It’s important now more than ever for younger generations to learn and think about science and sustainability practices.
We’ve selected five books that help introduce young readers to these topics such as: ocean conservation, space exploration, and environmental activists.
Why Communities Need Engineers: Helping Humans Live Together by Helen Liang (Orca Book Publishers)
This STEM title introduces young readers to engineering innovations from the past and present that have helped shape our world and examines potential future innovations. The chapters are divided into areas that impact communities, including inventions in water access, waste, energy, shelter, communication, transportation and healthcare.
The author has a bachelor of applied science in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia. She studied at a time when not many women were in the field.
Out now
One Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas by Mark Leiren-Young (Orca Book Publishers)
This STEM title introduces young readers to seven practical actions they can take to protect oceans, including falling in love with the animals who live there, thinking small, sharing, keeping it clean, getting political, considering the climate crisis and using their words. They will also learn words to know when it comes to protecting oceans and discover species of note such as orcas, krill and sharks.
In a time of rising climate anxiety, this title gives young readers hope for the future and the belief that even small actions can make a big difference.
Out now
Beyond Earth: How Space Exploration Affects Life at Home by Yolanda Ridge (Orca Book Publishers)
This STEM title examines space exploration today, how it benefits information and communication systems here on Earth, what it has taught us about human health and how space exploration can help solve issues such as the effects of climate change and declining resources on the planet.
It deals with themes including the climate crisis; greenhouse gases emissions; alternative energy sources; health care and medical solutions; technology and innovation and food security.
Out now
Why Trust a Scientist?: Shared Knowledge for a Bright Future by Kate MacDonald (Orca Book Publishers)
This STEAM book examines the scientific revolution, the scientific method, how scientists work together, what scientists do, technology and science, accountability and threats to science and why trust in scientists and their work is imperative.
Kate MacDonald is a cell biologist at Stanford University. She’s a science communicator and founded an outreach program for high school students called Zoom a Grad Student. The author offers firsthand examples throughout the text.
Out now
Ruth Masters: An Environmental Activist by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House)
The empowering true story of Ruth Masters (1920–2017), a lover of nature and pioneer in Canada’s environmental movement.
Out now