Empowering Young Voices:
Dive Into These Youth-Authored Climate Texts
These six books by passionate young climate advocates offer both inspiration and actionable insights, perfect for engaging students in meaningful climate discussions. Click the titles for reviews and resources.
A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis by Vanessa Nakate (2021)
Nakate shares her journey as a Ugandan climate activist, offering a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity and amplifying African perspectives in global climate conversations. Her story is a call for inclusive climate justice.
Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty (2020)
Through intimate diary entries, McAnulty captures his observations of nature and his life as a teenager with autism. His poetic reflections highlight the interconnection between mental health and the environment, making it deeply relatable for young readers.
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg (2019)
This collection of Thunberg’s most influential speeches demonstrates the urgency of climate action, delivered with her trademark clarity and conviction. Her words serve as a testament to the power of persistence and moral clarity in climate activism.
The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg (2022)
Thunberg collaborates with leading scientists and activists to explore climate solutions from multiple perspectives. This comprehensive resource blends facts with personal calls to action, empowering readers to grasp the complexity of the climate crisis.
We Rise: The Earth Guardians Guide to Building a Movement that Restores the Planet by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (2017)
Martinez combines personal anecdotes with practical strategies to guide young people in starting and sustaining environmental movements. His voice is motivating and practical, showing that the right tools make change possible.
Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use It by Jamie Margolin (2020)
Margolin offers a practical how-to guide for youth-driven activism, covering everything from starting a movement to handling setbacks. Her insights are grounded in her experience as the co-founder of Zero Hour, making it an essential read for aspiring changemakers.
Using These Books in the Classroom
Together, these books can help bring authenticity and actionable ideas into any classrooms. Use them to spark discussions on equity, craft persuasive speeches, inspire personal reflections, and encourage leadership and activism projects.
If you’d like to write your own entry on a book like the ones above, please visit the Get Involved page to learn more!
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