Afoot in the South: Walks in the Natural Areas of North Carolina.
by Phillip Manning & Diane Manning.
John F. Blair, 1993.
0895870991
A well-rounded sampling of experiences for learning about and enjoying North Carolina's natural areas from the mountains to the coast. Filled with natural and cultural history and facts for walkers or armchair travelers. 18 of the best walks, both short and long.
Gr. 8-12/Adult

The Ancient One.
by T. A. Barron.
Philomel Books, 1992.
0399218998
A fantasy story that takes a young girl back in time 500 years. Once there, she learns of disagreements similar to those about the redwood trees that loggers see as a last hope to save their dying mill town's economy.
Gr. 5-12/Adult

Backyard Bird Watching for Kids: How to Attract, Feed and Provide Homes for Birds.
by George Harrison.
Willow Creek Press, 1997.
1572230894
Provides opportunities for children to learn to develop an understanding of wild birds through supervised bird observation activities.
Gr. 3-8

Cave Sleuths
by Laurie Lindop
Twenty-First Century Books, 2006.
0761327029
Part of the "Science on the Edge" series, this title goes beyond the basics of how caves are formed and follow scientists in their incredible exploration expeditions within them.
Gr. 5-8

Coastal Water Quality Handbook.
by Lundie Spence & Barbara Doll.
NC Sea Grant, 1997.
http://www.ncseagrant.org/
Formerly known as North Carolina Water Quality: Questions and Answers, this guide addresses groundwater, rivers, and estuaries. The importance of submerged aquatic vegetation, the effects of pollution on fisheries, seafood safety, and water treatment are discussed. A glossary of water quality terms and a directory of relevant telephone numbers are included.
Gr. 6-12/ Adult

Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth: For Earthlings Ages 12 to 120.
by Art Sussman.
Chelsea Green Publishing, 2000.
189013273X
This easy-to-read, colorfully illustrated book offers overviews of earth systems, the water cycle, the carbon cycle, energy, ecosystems, and more. It may be useful not only to middle and high school students, but also to adults who are seeking simple answers to basic earth science questions. This title also introduces popular environmental issues like climate change, and discusses human impact on the earth. In some articles it crosses the line between environmental information and environmental advocacy, but with an educator's assistance, these chapters may prompt classroom exploration of other viewpoints through classroom research and discussion.
Gr. 6-12/Adult

The Edge of the Sea.
by Rachel Carson.
Mariner Books, 1998 (Reprint).
0395924960
A Rachel Carson classic that continues to be recommended for library and personal collections.
Gr. 6-12/ Adult

The Education of Little Tree.
by Forrest Carter.
University of New Mexico Press, 2001. (25 th Anniversary edition)
0826328091
In this charming novel the narrator, raised by Cherokee grandparents, values and respects the natural world. He also experiences cultural conflict and cruelty when he goes off to attend a mainstream school.
Gr. 6-12/Adult

The Encyclopedia of Mammals (3 volumes).
Dr. David Macdonald, ed.
Facts on File, 2001.
0816042675
Very detailed yet easily understood reference source for mammals. Color photos & illustrations, and side bars.
Gr. 6-12 / Adult

The Endangered Planet (Kingfisher Knowledge).
by David Burnie.
Kingfisher, 2004.
0753457768
This book investigates habitats around the world and addresses subjects like global warming, endangered species, and renewable energy. The full-color illustrations make articles very eye-catching.
Gr. 4-8

Everything You Never Learned About Birds.
by Rebecca Rupp.
Stoney Communications, 1995.
0882663453
Many uncommon facts about birds make this title valuable. Colorful photos and drawings create extra appeal.
Gr. 4-12/Adult

Facts on File Environment Atlas.
by David Wright.
Facts on File, 1998.
0816037159
This well-illustrated publication contains information on a variety of worldwide environmental topics.
Gr. 6-8

The Field Guide To Geology.
by David Lambert.
Checkmark Books, 1997 (Revised edition).
This 256-page handbook is a concise yet comprehensive key to the processes that forged planet Earth. Abundantly illustrated, the handbook makes it easy to understand the basic concepts of earth science as well as how man interacts with the planet.
Gr. 6-12/ Adult

Fossil Collecting in North Carolina: Bulletin 89.
by J. G. Carter, et el.
NC Geological Survey, 1988.
http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/
30+ site descriptions including directions, the nearest towns, topographic insets showing site locations, and discussions on the geology and fossils found at each locality.
Gr. 6-12 / Adult

A Geologic Guide to North Carolina's State Parks.
North Carolina Geological Survey, Bulletin 91.
http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/
Bulletin 91 provides short summaries of the geologic features of North Carolina's state parks and includes inset maps and color photographs.
Gr. 8-12/Adults

Green Boy.
by Susan Cooper.
Aladdin, 2003.
0689847602
This is a fantasy novel in which parallel worlds meet. The utopic world is threatened by developers, and a “Greenwar” develops against the government and developers.
Gr. 4-8

Julie of the Wolves.
by Jean Craighead George.
Harper, 1972.
0064400581
Others in the series:
Julie (0064405737)
Julie’s Wolf Pack (0064407217)
Unhappily married at the age of 13, Miyax runs away from her husband’s home, trying to head for San Francisco. She must survive on her own on the Alaskan tundra.
Gr. 5-8

Kailey (American Girl Today).
by Amy Goldman Koss, illustrated by Philip Howe.
American Girl, 2003.
1584855916
A ten-year-old boogie boarder goes up against developers to save a beach from being turned into a shopping mall and movie theater.
Gr. 3-6

The Least of These: Wild Baby Bird Rescue Stories
by Joan Harris
West Winds Press, 2005.
1558688609
The National Science Teachers Association selected this title as one of the "Outstanding Science Trade Books" published in 2005. It contains thirteen remarkable stories about rehabilitated birds.
Gr. 4-8

Lostman’s River.
by Cynthia DeFelice.
HarperTrophy, 1994.
0380723964
Set in 1906 in the Florida Everglades, Tyler MacCauley loves the natural beauty of the Everglades, and the beautiful, colorful birds that live there. A poacher, who presents himself as a scientist interested in studying the birds, appears on the scene. Tyler discovers the poacher’s intentions too late and the REAL adventure begins.
Gr. 5-7

My Side of the Mountain.
by Jean Craighead George
Putnam, 2001.
0141312424
Others in the series:
On the Far Side of the Mountain (0141312416)
Frightful's Mountain (0141312351)
Sam Gribley leaves home and learns to survive on his own in a hollowed-out tree in the Catskill Mountains. This touching, intriguing adventure story is also a Newbery Honor book.
Gr. 4-7

Native American Gardening: Stories, Projects and Recipes for Families.
by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac.
Fulcrum Publishing, 1996.
155591148X
Sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, companion planting and other techniques based on Native American practices.
Gr. K-8

The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing the Great Outdoors.
by Ernest H. Williams, Jr.
Oxford University Press, 2005.
0195171942
This title covers plants, animals, and habitats. Because entries are generally a half page to a full page in length, it's a great book to flip through on a break. Article topics include woodpecker drumming, tree bark patterns, and poison plants. Each article also contains beautiful photographs.
Gr. 7-12/Adult

North American Wildlife: Revised and Updated.
Susan J. Wernert, ed.
Reader's Digest, 1998.
0762100206
616 pages with full-color illustrations, range maps, habitat symbols and a guide to wildlife communities. A favorite submitted by many educators.
Gr. 6-12 / Adult

North Carolina Atlas: Portrait for a New Century.
by Douglas Orr and Alfred Stuart.
UNC Press, 2000.
0807825077
A must for every middle school, high school, public, and academic library in North Carolina, this book introduces North Carolina’s natural environment, history, industry, economy, government and more. It contains many statistics, charts, and graphs.
Gr. 7-12/Adult

North Carolina: People and Environments: Second Edition.
by Ole Gade, Arthur B. Rex, James E. Young, and L. Baker Perry.
Parkway Publishers, 2002.
1887905634
A staple for middle school, high school, and public libraries in North Carolina, this volume explores North Carolina’s environment, weather, vegetation, wildlife, population, and industries. It even contains individual chapters on North Carolina’s tidewater, coastal plain, piedmont, and mountain regions.
Gr. 7-12/Adult

North Carolina's Hurricane History: Third Edition.
by Jay Barnes.
UNC Press, 2001.
0807849693
Numerous photographs, maps, & illustrations fill 206 pages of information on 50+ hurricanes in North Carolina including hurricane Emily in 1993. Newspaper reports, weather service records, & eyewitness descriptions fill this interesting book.
Gr. 6-12 / Adult

Penguin Atlas of Endangered Species: A Worldwide Guide to Plants and Animals .
by Richard MacKay.
Penguin, 2002.
0142000728
Beyond providing information about specific endangered species, this book addresses biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation.
Gr. 7-12/Adult

Pond and Brook: A Guide to Nature in Freshwater Environments.
by Michael J. Caduto.
Univ. of New England, 1990.
0874515092
Great for teachers, naturalists, interpreters and camp leaders. Explains plant and animal ecology of still and flowing waters, deep lakes, streams, and vernal ponds. Includes a discussion of wetlands.
Gr. 8-12 / Adult

A River Runs Through It and Other Stories (25th Anniversary Edition).
by Norman MacLean.
University of Chicago Press, 2001.
0226500667
Memoirs of the author's experiences through nature while fly fishing in the Big Blackfoot River with his brother and father.
Gr. 6-12 / Adult

Rivers and Lakes: Our Endangered Planet.
by Mary Hoff and Mary M. Rogers.
Learner Publications, 1991.
0822525011
Chapters include The Key to Life, Life in the Wet Lane, Dirty Waters, We Are All Downstream, Healthy Rivers and Lakes Start with Us, etc. Color photos, glossary, index, and organizations.
Gr. 3-8

The Sense of Wonder .
by Rachel Carson.
Harpercollins, 1998 (reprint edition).
006757520X
This classic book of prose helps to inspire students to develop appreciation and awareness of the environment. The reprint edition includes updated photographs.
Gr. 4-12

Silent Spring.
by Rachel Carson.
Mariner Books, 2002. (40th Anniversary edition)
0618249060
This is a book that made a truly significant impact on history, the environmental movement, and the role of government in protecting the environment.
Gr. 6-12/Adult

The Stokes Hummingbird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Hummingbirds.
by Donald and Lillian Stokes.
Little Brown, 1989.
0316817155
The beauty of hummingbirds is shown in dozens of color photographs. Hummingbird habitat patterns are also indicated on area maps. In addition, diagrams are used to help present the wonder of hummingbird flight.
Gr. 3-12/Adult

Sustaining Our Soils and Society.
by Thomas W. Loynachan, et al.
American Geological Institute, 1999.
0922152500
Activities, facts, and a full-color poster of soil types are included in the 66-page booklet.
Gr. 7-12/Adult

The Talking Earth.
by Jean Craighead George.
HarperCollins, 1987 (reprint edition).
0064402126
Billie Wind lives with her tribe but believes the dangers of pollution and nuclear war are more important than Seminole legend. In the Everglades she learns that she must listen to the land and animals to survive.
Gr. 5-8

Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks & Sign: Second Edition.
by Paul Rezendes.
Harper, 1999.
0062735241
A favorite of many, this unique book will help identify animal tracks, droppings (scat), claw marks, and other signs found in nature. More than 300 color and black and white photographs plus great drawings.
Gr. 6-12/Adult

Watching Nature: A Beginner's Field Guide.
by Monica Russo.
Sterling Publications, 2002.1402701306
Students will enjoy this book as they develop observation skills and increase their appreciation of nature.
Gr. 3-8

The Weather Book: An Easy to Understand Guide to the USA's Weather: Second Edition.
by Jack Williams.
Vintage Books, 1997.
0679776656
240 pages that explain the basics of weather. The American Meteorological Society awarded the author its 1994 Louis J. Battan Author's Award citing scientific accuracy and graphics. Excellent color illustrations, diagrams & photos, index, glossary . Considered the best single all-purpose weather book and essential to school media centers for both secondary students and all levels of teachers.
Gr. 6-12/Adult

Who Really Killed Cock Robin? An Ecological Mystery.
by Jean Craighead George.
HarperCollins, 1992.
0064404056
Something is wrong. There are no frogs singing at night, etc. Then a robin dies and eighth-grader Tony Isidoro follows a trail of environmental clues to find what is causing the problems with the town's ecology. Examines the importance of keeping nature in balance.
Gr. 4-7

Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System.
by Mary Appelhof.
Flower Press, 1997 (revised edition).
0942256107
Easy instructions on how to recycle kitchen food wastes, save energy, produce fertilizer for plants, and grow fishing worms.
Gr. 3-12/ Adult

You Are the Earth.
by David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden.
Sterling Publishing, 2002.
1550548395
This title includes earth-focused myths from different cultures and simple explanations about scientific topics like air, breathing, water, soil, energy, and more. While at some points this book crosses the line from environmental education into environmental advocacy, it can be used to prompt interactive class discussions among upper elementary and middle school students.
Gr. 4-7

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