Climate Education
Watt’s In A Book: 4 Energizing Reads on Renewable Power
November 20, 2024
There’s no day like today to dive into learning more about our planet and one important subject every student should be reading about is energy.
This K-12 Renewable Energy reading list is packed with powerful stories that will inspire young minds and create awareness of the opportunities and advantages of solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and tidal energy.
These books cover stories of resilience, ingenuity to hands-on explorations of renewable energy, and in the process drive empathy and foster understanding.Whether you’re leading classroom discussions or telling bedtime stories at home, they will ignite curiosity. Power up your reading and get ready to make an impact!
William Kamkwamba’s inspiring memoir, adapted for young readers and based on his own life, offers a unique lens through which to explore climate education. Resiliency, hope, and determination are recurring themes woven through the narrative to inspire young minds.
Set in a Malawian village in Africa in 2020 which is grappling with severe drought, we meet William and his family as they try to survive the famine the drought triggers.
At the same time, we discover that William is passionate about learning and has a deep curiosity about how things work, especially when it comes to technology. Despite not being able to afford formal schooling, William is determined to pursue his education in any way he can. He discovers an old science textbook in his local library, and with no formal guidance, becomes fascinated by the idea of windmills. The story follows William, as he sets out on the task of building his own windmill to help pump water for his family and their crop fields.
William uses old scrap metal, bicycle parts, and other discarded materials to make his vision a reality and through trial and error he builds his windmill that initially powers a small light bulb in his home. His invention ignites his village. His story became a symbol of resilience, showing how even in the most difficult circumstances, resourcefulness can bring about change.
“With a windmill, we’d finally release ourselves from the troubles of darkness and hunger… A windmill meant more than just power, it was freedom.”
The text’s emphasis on problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and resourcefulness will inspire students to think critically about environmental and other issues and encourage them to think about how they can develop practical solutions. We need students to feel empowered in a world that needs to be believed in and this book will spark determination and agency.
“This book reminds us what a sweet planet it is — and that if we’re careful, we can keep it rolling on!”
What is renewable energy? Well Stacy P. Clark’s “Planet Power” offers a captivating introduction to answering that question for young learners with beautiful illustrations from Annalisa Beghelli that deserve to be posters.
By exploring wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, the book provides a solid foundation for understanding how these clean energy technologies work and why they are better for the planet.
Clark does an excellent job of breaking down intricate scientific ideas into easy-to-understand explanations, making them accessible to children. Whether discussing the mechanics of a wind turbine or the science behind solar panels, Clark’s writing is clear, concise, and highly engaging, and encourages young readers to think critically about energy and sustainability.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its ability to present renewable energy in a way that is both educational and inspiring. By highlighting how these energy sources work, Clark paints a picture of a cleaner, greener future where technology helps mitigate climate change and preserve the planet. The narrative does not shy away from the urgency of the climate crisis, but it also offers hope and empowers young readers to see themselves as active participants in the transition to a more sustainable world.
The book is particularly effective as an educational tool, offering a strong foundation for classroom discussions on renewable energy and climate change. It works well as an introduction for students to explore these critical topics in more depth, encouraging further inquiry and solution-based thinking. Whether used in a school setting or for independent reading at home, Planet Power serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for a wide range of lessons, projects, or even local sustainability initiatives.
Planet Power is a highly recommended read for young learners, educators, and parents looking to foster a sense of environmental stewardship in children. The combination of engaging text, stunning illustrations, and timely subject matter makes it an invaluable resource for introducing renewable energy concepts in a way that is both accessible and exciting. This book will surely spark the imaginations of young readers and inspire them to think about how they, too, can contribute to a more sustainable future.
“All this new technology- right beside our village. And to think back at home we don’t even have the internet!” Allan Drummond, Solar Story
What makes Solar Story particularly effective is how it combines education with inspiration. Drummond not only provides factual information about solar energy but also weaves in the theme of environmental responsibility, making it clear that solar power is not just a technological advancement, but also a key solution to the challenges of climate change. This balance of science and social consciousness gives the book a deeper meaning, encouraging children to think critically about the environment and their role in making the world a more sustainable place.
The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of life, bringing the story to life in a way that captures the imagination of young readers. The playful, hand-drawn style complements the narrative perfectly, making learning about solar energy both fun and visually engaging.
Children of all ages can understand the desire to keep each other safe and happy, and this is what this book conveys to its readers. Furthermore, “Solar Story” provides an excellent opportunity to spark discussions about climate change, energy conservation, and sustainable living. By incorporating this book into classroom lessons, educators can inspire students to become environmentally conscious stewards for the Earth.
“A clean energy transition must overcome the currents of anti-modernism that run deep in environmental thought: an opposition to extractive industries, suspicion of synthetic materials, and discomfort with scale.”
