Books About Recycling · 98 titles considered

The Best Recycling Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Books About the Environment, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about recycling? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Recycling

Ship Breaker
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Ship Breaker

By Paolo Bacigalupi · Book #1 in the Ship Breaker series

A teen scavenger must choose between survival and saving a wealthy shipwreck survivor.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Michael L. Printz Award (2011)
326 pages· 74,322 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 45,178 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a future Gulf Coast ravaged by climate change, Nailer, a young scavenger, toils on grounded oil tankers. When a hurricane reveals a luxurious clipper ship, he faces a life-altering choice: strip it for parts or save its sole survivor, a rich girl who might offer a path to a better life. As loyalties clash and survival hangs in the balance, Nailer must decide what kind of future he truly desires. Will he seize the chance for change, or will the harsh realities of his world hold him back?
The Fog Diver
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Fog Diver

By Joel Ross · Book #1 in the Fog Diver series

In a sky-bound world, slum kids risk all to reach a city that holds the cure for a deadly mist.

Cybils Award (2015)
352 pages· 58,696 words· Est. 8 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,486 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where mountaintops are humanity's last refuge, thirteen-year-old Chess and his friends sail above a deadly mist, scavenging to survive. But survival isn't enough. They must reach Port Oro to save their beloved Mrs. E from fogsickness. Pursued by the ruthless Lord Kodoc, who seeks Chess's secret, they face perilous skies and hidden fears. Will they find the cure before it's too late?
Ada's Violin
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ada's Violin

By Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Americas Award (2017)
40 pages· 1,265 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,158 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, young Ada Ríos dreams of playing the violin. With no money for instruments, hope seems lost until music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He crafts violins from trash, sparking a musical revolution. As the Recycled Orchestra gains global attention, Ada and her community discover the power of innovation and resilience. Can music truly change lives? Explore the journey of a girl, a visionary, and an orchestra that defies the odds.
The Dump Man's Treasures
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

The Dump Man's Treasures

By Lynn Plourde

A book-loving dump man hides a secret; can the town help him read?

32 pages· 1,213 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 52 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mr. Pottle, the town's dump overseer, cherishes discarded books, sharing them with the community. But when an accident reveals he can't read, the town's children rally to teach him. As they uncover his secret, will they help him truly enjoy his beloved books? Discover a heartwarming tale of community, learning, and the power of literacy.
Here Comes the Garbage Barge!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

By Jonah Winter, Red Nose Studio (Illustrator)

A town's trash crisis leads to a garbage barge's epic journey.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2010)
40 pages· 1,384 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,615 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a small town overwhelmed by 3,168 tons of trash, a desperate search for a dumping ground begins. As the garbage barge embarks on a journey along the North American coast, the town's citizens face a growing environmental crisis. Will they find a solution before it's too late? This mostly true tale, with art crafted from junk, toys, and found objects, humorously highlights the consequences of unchecked waste. Dive into this stinky adventure and discover the importance of recycling and environmental awareness in a world drowning in garbage.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1963

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

By Robert Barry

A man's Christmas tree is too big for his house, so he cuts off the top, which is then passed from person to person, each of whom also finds it too big and cuts off the top, until it finally finds a home with a mouse family.

32 pages· 744 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,437 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: When Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree is too tall, he trims it, unknowingly starting a journey of joy. As the tree top travels from home to home, it brings holiday cheer to forest animals. This heartwarming tale celebrates the spirit of giving and the magic of the season, with a gentle nod to conservation and recycling. Will the tree's journey end, or will it continue to spread happiness? Discover how one tree can light up an entire forest in this festive adventure.
My Panda Sweater
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

My Panda Sweater

By Gilles Baum, Barroux (Illustrator)

A quirky kid's sacrifice of a panda sweater leads to unexpected friendship.

24 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 42 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A quirky girl parts with her cherished panda sweater, discovering friendship in the process. This heartwarming tale explores selflessness, humor, and the courage to stand up against bullying. Will her act of kindness change more than just her wardrobe?
Heal the Earth
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Heal the Earth

By Julian Lennon, Bart Davis, Smiljana Coh (Illustrator) · White Feather Flier Adventures series

Embark on a magical journey to heal the Earth and inspire change.

40 pages· 538 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 308 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join the adventure aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that takes children on a mission to heal the Earth. Dive into oceans, restore rainforests, and cultivate city green spaces. Each journey offers a chance to make a difference and learn to love our planet. With interactive pages and a special poem, this story invites young readers to explore, engage, and inspire change. Will you help bring medicine to those in need and give animals a home? Discover the power of small actions in this enchanting environmental quest.
The Best Sweater
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Best Sweater

By Lynne Garner, Sarah Gill (Illustrator)

A mouse outgrows his beloved sweater, but Grandma has a clever plan.

32 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 69 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On his birthday, a little mouse receives a sweater from Grandma that he adores. As he grows, the sweater becomes too small, but Grandma has a heartwarming solution. She crafts a new, larger sweater and transforms the old one into a cherished toy rabbit. Discover how love and creativity weave through this delightful tale of growth and change.
Dear Earth...from Your Friends in Room 5
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Dear Earth...from Your Friends in Room 5

By Erin Dealey, Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)

Kids write to Earth, sparking a friendship and learning how to save the planet.

32 pages· 813 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 293 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Room 5, a group of curious kids write to Earth, seeking ways to protect their planet. To their surprise, Earth responds, igniting a monthly exchange of ideas and a unique friendship. As they learn about recycling and energy conservation, these young Earth Heroes discover simple actions can make a big impact. With each letter, they uncover new ways to care for the world around them. Will their efforts inspire others to join their cause? This enchanting tale invites young readers to become stewards of the environment, fostering hope and change year-round.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Recycling Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about recycling for the youngest readers and listeners.

Recycling!
Series
Sale price
$699

Recycling!

Ages 2–5 · 2011

A child learns to recycle and reuse, sparking responsibility and skills for life.

City
Series
Sale price
$1299

City

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover the hidden world of busy vehicles in action.

View all recycling board books
Browse by age

Recycling Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about recycling for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Save the Earth!
Series
Sale price
$599

Save the Earth!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A first grader tackles an Earth Day challenge to join Team Green.

One Little Bag
Sale price
$1899

One Little Bag

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A little bag's journey through generations reveals life's enduring cycle.

What a Waste
Sale price
$1699

What a Waste

Ages 6–9 · 2019

Uncover the truth about waste and discover how small changes can save our planet.

I Had a Favorite Dress
Series
Sale price
$1799

I Had a Favorite Dress

Ages 4–6 · 2011

A girl's favorite dress transforms as she grows, teaching resilience and creativity.

The Lorax
Series
Sale price
$1699

The Lorax

Ages 6–9 · 1971

A guardian of nature warns of the peril in neglecting our planet's needs.

Fish
Series
Sale price
$1499

Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A fisherman catches trash instead of fish, sparking a recycling adventure.

Michael Recycle
Sale price
$1599

Michael Recycle

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A green superhero arrives to transform a lazy town's wasteful ways.

The Dumpster Diver
Sale price
$1699

The Dumpster Diver

Ages 5–8 · 2007

Dive into dumpsters to turn trash into treasure and help a friend.

Why Should I Recycle?
Series
Sale price
$899

Why Should I Recycle?

Ages 4–7 · 2002

Discover why recycling is crucial and how kids can help save Earth every day.

View all recycling picture books
Browse by age

Recycling Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about recycling for developing and independent readers.

Recycling Fun
0

Recycling Fun

2003

A recycling mishap leads to unexpected chaos. What shouldn't be recycled?

Start Now!
Sale price
$899

Start Now!

Ages 7–10 · 2018

Empower young minds to tackle global issues and make a difference today.

Earth Day--Hooray!
Series
Sale price
$699

Earth Day--Hooray!

Ages 6–10 · 2003

Can three kids collect 5,000 cans to save their park and learn math along the way?

Cast Away
Sale price
$1699

Cast Away

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Explore what we discard and its impact through thought-provoking poetry.

Reducing Your Foodprint
Sale price
$995

Reducing Your Foodprint

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Discover how eating choices impact the planet and learn to reduce your foodprint.

Plastic
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1100

Plastic

2013

Uncover the secrets of plastic: its creation, recycling, and impact on our world.

Bikes Forever
Sale price
$1750

Bikes Forever

2012

Four friends work together to repair a broken bike and learn the value of recycling and teamwork.

Sylvie
Sale price
$3993

Sylvie

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A girl determined to save the planet faces challenges from pollution, unpredictable weather, and a cousin who seems to care more about surfing than the environment.

Paper
Series
Sale price
$2999

Paper

Ages 7–10 · 2016

Discover how trees become paper in this engaging journey.

View all recycling chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about clothingBooks about comfort objects (binkies, blankies, thumb sucking, etc.)Books about making decisionsBooks about the environmentBooks about violence