Best Environmental Conservation & Protection Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

This book is an excellent guide for those interested in foraging for wild edible plants and medicinal herbs in the Great Lakes region. It provides valuable insights into the indigenous people's foraging traditions, ethical and sustainable foraging practices, and how to identify, harvest, prepare, and store wild foods and healing herbs and plants. The book also includes a comprehensive list of 45 edible and medicinal herbs, their health benefits, and how to consume them. The full-color illustrations make identification a breeze. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle.

Think Like An Ecosystem is an excellent guide for beginners who want to implement permaculture practices in their backyard. This book provides a comprehensive 9-step guide to practicing and implementing permaculture with 12 crucial principles. It covers everything from water management, soil types, composting, mulching, no-till gardening, garden beds, plant guilds, companion planting, and integrated pest management. The book is easy to read and understand, making it a great resource for anyone interested in sustainable and regenerative gardening. Overall, Think Like An Ecosystem is a must-read for anyone looking to build an affordable, sustainable, and abundant garden that respects and heals the natural environment.

Basic Soil Science for Successful Vegetable Gardening is an introductory guide that will help gardeners of all skill levels understand the science behind gardening. Author Bruce McCord provides a simple, step-by-step method for planting and growing crops, as well as a breakdown of the different types of gardens and in-depth analysis of pros and cons. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to have a flourishing garden of their dreams.

The book "Amazingly Amusing A-Z Animal Facts for Kids (and Their Adults!): Wildlife Biology With a Humorous Twist!" is a fun and educational read for both kids and adults. With over 1.3 million animal species on Earth, the author shares some of the quirkiest and most humorous facts about a few of them. The author, a wildlife biologist, aims to instill a love and respect for the planet and its inhabitants in the next generation. Parents and kids alike will enjoy learning about the bizarre and fascinating traits of various animals. Overall, this book is a unique and engaging way to learn about the biology of wildlife.

The Way Between, the first book of the Ari Ara series by Rivera Sun, is a captivating tale of a half-wild shepherdess named Ari Ara who becomes the apprentice of a great warrior, Shulen. As she embarks on a journey of courage and determination, she learns about warriors and secrets, swords and magic, prophecy and danger. With an exciting blend of action, adventure, and fantasy, Sun boldly takes the genre in a new direction by combining everything we love about epic myths with the skills of conflict resolution, anti-bullying, and ending violence. This novel is a must-read for both adults and children, and it is recommended for teachers, students, anti-bullying groups, peace advocates, and youth activist groups.

Attracting Hummingbirds is a comprehensive guidebook for those who want to attract hummingbirds to their backyard. The book covers everything from the best flowers, plants, and trees to attract hummingbirds to how to make your space safe for them. It also provides facts and secrets of hummingbird behavior to try and spot for yourself, and to share with friends and neighbors. The book is suitable for anyone, regardless of their gardening skills, outdoor space, or bird-watching experience.

The "Advanced Paper Airplanes For Kids and Adults: Full Color Edition" book is a perfect guide for those who want to create and fly paper airplanes. The book features simple to advanced designs with step-by-step instructions and detailed pictures to construct 35 paper aircraft, ranging from business jets to spy planes. The airplanes are tough enough to be launched on a rocket or with a catapult and can fly over 150ft when hand thrown. The book is recommended for kids and adults eight years or older and is a great way to experiment with the wonders of flight. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in paper airplanes and aviation.

The Story of More (Adapted for Young Adults) by Hope Jahren is an informative and engaging book for young readers interested in learning about climate change and how to create a more sustainable future. Jahren explains the science behind key inventions and their impact on our planet, and the projected consequences of unchecked global warming. She also highlights the links between human consumption and our endangered existence. However, Jahren offers hope that our knowledge and informed choices can counter this dilemma. Overall, this book is a must-read for young adults committed to changing the future and making a positive impact on the planet.

"Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children" is an excellent resource that combines Native American stories with hands-on activities to help children appreciate and understand their environment. The book has received high praise from experts in the field, with Joseph Cornell, author of "Sharing Nature with Children," recommending it as a resource for parents and teachers. The combination of scientific and indigenous perspectives empowers children to connect with nature and create new stories to cope with misguided beliefs about the natural world. "Keepers of the Earth" is a unique approach to guiding our youth to a sustainable future and should be in every library."

Climate Champions: 15 Women Fighting for Your Future (Women of Power) is a book that tells the stories of 15 contemporary climate champions who are on the frontlines of science to create a sustainable future on Earth. These women reveal how racial and social injustices lie at the root of the climate crisis. Their stories are accessible and energetic, with spotlights on the triumphs and struggles of women who are working to protect the planet. The book is a solid choice for libraries looking to inspire teens interested in climate change, and the writing is captivating and engaging for anyone even slightly interested in climate change or strong female role models.