Earth Heroes: Twenty Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World
by Lily Dyu, illustrated by Jackie Lay
Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Nosy Crow, 2019
About this book
When faced with climate change, the biggest threat that our planet has ever confronted, it's easy to feel as if there is nothing you can do. Luckily, Lily Dyu's Earth Heroes is here to tell us different.
From the introduction to the conclusion, and the profiles of 20 "earth heroes" inbetween, this book fizzes with energy and a call to arms that every child (and adult) truly can fight to make a difference, no matter how small the act.
The 20 inspirational people profiled range from the obvious (Sir David Attenborough) and well known (Stella McCartney) to people like young William Kamkwamba, who built windmills in Malawi to give energy to his village and more.
The text is quite dense but flows well and is always engaging. It's perfect for young activists in the making, aged 8 and up. Photographs and black-and-white illustrations by Jackie Lay also break up the chapters and keeps things accessible and grounded.
More books like this
-
Nature Heroes
by Lily Dyu, illustrated by Jackie Lay
9 to 14 years
-
Farting Fish
by Alice Harman, illustrated by Sam Wedelich
5 to 14 years
-
A Wild Child's Guide to Nature at Night
by Dara McAnulty, illustrated by Barry Falls
5 to 14 years
-
Score Like a Striker
by Ben Lyttelton
5 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books for National Children's Day
To help you celebrate National Children's Day, we've shared some of our favourite books all about the incredible things that children and young people can do. From trying to save the planet to tackling bullying, these books are all about the inspiring things that children are doing to shape their future. There are also some books packed with tips and suggestions for joining in!
-
Eco-warriors and activists
Saving the planet one book at a time ... From fighting plastic to shutting down fast fashion, explore our list of practical guides for those who want to change the world for the better.
-
Non-fiction and fact books for age 8+
Getting children to love reading isn't necessarily about fiction and fairy tales. There are loads of brilliant non-fiction books that can teach a child about the world, as well as being entertaining, funny and gorgeous to look at. Sometimes non-fiction is also a fantastic way to tempt a reluctant reader into sitting down with a book. Here are just a few of our favourites to get them excited to read.
-
Favourite books about the environment for older children
From climate change to animal conservation, these books will encourage children and young people to think about and discuss pressing issues about the environment.