Blogs As educators, we understand literature’s impact on shaping young minds. A great book can spark a passion for a new interest, which makes eco-fiction books an excellent gateway for getting your middle school and high school students interested in the environment.
Through compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes, these books allow students to explore environmental issues, sparking curiosity and nurturing a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Whether diving into dystopian futures, celebrating the wonders of biodiversity, or addressing pressing ecological concerns, these novels offer a diverse spectrum of engaging, eco-focused stories that can inspire the next generation to become compassionate guardians of our environment.
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Grades 6-12
This is an excellent story of how middle-schooler Roy Eberhardt, the new kid in Coconut Cove, learns to love South Florida. In this story, the main characters are appalled at the mess being made of our planet. I have found this story is a huge hit with students!
Protectors of the Wood by John Kixmiller
Grades 6-9
The Protectors of the Wood Adventure Novel Series is the story of a group of misfit teens who save the world from climate change. While searching for the secrets of Dreamstone and their identities, Phoebe and Abby risk their lives to save the beautiful world around them called home. Together, they help each other and the community around them as they struggle to protect their land and heritage.
Balance of Fragile Things by Olivia Chadha
Grades 6-12
The Balance of Fragile Things is about a multicultural American family living in Upstate New York. The plot includes the drama of high school bullies, environmental oddities, and parental expectations with a focus on human impact on the environment.
The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan
Grades 8-10
Stranded in Honolulu when a strange cloud causes a worldwide electronics failure, 16-year-old Leilani and her father make their way home to Hilo amid escalating perils largely focused on the
changing climate.
They Came from Below by Blake Nelson
Grades 9-12
While vacationing on Cape Cod, best friends Emily, age 16, and Reese, 17, meet Steve and Dave, who seem too good to be true, and whose presence turns out to be related to a dire
threat of global pollution.
The Way Between by Rivera Sun
Grades 8-12
The Way Between is a story about how there is another way than the course we are on. The main character Ari Ara has the courage to insist upon making something that everybody wants reality when they thought it couldn’t be done. The themes are focused around climate change.
These books are a great start for getting your students interested in the world around them along with introducing pressing climate issues. Pair one of these reads with another climate change-focused resource, or even a movie (some books such as Hoot also have a movie available!), to build out a full lesson plan around the environment.
Whether you are a science teacher or a general education teacher looking to infuse your curriculum with information about climate change, Course 5540: Teaching Students About Climate Change(Open Link in new tab) will take you down a path of discovery! You will be ready to show students the impact of our actions while providing ways they can take action and advocate to protect the Earth today, tomorrow, and in the future.Â
