. It was the largest nationwide event ever, and lawmakers took notice....
Evolution under pressure :
Ridge, Yolanda,
Immersive non-fiction with STEM and social justice themes that proves that the future of the environment is in our hands--and helps pave the way forward. Evolution isn't just a thing of the past. It is happening right now, in every species across the world--and our influence on the future...
Eyes wide open : going behind the environmental headlines
Fleischman, Paul
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...
A garden to save the birds
McClure, Wendy
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
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 :
Gore, Albert,
Former Vice President Al Gore's New York Times #1 bestselling book is a daring call to action, exposing the shocking reality of how humankind has aided in the destruction of our planet and the future we face if we do not take action to stop global warming. Now, Viking has adapted this...
Jayden's impossible garden
Mangal, Mélina
Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But...
The Last Plastic Straw :
Romito, Dee/ Chen, Ziyue (ILT)
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...
Old enough to make a difference /
Hui, Rebecca,
In social entrepreneur Rebecca Hui's Old Enough to Make a Difference, meet 12 enterprising and inspiring kids from around the world who have started businesses to help people and the planet, featuring full-color illustrations by Anneli Bray. Calling all...
One turtle's last straw : the real-life rescue that sparked a sea change
Boxer, Elisa
The inspiring true story of how one small turtle and kids all over the country sparked an environmental movement. Based on the viral video that created awareness of the harm caused by plastic straws, this heart-wrenching story is a perfect tool for teaching children about sustainability....
Reuse this book!
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (COR)
A paper-over-board 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...
Taking on the plastics crisis
Testa, Hannah
"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 :
Wheeler, Kate,
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
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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