2013 Green Earth Book Award Winners

Earth Day officially took place earlier this week on Monday, April 22nd. The spirit and importance to
protect and care for our planet, however, extends beyond just one day. Additionally, it is never too early to take steps toward a child’s environmental education, awareness, and stewardship.  From Picture Books to Young Adult Nonfiction, The Nature Generation (formerly Newton Marasco Foundation) recognizes literature that creatively educates young readers about the importance of preserving our natural surroundings. Titles honored with the Green Earth Book Award can increase environmental awareness, as well as encourage environmental responsibility from our younger generation. This year, The Nature Generation reviewed over 110 books for the 9th annual Green Earth Book Awards. Below are this year's winning titles from each of the five categories -- 1) Picture Book, 2) Children’s Fiction, 3) Children’s Nonfiction, 4) Young Adult Fiction, and 5) Young Adult Nonfiction:

Picture Book
The Family Tree written and illustrated by David McPhail.  A man in the 1800s comes upon a beautiful forest and decides to build his home there. When he clears the land, he leaves one special tree to grace his front yard. Over the years, several generations of his family enjoy this tree until a plan to build a highway threatens its survival. A young boy and his host of animal friends get together to make a stand, and give back to the tree which has given them so much. With lavish illustrations and very few words, David McPhail delivers a timeless environmental message and a heartwarming story.

Children’s Fiction
One White Dolphin by Gill Lewis. A mother dolphin and her albino calf are in peril in this heart-pounding adventure from the author of the acclaimed Wild Wings. Illustrations.

Children’s Nonfiction
Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard by Loree Griffin Burns and photographed by Ellen Harasimowcz. Anyone can get involved in gathering data for ongoing, actual scientific studies such as the Audubon Bird Count and FrogWatch USA. Just get out into a field, urban park, or your own backyard. You can put your nose to a monarch pupa or listen for raucous frog calls. You can tally woodpeckers or sweep the grass for ladybugs. This book, full of engaging photos and useful tips, will show you how.

Young Adult Fiction
Endangered by Eliot Schrefer. Schrefer (The Deadly Sister) presents the compelling tale of a girl who must save a group of bonobos -- and herself -- from a violent coup in The Congo.

Young Adult Nonfiction
Moonbird: A Year of the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Phillip Hoose. National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose takes us around the hemisphere with the world's most celebrated shorebird, showing the obstacles rufa red knots face, introducing a worldwide team of scientists and conservationists trying to save them, and offering insights about what we can do to help shorebirds before it's too late. With inspiring prose, thorough research, and stirring images, Hoose explores the tragedy of extinction through the triumph of a single bird. Moonbird is one The Washington Post's Best Kids Books of 2012.

In addition to the five 2013 Green Earth Book Award Winners, The Nature Generation’s website provides information about this year's seven 2013 Honor Award recipients, as well as listings of award winners and honor books recognized since 2005.

- Anna V.