BOOKS

Earth Day (that's today!) is all about raising awareness about the state of our environment, striving to preserve our communities and address serious issues. One of the best ways to kick back *and* learn more about the world around you? Reading! We've rounded up some of the most engaging novels to pick up today. These page-turners are sure to get you into the spirit, and they'll inspire you and your friends to give back and make a change.

Amanda the Teen Activist by Catherine Kelaher
This insightful read is perfect for any vegan, vegetarian or animal rights activist. It centers around the 13-year-old who find herself moving away from her dog and her best friend and to Australia. After experiencing a horrible first day of high school, she hides in a caged-egg farm. Envisioning life through the eyes of a hen inspires her to take action and prove to her dad that this teen activist has more to her than meets the eye.

Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
KJ lives in Montana with her dad who works as a fishing guide. She spends her free time exploring the mountains and dealing with snobby tourists, but her world changes when handsome Virgil and his wolf scholar mother come to town to save the Yellowstone area's wolf population. KJ can't seem to keep her eyes off of the loving, young photographer—or his worthy cause.

Exodus by Julie Bertagna
This dystopian novel is set 100 years in the future, and it features young Mara's struggle to save her island from the harmful effects of global warming. Major flooding has left most of the Earth underwater, and Mara's island loses more land every year. Follow her inspiring journey to create a plan that will save her people and preserve her beloved home island.

Empty by Suzanne Weyn
Civilization has run out of fossil fuel, and this novel follows the daily lives of a few small-town teens surviving without electricity. The book void of cell phones, automobiles and supermarkets will throw you for a curve—leaving you wondering just how much fossil fuel we use in our daily lives.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza was raised on a large ranch in Mexico, living a luxe lifestyle full of pretty dresses, servants and a large home—until the Great Depression when her whole world changed. Tragedy strikes her family, and Esperanza and Mama go to California seeking work on a camp for Mexican farm workers. Follow her emotional and spiritual journey through the desert to learn how Esperanza learned to be joyous with what she has, and lean on nature to rise above her difficulties. 

Have you read any of these novels? Are you going to pick any of them up for Earth Day? Let us know in the comments! 

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by Julia Bonney | 4/22/2017