Be the Change is a guide for young readers age 8 to 12, from zero waste activist Rob Greenfield. He’s walked around New York City (dressed in his own garbage), cycled (three times) across the USA on a bamboo bike, and survived for one year on foraged food. Rob Greenfield (find a free teacher’s companion guide to the book) used to work in marketing, before deciding to drastically simplify his life. Named the ‘Robin Hood of modern times’, he gives his media income to grassroots nonprofits, so he does not have to pay tax that is used to pollute or buy weapons.
If planting trees, learn how to make gardens safe for pets (know trees to avoid near horses (including yew and oak). For indoor trees, avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
38 Degrees is an online petition site (named after the angle at which an avalanche happens) showing the power of community to make changes on actions they care about. Big victories have included changed government policy (to sell off our remaining public forests to private companies), holding Ofgem to account to protect the most vulnerable people, and keeping ticketing offices open at train stations.
Your Planet Needs You! is a very well-written and extensive guide, well worth a read. Learn about today’s most pressing environmental issues and how to help. From plastic waste to pesticides, from food production and chemicals to global warming and species extinction, all subjects are covered, with practical and positive tips to create a better world. Includes sections on air pollution, environmental law, fast fashion and ethical living.
How to Become an Accidental Activist is an inspiring and uplifting book profiling 100 activists around the world including changemakers like Greta Thunberg. It shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help others. Between them, they work to help the planet, humans, animals and historice buildings. The book will inspire young readers by giving tips to get started, and how to continue when the going gets tough, and how to encourage others to get involved. Channel your passions and dream big, to change the world.
The Children of the Anthropocene is a beautifully-written book by Bella Lack, a young woman who is often called ‘England’s version of Greta Thunberg’. Advocating for protection of planet and all creatures that live on it, she covers everything from air pollution to deforestation to overconsumption, telling the stories of those directly affected. Taking us from the humming bounty of Ecuador’s Choco Rainforest to the Himalayan Mountains and the windswept plains in Altiplano, this book speaks to young activists from around the world, to bring the climate crisis to life. And then finishes with an inspiring manifesto for change.
Make Your Mark, Make a Difference is for any young person taking a first step into peaceful activism. Get involved without becoming overwhelmed. From light pollution to climate change and from ensuring health quality for all and an end to racism, this book leads readers through an overview of issues, and stories of how other young activists tackle local, national and international problems.
The Kids’ Book of Diversity is for children ages 3 to 8, to build a generation that respects everyone, regardless of colour, race, religion, ability or intelligence. A great book to encourage children to be respectful and kind, and also build positive self-esteem.
