Earth Day and the Environmental Movement

Standing Up for Earth

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 8

On April 22, 1970, an estimated twenty million people held in a teach-in to show their support for environmental protections. This new celebration, Earth Day, brought together previously fragmented issues under the same banner. It was the largest nationwide event ever, and lawmakers took notice.

But one day didn’t change everything. Fifty years after the first Earth Day, climate change remains a dire concern. The divide between political parties continues to widen, and environmental policy has become an increasingly partisan issue. The spread of disinformation has also made climate change a debatable idea, rather than scientific fact. A new generation of advocates continue the fight to make environmental policy a top priority for the United States and for nations around the globe.

“Our goal is an environment of decency, quality, and mutual respect for all human beings and all other living creatures . . . Our goal is a decent environment in its broadest, deepest sense.”—Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day founder

“[T]he potential consequences are certainly major in their impact on mankind. Now is the time. The research is clear. It is up to us now to summon the political will.”—Robert Walker, US Representative from Pennsylvania


“There’s always a perception that business and industry and conservation groups . . . don’t agree on anything. . . . [W]e can come together to demonstrate that we might be looking at it from different sides, but the outcome is the same.”—Doug Miell, consultant, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5415-5281-4
$27.99
978-1-5415-9582-8
$41.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 8
Genre Science, Young Adult
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction
Copyright 2020
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Twenty-First Century Books ™
Language English
Number of Pages 120
Publication Date 2020-03-03
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS YAN050080, YAN045000, YAN058000
Dewey 394.262
Dimensions 6 x 9
Lexile 1190
Features Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Starred Reviews, and Timeline

Author: Christy Peterson

Christy Peterson is a children’s science and technology writer based in Vancouver, Washington. She has written more than 30 books and articles for young readers.

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Awards

  • Green Earth Book Award, Long-listed, 2021
  • Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2021

Reviews

Booklist

“[A]n accessible and attractive update on a timely subject.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“The book, used across science classes or in social justice circles, has a place in public and school libraries—not just as a part of an Earth Day display but as a relevant resource about a dire issue facing the global population.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“Essential reading.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews