The Best Earth Day Books To Read Aloud

Here are my favorite books to read for Earth Day.

It’s essential to get students to care about the Earth now so that they understand why taking care of our planet is necessary when they are adults.

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Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is the one day of the year when we stop and shine a spotlight on how to care for our planet. When discussing caring for our planet, I always remind students that they can do this now, not when they get older. We also share and celebrate actionable steps to take care of our planet.

What Does It Mean to Be Green? By Rana DiOrio Illustrated by Chris Blair

Read Aloud:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A64Vydjcte0

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Ep9jCg

What Does it Mean to Be Green by Rana DiOrio clears up many misconceptions about the meaning of “green” using humor. It also shares a list of things you can do to be green. This book is an excellent resource for primary students to learn how to keep their community clean.

A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley

Youtube Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV4bAI45eA4

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/38Lu67p

A Cool Drink of Water is a poetic book featuring breathtaking photographs of people worldwide accessing water. The book will encourage discourse amongst your students, teach them about different cultures, and help them develop a deeper appreciation of water accessibility.

Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for a Sustainable Future by Allan Drummond

Youtube Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsVlozwqzFk

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ru6pa7

Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for Sustainable Future by Allan Drummond is a non-fiction illustrated story about how a town cleaned up its community for a fresh start after a devastating natural disaster. The community did not just want to rebuild their town; they wanted a green city. This inspiring story shows what happens when people work together for a better future.

Captain Green and the Plastic Scene by Evelyn Bookless

Youtube Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56gaPwAJUSU

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rx8fak

Captain Green and the Plastic Scene is about a new superhero (fresh out of Superhero school) who helps save ocean animals from plastic waste. This book teaches students how plastic impacts our planet in unexpected ways. At the end of the story, we learn that we all can be superheroes by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

A Forest by Marc Martin

Youtube Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBgo2DS9VUM

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37o9rGg

A Forest by Marc Martin is short, elegant, and to the point: deforestation hurts the environment. A forest turns into a big city with disastrous results. Luckily, this story has a happy ending.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joesph Hopkins

Youtube Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh9S7G7sgH4

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uPQFQV

The Tree Lady is about Katherine Olivia Sessions, “Kate,” a teacher who transformed San Diego into a green oasis. However, this was not an easy fret. Her hard work and unwavering dedication exemplify how we can unite a community to make a difference. I recommend this one if you only have time to read one book.