Storybooks for an Earth Day Read-Along in the Science Classroom

The first Earth Day was in 1970.  It is now an annual event celebrated every April 22nd by over 193 countries.  The goal of Earth Day is to bring attention to the importance of protecting our planet.  There are lots of wonderful picture books and stories that can inspire students to do their part in helping planet Earth. 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Eco-Friendly-Packaging-Science-and-STEAM-Earth-Day-PBL-Grades-4-and-5-6756442?st=8f99ed007480379fae574b9796a7fbe2&utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fkimberlyscottscience.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F04%2Fstorybooks-for-earth-day-read-along-in.html&utm_campaign=Earth%20Day%20Story%20Books

The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs: The Story of Ken Nedimyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation

Author:  Kate Messner

Illustrator:  Matthew Forsythe

Beautiful pictures and a story that will inspire kids and adults to help our planet.  It includes explanations of what is happening to coral reefs and how kids can help.  There are suggestions for further readings and online sources.  It even has vocabulary pages.  This book can easily be used in lesson planning or guided reading.

Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World 

Author:  Allan Drummond

This is a true story that shows how dreams can become reality.  It is a great story for introducing the concept of carbon emissions and energy independence.  The illustrations will help lead a read-along.  It contains lots of examples and scientific concepts.  It will give the kids lots of ideas for Earth Day STEM Challenges.

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

Author:  Allan Drummond

This book is a companion to "Energy Island."  It is told from the child's point of view.  It shows how we can all make a difference and work together.  This book is a great lead-in to a building STEM challenge.  Students could design green shoebox houses or homes that can survive a natural disaster.  

On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World's Weather

Author:  Marilyn Singer

Illustrator:  Frane Lessac

Take a journey to 17 different places.  This story will help show the beauty of our planet.  The main focus is on the weather and how some areas have seasons and others stay the same.  

We like it for Earth Day because students can learn we are all connected.

A Weed Is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

Author and Illustrator:  Aliki

A story about a scientist that has persevered is perfect for Earth Day. 

George Washington Carver changed how we agriculture forever.  

This is a well-written and inspiring book.  

It can lead to many different discussions as well as Earth Day. 

Flowers Are Calling

Author:  Rita Gray

Illustrator:  Kenard Pak

An Earth Day activity should show how living things are connected and work together.  

This storybook will do just that.  Bees are so important and struggling.  We all play a role in the cycle of nature.  We suggest adding in a fun pollination activity or experiment.

The Lorax

Author:  Dr. Seuss

The Lorax needs to be on all Earth Day lists.  The illustrations are wonderful, and the story really shows the negative effects human greed can have on the environment.  It is a great read-aloud.  After the read-aloud, students can make posters for saving trees.  They could also make truffula tree crafts.  

All of these books are in print.  We are not associated with any bookstores, but you can find them at libraries and online bookstores.

Explore More

SHOP THIS POST