Non-fiction for Middle School: Global Issues

An introduction to climate change covers such topics as the polar ice caps, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and fossil fuels. Grade 5-8 (128 p.)

Describes the tools that scientists use to analyze information about the Earth's climate and measure the current rate of climate change, with twenty-five projects for positive actions that can be done to protect the environment. Grade 4-6 (Lexile 940L) (122 p.)

In the 1990s, scientists lived inside Biosphere 2 (Biosphere 1 is the Earth itself) for two years, trying to figure out if colonizing Mars would ever be possible. Now scientists don't live there but instead conduct all sorts of studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and especially understand what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change and other man-made problems. It's a unique take on the Scientists in the Field mission statement - in this case, the field/lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible. Grade 5-8 (Lexile: 1060L) (79 p.)

This hard-hitting look at climate change tackles the past, present, and future of global warming, examining the effects it's having across the world, the politics behind denial, and the ways in which we can all work to lessen the harsh effects of our warming world. Perfect for young environmentalists looking to learn about the ways in which we can take action against global warming. Grade 4-8 (Lexile: 1180L) (231 p.)

The former vice-president details the factors contributing to the growing climate crisis, describes changes to the environment caused by global warming, and discusses the shift in environmental policy that is needed to avert disaster. Grade 5-8 (191 p.)

Discusses the scientific evidence for climate change, what countries around the world are doing to combat it, and why some people are skeptical. (96 p.)

Describes where scientists look to find evidence of climate change--from changes in bird migration patterns and fruit blossom dates, to obtaining tree rings and mud cores--and especially how students and other citizen-scientists are assisting to monitor climate change, as well as what can be done to mitigate global warming. (66 p.)

Explains global warming, discussing its current signs, its effect on climate and animals, and identifying efforts being made around the world to try to control it and minimize its impact. Grade 4-6 (63 p.)

Explores various alternative energy sources, including wind, wave, solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy. (64 p.)

A practical, easy-to-use manual introduces a series of simple but effective changes that readers can make to their everyday lives that can make a big difference in terms of the health of the planet, from mulching one's garden to reduce the need to water, to washing one's laundry in cold water to reduce greenhouse emissions. (127 p.)

Presents articles on how global warming and pollution are affecting the environment and the actions taken to protect the environment through conservation, wildlife protection, and cleanup efforts. Grade 3-6 (122 p.)

Traces the history of garbage from the Minoan trash pits to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to discuss innovative ways that people all over the world are dealing with waste and inventing ways to transform garbage into a valuable resource. Grade 5-7 (48 p.)

Provides comprehensive information on climate change and its effects on the world's ecosystems. Grade 5-8 (63 p.)

Presented in graphic novel format, this book discusses historical geology, earth science, and the Earth's origins. (GN730L)

Looks at ten rivers throughout the world including the Nile, the Amazon, and the Mississippi, discussing how they shaped history and civilization. Grade 5-8 (132 p.)

A team of scientists explores the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have gathered, having drifted there from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world. Grade 4-8 (Lexile 900) (48 p.)

Discusses using water as a source of energy. (120 p.)

Traces the innovative efforts of the scientific community to transform ocean waves into a renewable source of electrical power. Grade 4-6 (Lexile: 1070) (72 p.)

Discusses the issues surrounding offshore oil drilling. (96 p.)

Discusses how droughts, floods, and massive storms along with the human population affect water usage, and explains how the competition for clean water has increased. Grade 4-8 (64 p.)

Examines the amount of water a typical American uses, offering advice on limiting waste, making water-smart purchases, and changing habits. Grade 4-8 (143 p.)

Looks at why the world's water resources are at risk and how communities around the world are finding innovative ways to quench their thirst and water their crops. Grade 4-7 (Lexile:1050) (48 p.)

Part science, part carnival-this winding adventure down the Amazon River with award-winning author Sy Montgomery and photographer Keith Ellenbogen explores how tiny fish, called piabas, can help preserve not only the rainforest and it's often misunderstood inhabitants, but the fate of our entire environment.