Meet our Heroes to Zero: 10 Stories to Inspire Children for Climate Action
Join our Heroes to Zero, read their stories and help children learn about climate and how they can make a difference.
Our world is changing – but so can we! When we learn about the environment early, we can give children a head start on taking care of our planet. When we teach them about the power of solar or the strength of sustainability, children can learn to take action against the climate crisis. One of the best ways to start? Reading.
Climate education helps children develop the skills and knowledge they need to face our changing reality. It can be a difficult subject to discuss with young readers. But by introducing these topics early, children can become conscious of their impact on the world around them and how climate will shape their future. While reading about topics like wildlife or water, we can empower the youngest generation to become environmental heroes.
That’s why we’re proud to feature this series as it tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues. The Heroes to Zero series, published by Worldreader, gives children the opportunity to explore the world around them and learn about how we can make it more sustainable through the characters’ eco-adventures. Read the first book of the series, An Inconvenient Youth, with the author Weslie Lechner in this video:
Our books on climate change, the climate crisis, and environmental awareness support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, we can give children an engaging way to learn about the climate crisis, the SDGs, and be inspired to take action and protect our home planet. Check out our Heroes to Zero collection below and help young readers discover how they can make a difference.
*If a book link doesn’t work for you, simply open BookSmart on your device and search for the tile.
Heroes to Zero #1: An Inconvenient Youth by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
After learning that 52 billion tons of greenhouse gasses are emitted each year, Millie Brown takes a vow of silence to raise awareness about climate change at her school. This leads her and her classmates to form the Heroes to Zero climate club and work towards turning their school into a Net Zero greenhouse gas emitter. This is a story about teamwork and making a big difference.
► Join the class cause here.
Heroes to Zero #2: Show and Sell by Weslie Lechner by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Banned from the science fair, Lucas Sanchez hatches a plan with his friend Amelia to turn the event into a statement on renewable energy. With humor and determination, they rally the Heroes to Zero climate club, defy the ban, and leave the school warmer and wiser. Lucas’s journey from prankster to climate champion proves that even the most unexpected individuals can spark positive change.
► Champion the environment here.
Heroes to Zero #3: Seeing is Believing by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Lakshmi Gupta, the softball sensation, thought joining the Heroes to Zero climate club would be a grand slam. But what happens when her daily routine reveals a hidden environmental impact she never saw coming? Will Lakshmi sacrifice victory in order to give her school a wake-up call? Dive into this eco-adventure and discover how one girl’s journey from impatience to empowerment sparks change!
► Hit a home run for the climate here.
Heroes to Zero #4: More Clean for More Green by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Amelia Evans isn’t one to take no for an answer, so when her proposal for electric school buses hits a roadblock, it’s time to get creative! Will the Heroes to Zero climate club find the funds needed to give her proposal the green light? Buckle up for an unforgettable journey filled with unexpected turns.
► Go for the green here.
Heroes to Zero #5: Any Way You Slice It by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
When trouble brews at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Asher Odinga’s love for pies, pie charts, and peace offerings might just save the day. With the help of his friends, Asher cooks up a plan to convince the school to switch to electric buses. But will their efforts result in a sweet victory or a sour outcome?
► Power up your imagination here.
Heroes to Zero #6: Waste Not, Want Not by Weslie Lechner
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
When the climate club celebrates a victory in reducing food waste, Matthew Lui, a math-savvy sleuth with a nose for mysteries, uncovers the shocking reality about the cafeteria’s actual environmental impact. Follow along as Matthew reveals the facts and sparks a new mission for the Heroes to Zero.
► Uncover the truth here.
Heroes to Zero #7: Careful What You Wish For
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Though hesitant to enter the spotlight, Maya Ritter is determined to find her inner strength. When she joins the Heroes to Zero climate club, she’s unsure if she can make a difference. Can Maya overcome her doubts and inspire her school to reduce waste and combat climate change? Find out in this heartwarming tale that teaches us that even the quietest voices can spark profound change.
► Spark change here.
Heroes to Zero #8: Branching Out
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Join Andy Garcia, a blunt, nature-loving middle schooler, as he battles to save his beloved woods from destruction. Will his efforts be enough to protect the forest? And will the Heroes to Zero climate club be willing to lend a hand? Find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and environmental activism.
► Grow your passion for the planet here.
Heroes to Zero #9: Better Together
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
The Heroes to Zero climate club is deflated. Enthusiasm is waning, and participation is dwindling. When Tommy takes on the challenge of reigniting the group’s passion, he learns the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Will Tommy be able to get the club back on track and make a lasting impact? Find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship and environmental activism.
► Renew your resilience here.
Heroes to Zero #10: 2, 4, 6, 8… To Change the World, Participate!
Published by Worldreader
Ages 9-12
Kids’ voices are often overlooked, but Charlotte and the Heroes to Zero climate club refuse to stay silent. When plans to destroy the woods to create a mall appear to be moving ahead, they spring into action. Through determination, creativity, and a few laughs, they’re hopeful their voices can spark big change. But will they be heard? Read to find out!
► Make a difference here.
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