Ethico Bookshelf – May reads

When Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring hit the book-stands back in the 1960s, the climate crisis was still a distant reality. And yet, the book made the right kind of noise and attracted the right kind of attention towards environmental urgencies. Cut to 2020, the talk around environmental degradation is far more pressing. Thankfully, there are a host of titles that help break down and build up the environment conversation.

To navigate better through the dense jungle of eco reads, librarian teacher and eco crusader in her own right, Sheena Kelly, brings you a bunch of 5 titles every month. Split into 5 different categories – Picture Book, Elementary, Mid-level, High-level, Adult – these books choose different styles and narratives to address the climate crisis.

But it’s not all grim and dystopian (well there’s that too). There are happy tales, informative insights, actionable changes and so much more!

Introducing the May stack!

Picture Book

“The Great Kapok Tree” By Lynne Cherry

Explores the importance of trees in our ecosystem through the whispered stories of forest creatures to a sleeping wood cutter.

Elementary

“Deep Roots: How Trees Sustain Our Planet”By Nikki Tate

How do trees keep our planet healthy? This book highlights all the different ways that trees help us to live better lives.

Middle Level

“How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet”By Lee Constable

Children become “waste warriors” by learning through activities and experiments around waste management.

High School

“The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good”By Elizabeth L. Cline

Do you know where and how your clothes are made? This book discusses the fashion industry’s impact on the environment and offers savvy shopping suggestions.

Adult

“Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?”By Bill McKibben

What does climate change have to do with artificial intelligence? This book explores the future of the planet and our humanity.