• Earth Day novels

    By Jacqueline Pearce

    2 years ago

    Rather read a novel than non-fiction, but still want to be challenged to think about how we humans can live with nature and not destroy it (and ourselves)? Here are some classic eco novels and some of my more recent favourites (for adults and kids).

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      All Over Creation  

      Ruth Ozeki , Trade Paperback

      Penguin Usa

      List Price: $21.00 You Save: $4.20 (20%)

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      A woman returns home to the family farm just as a rollicking band of environmentalists (a modern "monkey wrench gang") arrives to expose the dangers of genetically engineering potatoes. See also "My Year of Meats" by the same author.

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      The Monkey Wrench Gang  

      Edward Abbey , Trade Paperback

      HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

      List Price: $18.99 You Save: $3.80 (20%)

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      A group of friends will do just about anything to save the river they love -- even blow up a dam. First published in 1975, this is a cult classic among environmentalists (though the author's portrayal of women leaves a bit to be desired).

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      Ecotopia  

      Ernest Callenbach , Trade Paperback

      Random House Publishing Group

      List Price: $18.95 You Save: $3.79 (20%)

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      A 1970s vision of what an ecologically sensative utopia might look like (in this case, Washington, Oregon and Northern California break away from the US and form their own nation). Dated, but still thought-provoking.

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      Prodigal Summer: A Novel: A Novel  

      B Kingsolver , Trade Paperback

      HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

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      A female biologist studying coyotes clashes with local farmers as the lives of people, coyotes, moths and trees intersect. Poetic writing, infused with an awareness of the complexity and wonder of people and the natural world.

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      Hoot to Kill  

      Karen Dudley , Trade Paperback

      Ravenstone Press

      List Price: $16.95

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      A female biologist contracted to survey the presence of endangered owls in a logging area clashes with loggers and finds herself suspected of murdering one of them. Combines environmental issues with a murder mystery and touch of romance. See also others in this enviro-mystery series. For a kids' mystery involving endangered owls, see "Summer of the Spotted Owl" by Melanie Jackson.

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      Nature Girl  

      HIAASEN CARL , Hardcover

      Grand Central Publishing

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      A passionate and slightly crazy woman tries to show an annoying salesman the beauty of the Florida Keys with near disasterous results. Hiassen's novels are always entertaining, his characters always interesting, and his love for the Florida environment always shines through.

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      Flight or Fight  

      Diane Haynes , Trade Paperback

      Whitecap Books Ltd.

      List Price: $8.95

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      An environmental mystery/romance/adventure for teens involving the rescue of oiled sea birds. See others in the series as well.

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      Crystal Drop  

      Monica Hughes , Mass Market Paperbound

      Harpercollins Canada, Limited

      List Price: $7.99

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      Usually ships in 3 - 5 weeks

      In a future ravaged by the results of ozone depletion, two children journey across the desert that is now most of North America. Written before general awareness about Global Warming. Many of this author's novels (for kids) have an underlying environmental message or sensativity.

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      Flush  

      Carl Hiaasen , Trade Paperback

      Random House Children's Books

      List Price: $11.99 You Save: $0.60 (5%)

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      A boy tries to stop a boat from polluting the Florida marine environment. This is my favourite of Carl Hiaasens' environmental-adventure novels for kids ("Hoot," which has been made into a movie, is also great).

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      Green Boy  

      Susan Cooper , Trade Paperback

      Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

      List Price: $6.99

      irewards Member Price: $6.64

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      Two children find themselves transported to an alternative universe where pollution and overdevelopment have all but destroyed nature. Can they save their own home from as bleak a future? (I haven't actually finished this one yet, but I like it so far -- the author certainly has a great track record for award-winning fantasy).

    Comments on this list:
    • Kayleigh Sheehan

      • Top Blogger
      • Most Helpful

      2 years ago

      Great idea, Jacqueline, thanks! (Barbara Kingsolver is an excellent choice.)

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    • 11 months ago

      A few novels people have suggested adding to the list: "A Friend of the Earth" by T.C. Boyle (for adults), "The Talking Earth" and others by Jean Craighead George (for kids), "Earthgirl" by Jennifer Cowan (for teens), "Scat" by Carl Hiaasen (his newest novel for kids), and the soon to be released "Amphibian" by Carla Gunn (for kids). Anyone else have any to add?

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    • 3 months ago

      I just found out about the YA novels, "Exodus" and "Zenith," by Julie Bertagna (set in a future effected by Global Warming), and I'm sure there are others I've missed. I can see that I need to make a second list.

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