And now, the environmental activist
hopes to inspire other parents to live a
greener lifestyle as a way to instill moral
values in their own kids with her new
book, “Growing Sustainable Together:
Practical Resources for Raising Kind,
Engaged, Resilient Children” (North
Atlantic Books, 2020, $16.95).

“Parents can teach most of these
skills without a hint of environmental
concern. But many action that are
environmentally sustainable also fulfill
children’s psychological needs or teach
them the skills and values needed to be
a moral person,” Shea writes in Chapter
1. Subsequent chapters introduce
different ways of being environmentally
sustainable, such as the rejection of
materialism, engaging in environmental
activism and energy efficiency. Each ends
with family activities, recommended
children’s books and a compilation of
resources to learn more on the topic.

“Growing Sustainable Together” is
for parents and caregivers of toddlers
through young teens. According to Shea,
there are two reasons why it’s important
to begin to introduce the complexity of
the environment at a young age.

First, it helps kids “see their inter-
connectivity to the greater world” and
breaks them out of the “it’s all about
me” mentality, which can be as simple as
explaining that somebody grew the food
on their plate.

The second reason is that “kids are B.S.

detectors,” says Shea.

“Even young kids are going to hear
about climate change…and they’re going
to ask about it.” Avoiding the subject or
telling them they’re too young to hear
about it could make the situation seem
scarier now—and lead to cynicism as they
get older.

Instead, Shea recommends tackling
a difficult topic like climate change by
“presenting it to them in a very age
appropriate fashion with a little bit over
time.” Attending protests, watching the
news, even bringing reusable bags to the
grocery store are all learning opportunities.

“Just pointing it out as you go along,
kids pick up on these things,” she says.

“They see we have values that we care
about other people, we care about the
Earth, we care about the environment
and our family is living out those values
every day.” n
16 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2020
Earthly Inspiration
5 More Green Titles
These five books bring the natural world into your home with their pictorial insights and
prose. They tackle climate change, fracking and native leadership in the environmental
movement as well as the water cycle and gardening. Kids can dig into these lesson-
filled books—recommended by Hannah Fester, special projects manager at the Ivy
Bookshop—all the while enjoying a good story.

“We Are Water Protectors,” by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade, 40
pages, ages 3-6, $17.99
I love how “We Are Water Protectors” introduces Indigenous-led environmental
movements across North America through the lens of a child. And this book is as
educational as it is gorgeous. The young person who rallies her community to protect
the Earth’s most sacred resource becomes a symbol for the urgency of environmental
movements more broadly and their inextricable connections to legacy, family and
community. “The Rhythm of the Rain,” written and illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith, 40 pages,
ages 4-8, $17.99
I find this portrayal of the water cycle so breathtaking, totally antithetical to other more
rigid, textbook ways I learned about this process as a child. “The Rhythm of the Rain”
follows young Isaac as he empties out his jar of water and follows it all across the earth.

It’s total magic, because you get to tour the world and its diverse landscapes and—
spoiler alert—you’ll start to notice that the water always, always plays an essential role.

“Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt,” by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher
Silas Neal, 56 pages, ages 5-8, $7.99
There’s nothing like some catchy repetition to charm your way into new knowledge. I
recommend this book (part of a three-book series) for its repeating refrains of “up in the
garden” and “down in the dirt,” which help display the parallel, interrelated worlds above
and below ground in a garden. As you read about a child and grandmother working in
the garden together, it’s fun to encounter regular reminders of the curiosities happening
beneath their feet. It ends with an “About the Animals” glossary, and it’s lovely to flip back
through and see if you can spot all the animals.

“The End of the Wild,” by Nicole Helget, 288 pages, ages 5-8, $7.99
A poignant coming-of-age story centered around one 11-year-old’s resistance to fracking in
her small town. With characters who support the economic boost of this development, “The
End of the Wild” takes an elegant and nuanced approach to demonstrating the complexities
of advocating for environmental protection. It’s perfect for middle grade readers with all
kinds of interests, as it is a story not only about the environment, but also life on the poverty
line, friendship and family—and, most of all, finding your place in the world.

“Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation,” by Octavia E. Butler, adapted
by Damian Duffy, illustrated by John Jennings, 272 pages, ages 13 and older, $24.99
A new, faithful graphic novel adaptation of the 1993 classic from Octavia Butler, absolutely
striking in visual form. Set in the U.S. in the midst of global climate change, economic
crisis and social chaos in the early 2020s, there is no denying the eerie resonance of this
tale today. Fifteen-year-old Lauren Olamina, guided by hyperempathy, translates her fight
for survival into a new vision for a way forward. She embodies the critical role of youth
leadership at the intersection of environmental, economic and social movements; her
story contains encouragement and validation for young adult readers.