TeenSpace: Earth Day for Teens

What is Earth's history, including the history of life? Where is Earth headed, and what can we do? A middle school science teacher addresses these questions with a friendly narrative voice and a focus both on how science is done and the diverse people who do it. Women like Mary Anning and Rachel Carson get equal attention to men like James Hutton and Georges Cuvier. Present problems of the Earth discussed include not only climate change but human-caused extinctions, plastic pollution, and invasive species. A final section suggests things kids can do to make a difference, from changing their behavior as consumers to recycling, energy use, and voting.

We already know what climate change is and many of us understand the human causes. But what will climate change do to our world? Who will be affected (spoiler: all of us!) and how will our lives change in the future? Topics include sea levels, extreme weather, drought, animal and plant extinction, and human and animal migration. Drawing on real-life situations and stories, journalist Jeff Fleischer takes an informed, approachable look at how our world will likely change as a result of our actions, including suggestions on what we can still do to slow down these unprecedented effects.

Hope Jahren, acclaimed geochemist and geobiologist, details the science behind key inventions, clarifying how electricity, large-scale farming, and automobiles have both helped and harmed our world. She explains the current and projected consequences of unchecked global warming, from superstorms to rising sea levels, resulting from the unprecedented amounts of greenhouse gases being released into our atmosphere. The links between human consumption habits and our endangered existence are very real, with consequences leading to a crossroads of survival and extinction. Still, Jahren maintains that our ever-broadening science-based knowledge can help us counter this dilemma. The eye-opening information provided in The Story of More will help readers understand the path we must take. If we collectively make informed choices now, Jahren reassures us, our future can be as bright as we imagine it can be

When The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change was first published in 2014, it offered something entirely new: a fun, illustrated guide to a planetary crisis. If that sounds like an oxymoron, you've never seen the carbon cycle demonstrated through yoga poses or a polar bear explaining evolution to her cubs. A lot has happened to the climate over the last decade, and the authors tackle the daunting statistics with their trademark humor. They realize it's better to laugh than cry when confronting mind-blowing facts about our changing world. Readers will become familiar with critical concepts, but they'll also smile as they learn about climate science, projections, and policy. Sociologists have argued that we don't address climate change because it's too big and frightening to get our heads around. The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change takes the intimidation and gloom out of one of the most important challenges of our time.

As hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires are increasing in regularity and intensity, climate change can no longer be ignored. Melting permafrost, forest dieback, ocean acidification, and other processes are creating positive feedback loops which could, if not aggressively and quickly addressed, spiral out of control and take global warming past the point of no return. Hothouse Earth examines how science, politics, and social justice must all be part of the equation to counteract climate change. Climate change affects our everyday lives, and scientists and young people like you are looking into what we can do to fix it.

A rousing and radical investigation into the climate crisis, its causes, and how to fight for the most vulnerable people affected by it, This Book Will Save the Planet is a vibrantly illustrated study of one of humanity's most significant threats. Our planet is in crisis. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, wildfires are raging and those most affected by global warming are marginalized communities across the globe. But all is not lost-there's still time for each and every one of us to make a difference. Through the lens of intersectionality, author Dany Sigwalt lays out the framework for how we can come together to fight climate change, and how we can work to put people over profit. The planet is not protected if all its inhabitants are not; the people are not protected if the planet they inhabit is not.

Scientists have warned for over 100 years that burning fossil fuels and destroying nature will warm the earth's atmosphere and affect the climate in adverse ways: more severe and intense storms, prolonged heat waves, drought, flooding, wildfires, rising sea levels and ocean acidification. Urgent Message from a Hot Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis outlines the science behind global heating and its root causes, provides ways to take action and honors the efforts of the millions of youth and adult allies from around the world working tirelessly to make a difference. Their powerful message: do something now!

From sixteen-year-old Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, comes a memoir about loving the natural world and fighting to save it.

In this personal, moving essay, environmental activist and hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez uses his art and his activism to show that climate change is a human issue that can't be ignored.

Tags: Indigenous (Mexica)

Many young people are rudely awakening to the fact that unchecked climate change and other widespread environmental issues paint a gloomy picture of their future. This knowledge can lead to a sense of fear, helplessness or worse, apathy. This book aims to help stem those concerns by shining an inspiring and entertaining light on the lives of daring, dedicated individuals whose great passion, talents, and heart are helping to tip the environmental balance away from destruction and collapse towards hope, healing and personal empowerment. Based on personal interviews and extensive research, this book will tell engaging stories about a wide variety of people who share a great passion for the environment. But beyond a deep personal connection with nature, these "environmental trailblazers" are doing truly unique and amazing things to protect the environment, while leading others down greener paths.

A guidebook to the modern environmental movement featuring 34 inspiring women working to save our planet.

One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. The twenty short biographies introduce readers to diverse activists from all around the world, who are of many ages and ethnicities. From saving ancient trees on the West Coast of Canada, to protecting the Irrawaddy dolphins of India, to uncovering racial inequalities in the food system in the United States, these environmental heroes are celebrated by author and biologist Anuradha Rao, who outlines how they went from being kids who cared about the environment to community leaders in their field. One Earth is full of environmental role models waiting to be found.

Tags: Black / African American, Native American / Indigenous, Hispanic / Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, People of Color

In this personal, moving essay, youth activist Hannah Testa shares with readers how she led a grassroots political campaign to successfully pass state legislation limiting single-use plastics and how she influenced global businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Through her personal journey, readers can learn how they, too, can follow in Hannah's footsteps and lower their carbon footprint by simply refusing single-use plastics.

An imaginative guide to ocean plastics, filled with tips and tricks for identifying-and combating-pollution in our oceans. Inspired by biologist Ana Pego's life's work, and filled with engaging science and colorful photographs, this foundational look at plastic pollution in the ocean explains why it is such an urgent contemporary issue. When she was young, Ana Pego didn't play in a backyard, but on a beach. As she grew older, Pego noticed a new species at the seaside: plastic. She decided to collect it, study it, and give it a Latin name-Plasticus maritimus-to warn people of its dangers to our planet. Pego tells us how plastics end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, shares plastic's chemical composition and physical properties, and offers a field guide to help readers identify and understand this new invasive species in all its forms, from the obvious (fishing nets and water bottles) to the unfamiliar (tiny, clear particles called microplastics). An artificial and almost indestructible species, Plasticus maritimus deserves to have its days numbered! Together, we can send it packing.

Containing 97 percent of Earth's water supply, the ocean plays a huge role in regulating global temperatures, supporting plant and animal life, and contributing to the livelihoods of millions of people. But in spite of all this, the ocean remains drastically unexplored, and the details of its impact on human lives aren't fully understood. Scientists from around the world are realizing that to address issues plaguing the ocean, such as dead zones, coral bleaching, and climate change, we need to better understand this incredible, unique feature of our planet. With a range of impressive, cutting-edge technologies at their disposal, oceanographers have set out to measure, sample, and analyze at every turn. Every day, mysteries about the ocean are being solved, and every day, new questions come to light. The more scientists learn, the better they are able to answer these new questions. What lies in the deep? And who is at the forefront of these exciting discoveries?

With straightforward, well-researched text, the Protecting the Earth's Animals series tackles hot-button environmental issues while explaining the damaging effects humans have had on the natural world and what we can do to mitigate those effects. Though honeybees and their disturbing disappearances are front and center in Pollination Problems, this volume takes a grounded look at the pollination process and the range of factors, environmental or man-made, that can derail it.

Apples, blueberries, peppers, cucumbers, coffee, and vanilla. If you like these things, then you might want to thank a bee! Bees pollinate 75 percent of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the United States. Around the world, bees pollinate $24 billion worth of crops each year. Without bees, humans would face a drastically reduced diet. We need bees to grow the foods that keep us healthy. But numbers of bees are falling, and that has scientists alarmed. What's causing the decline? Some bee species are even teetering on the brink of extinction! Learn about the many bee species on Earth - their nests, their colonies, their life cycles, and their vital connection to flowering plants. Most importantly, find out how you can help these important pollinators.

You don't need to travel the world to go on a plant-based food adventure! Niki Webster brings you over 75 easy-to-make dishes specially created for young adult readers, inspired by her international travels. Niki takes vegan dishes from plant-based traditions around the world and gives them her own unique, contemporary spin. She has also created the ultimate plant-based versions of classic international dishes, from Mexican no-meat chilli nachos to Japanese vegan katsu curry.

Whether you're ready to commit to a fully plant-based lifestyle or you'd just like to add a few meat-free dishes to your weekly meal plan, this is the ideal guide. It explains the reasons behind going vegan, including environmental, health and animal welfare benefits, in clear and simple language that helps young people make up their own minds. It answers all the nagging questions about nutrition and ethics, as well as giving bang-up-to-date information about the best vegan ingredients, substitutions and food hacks. Best of all, it contains mouthwatering recipes for every situation, from lunchbox staples to midweek meals, and tasty snacks to amazing cakes and desserts. There's so much to love about the vegan life, so get Be More Vegan and start making a difference in the most delicious way possible!

The Book of Veganish contains everything curious young adults need to help them navigate through the transition to a vegan lifestyle. The 70 simple recipes are perfect for those with tight budgets and rudimentary cooking tools (and skills). Filled with insights on the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet and how to best deal with parents and the rest of the nonvegan world, The Book of Veganish will allow existing and aspiring vegans to feel confident about their new lifestyle choices.

You can grow a garden--and it's easier than you think! With the easy instructions inside this book, you can grow lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and more. And you don't need a backyard to be a great gardener--just a little bit of space and a lot of sunlight. This comic will walk you through each step, from seed to harvest.

Millions of young people want to be more plant-based - and this is the first ever young person's guide to the whole vegan year. It's filled with helpful advice and inspiration about how to cut down on (or cut out) meat and dairy, as well as the latest nutritional information to make sure young readers have the all-important facts at their fingertips, free from disinformation. Starting in spring, the book shows you how to make amazing vegan food in every season. As well as over 40 fun, simple and delicious recipes that anyone can try, it's also filled with great tips for every season - from how to grow your own vegetables to the ultimate vegan finger food for the party season. It's a fantastic handbook that's the perfect plant-based companion for 365 days of being vegan!

Something as small as a seed can have a worldwide impact. Did you know there are top-secret seed vaults hidden throughout the world? And once a seed disappears, that's it--it's gone forever? With the growth of genetically modified foods, the use of many seeds is dwindling--of 80,000 edible plants, only about 150 are being cultivated. With a global cast of men and women, scientists and laypeople, and photographic documentation, Nancy Castaldo chronicles where our food comes from, and more importantly, where it is going as she digs deeper into the importance of seeds in our world. This empowering book also calls young adult readers to action with suggestions as to how they can preserve the variety of one of our most valuable food sources through simple everyday actions.

Make healthy, plant-based meals with this easy teen cookbook Whether teens want to be kinder to animals, the environment, or their own bodies, there are so many good reasons to explore veganism! This teen cookbook makes plant-based cooking fun, flavorful, and easy. It's filled with 100 crave-worthy recipes for both classic comfort foods and creative new flavor combinations. Basic everyday ingredients and step-by-step recipe instructions help simplify vegan cooking so teens can gain confidence and build kitchen skills that will last a lifetime.

Are you vegan-curious? Vegan Do It! offers a sensible, achievable guide for any young person who is interested in adopting a vegan lifestyle. Vegan Do It! aims to support young people who are curious about trying veganism for themselves with clear, helpful information, advice and support. It explores the ethical issues that convince many to try veganism and outlines how a vegan lifestyle can benefit your health and the environment. Sensible advice features throughout, such as meal planners, how and where to source vegan products, cafes and restaurants chains that serve vegan food, while a selection of healthy, achievable recipes aim to support aspiring vegans in their daily life.

These 15 women work with animals on land, air, and sea. Corina Newsome is saving seaside sparrows while Michelle LaRue uses satellites to study Antarctic birds. Lizzy Lowe takes on what many fear in researching spiders, and Erin Ashe lives out the dream of many studying dolphins and whales. Kristen Hecht chases the elusive hellbender amphibian while Enik Kubinyi uses robots to get information on wolf pups. These women are working on issues that intersect with biodiversity, species conservation, biology, and more. They stand out for their work in their fields and are also dedicated to science communication to share their knowledge with others. They challenge the assumptions of who a scientist is and what a scientist looks like. These diverse, modern women are pushing the boundaries of their scientific fields while empowering others to pursue their dreams.

Eye-opening, wise, and filled with triumphant and heartbreaking stories about the wolf population at Yellowstone (as well as some personal anecdotes about dogs), Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel accessibly explores the mysteries of animal thought and behavior for young readers.Weaving decades of field research with exciting new discoveries about the brain, and complete with astonishing photos, Beyond Words offers an extraordinary look at what makes these animals different from us, but more importantly, what makes them similar, namely, their feelings of joy, grief, anger, and love.These similarities between human and nonhuman consciousness and empathy allow the reader to reexamine how we interact with animals as well as how we see our own place in the world.

Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrated how all living things--from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen--provide us with gifts and lessons every day in her best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass. Adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith, this new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth's oldest teachers: the plants around us. With informative sidebars, reflection questions, and art from illustrator Nicole Neidhardt, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults brings Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the lessons of plant life to a new generation.

We know dogs are our best animal friends, but have you ever thought about what that might mean? Fossils show we've shared our work and homes with dogs for tens of thousands of years. Now there's growing evidence that we influenced dogs' evolution--and they, in turn, changed ours. Even more than our closest relatives, the apes, dogs are the species with whom we communicate best. Combining history, paleontology, biology, and cutting-edge medical science, Kay Frydenborg paints a picture of how two different species became deeply entwined--and how we coevolved into the species we are today.

The story of the impactful partnership between humans and mockingbirds--a case study in courage, resiliency, and the power of a song.

This guide for teens demystifies the morals and ethics around animals, wildlife and the environment. How can we follow a cruelty-free diet? What are the ethics around pet ownership? What are the issues around show animals-zoos, circuses, and holiday attractions? Why are insects important? This essential book teaches us how to question ourselves, our family, our friends, and society, and make the right choices to live a cruelty-free life.

This thorough and insightful history of Yellowstone chronicles an 1871 scientific expedition to-and the eventual creation of-what would become the first U.S. National Park. Peabody, a former ranger who has worked at several national parks, explores how shifting views of nature-and support from the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and John Muir-contributed to the region's preservation. Vivid descriptions, numerous sidebars, and color photographs highlight Yellowstone's dramatic geological features, including hot springs, waterfalls, and canyons; in fact, when explorers wrote about the terrain they encountered, "Yellowstone's turquoise pools, mud puffs, and jetting geysers" helped earn it the nickname Wonderland, after Lewis Carroll's recently published book. At its core, Peabody's narrative explores how wilderness became an integral part of the American identity.

Star of Animal Planet's Evan Goes Wild and People magazine's "Pet Vet" Dr. Evan Antin takes readers beyond his viral Instagram posts right into the wild world with him. World Wild Vet is an up close and personal look at planet earth, in all its wild glory. But beyond the laugh-out-loud stories and dangerous encounters with some of our planet's most exotic creatures, it is a clarion call to protect our delicate environment.

In the face of rapidly declining bird populations, read about the vast impacts birds have on ecosystems, food systems, and our mental health and what we can do to protect them.