History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment

History Smashers #10

by Kate Messner

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions! Don't miss the award-winning History Smashers series as they get to the truth on the biggest environmental fibs!

In April 1970, twenty million people grabbed their rakes, gloves, and recycling bins to celebrate the first Earth Day. Since that environmental kickoff, nature has never been in better shape. RIGHT?

WRONG! The real deal is a bit muddier than that. It’s true that the first Earth Day encouraged people around the globe to clean up their act when it came to the environment. But activists have been working for centuries to save the planet! Native people across the world developed sustainable farming practices, women in eighteenth-century India stood up to protect trees, and amateur scientist Eunice Foote discovered the science behind global warming all the way back in the 1850s!

Join the History Smashers team to bust history's biggest misconceptions and figure out what in the world really went down before (and after!) the first Earth Day—and how you can join the fight to protect the environment.

Ready to bust new myths? Check out more titles in the History Smashers The Mayflower • Plagues & Pandemics • The Titanic • The Underground Railroad • The Salem Witch Trials

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, Science, Graphic Novels, Climate Change, Historical

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author, TED 2012 speaker, and former middle school English teacher. Her books for kids include THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.,SUGAR AND ICE, and EYE OF THE STORM (Walker/Bloomsbury Dec. 2010) the MARTY MCGUIRE series (Scholastic), SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY, and OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW (Chronicle, Books). Kate also wrote SPITFIRE and CHAMPLAIN AND THE SILENT ONE, both Lake Champlain historical novels published by North Country Books.

Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com

Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner

...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before starting with my actual review of Kate Messner's most recent instalment of her History Smashers series (the published in March 2025 Earth Day and the Environment and which is a non fiction combination of traditional text and graphic novel parts geared towards young readers from about the age of eight or so onwards), I do feel like I should point out that ANY of the positive and encouraging information presented by Messner in Earth Day and the Environment regarding recent environmental protection measures in the USA should likely and at best be taken with a humongous grain of proverbial salt, since the POTUS, since that massively blinkered (and this is being kind) Donald Trump is more than likely (is obviously) going to be totally dismantling ALL emissions controls, is going to destroy or at least try to destroy EVERY law etc. put in place to protect against habitat loss for at risk animal species, to control pollution etc. (because according to Trump "drill, baby, drill" rates supreme, that human-caused climate change does not exist, that nature is just there for exploration and for humans to pillage and decimate), not to mention that I am also expecting the entire History Smashers series (and this bien sûr includes Earth Day and the Environment) to be banned and censored both federally and probably in ALL so-called red states (and for the author, for Kate Messner to equally be approached by the current US administration as a persona non grata and as someone anti-American).

Now in and for Earth Day and the Environment, first and foremost, Kate Messner's text and Justin Greenwood's black and white illustrations (cartoon like as expected but thankfully not exaggerated, never visually parodistic, never appearing artificial either for single pictures or for the graphic novel sequences) show that attempts (both successful and unsuccessful) to protect the environment have been going on for much longer than the official proclamation of Earth Day (in 1970 and celebrated on April 22 every year since then), that this has in fact been happening for centuries and that like with the History Smashers tomes I have read to date (all of them except for the one on the American Revolution), Messner does an excellent and delightfully educational (but never tedious, never dragging, never pedantic) job of combining fact, humour, thought provoking bits of information and comments throughout Earth Day and the Environment (and is quite wide-ranging, quite global and as such Earth Day and the Environment is also and thankfully not too America centric either).

Yes, I do appreciate that in Earth Day and the Environment, Kate Messner does not fall into the trap of trying to show that human caused environmental degradation has only been an issue since the Industrial Revolution (since the early 19th century) and also does not try to claim that Native peoples have since time in-memorial always lived in total and absolute harmony with the environment, with nature. But while Messner therefore shows how the Mayans' original slash and burn type of agriculture severely stressed the environment and as such also hugely depleted the soil, it is also shown in Earth Day and the Environment (both textually and visually) that the Mayans learned from this and created agricultural practices that protected the environment, recycled resources etc. However, albeit for example Native Americans and Native Canadians might not have always totally and completely protected the environment, their agricultural and hunting practices were and are shown and described by Kate Messner in Earth Day and the Environment as definitely being considerably better and less problematically stressful for the environment than European, than WASP agricultural, hunting etc. ways and mean and as such also better and more positive than the Biblical, frankly rather dangerously destructive attitude of Manifest Destiny, industrialism and all-encompassing exploitation of the earth above and below the surface (that I personally REALLY do like and hugely cheer Kate Messner pointing out in Earth Day and the Environment how in particular the Bible, with its attitude of mankind reigning over the earth, being the centre of creation, has created many environmental horror stories and the often wilful destruction of nature, although perhaps Messner should for me also point out in Earth Day and the Environment that the Bible actually never claims and dictates, does not categorically ever demand that man should actively exploit and overexploit the environment and harm, perhaps even to destroy the earth).

So with Earth Day and the Environment Kate Messner thus uses the first Earth Day as a kicking-off point before explaining that this momentous day in 1970 when millions of people around the world came together to teach and learn about how humans have changed the planet was far from the beginnings of environmental awareness, was not the start of environmental protection, with Messner's text and Justin Greenwood's images showcasing the extensive history of humans’ relationship with the environment, from the sustainable farming techniques used by the ancient Maya (see above) to the European colonisers’ fur trade in North America, the Industrial Revolution, U.S. environmental legislation (which of course and as already pointed out by me is at present in grave peril of being ignored and destroyed by the Republicans, by Donald Trump and his cabal) and of course also climate change. And considering how extensive the topic of environmental protection and the like is, while Earth Day and the Environment provides mostly a very general introduction, there are in my opinion more than enough information and details being provided by both Kate Messner's words and also mirrored by Greenwood's pictures for the intended audience, for young readers and that the extensive back material for Earth Day and the Environment (titles and websites for further reading as well as a detailed research bibliography showing Messner's sources) provides a wonderful and delightful starting point for further research and study on the topic (on the environment and on environmental protection) and that this also makes Earth Day and the Environment a solidly five star book for me and therefore also highly recommended.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment of History Smashers by the amazing Kate Messner!
🌎
The first Earth Day was April 1970, but did you know humans have been thinking about the environment for centuries? In this MG nonfiction book you’ll learn about the Native people across the world who developed sustainable farming practices, women in 18th century India who stood up to protect trees and an amateur scientist who discovered the science behind global warming in the 1850s.
🌎
Lots of great facts and info in this one. We can always count on Messner for great research and sharing the truth for our students. Environmentalists need to pick this one up when it releases March 11!

CW: global warning, animal death/extinction, environmentalism issues

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book full of information on the history of the environmental movement, climate change, and environmental pollution.

We have recently read books about climate change and about racial inequality and this book tied both subjects together neatly as it pointed out that it is poor people of color who have to deal most with the effects of climate change and also who often have to deal with toxic waste.

The information was presented clearly and simply in an easily digestible and easy to understand way. The paragraphs of text were broken up by sidebars and comic panels. Kiddo (10) really enjoyed it and it provided him (and me) with a lot to think about.

I would highly recommend it for schools and I intend to read more books in this series to my kiddo very soon.

*Thanks to Random House Books for Young Readers for providing an early copy for review.

[Miss. Judy Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow so much I didn't know, concerning politics and the environment.
"I pursue the goal of clean air and pure air and pure water, but I must also pursue the objective of maximum jobs and continued economic progress. Unemployment is as real and sickening a blight as any pollutant that threatens the nation" President Gerald Ford

[Erlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

This book does a great job of explaining how peoples’ use and care for the environment has changed over time. The use of graphics in the book and the pages not being over-crowded make this easier to read for the middle-grade students I teach than traditional nonfiction texts. I particularly liked the sections explaining how even with the “good” things done to protect the environment, there could be negative consequences, such as how the conservation and creation of natural places, such as national parks or large city parks, often resulted in people who had originally lived in those areas being unfairly treated.

Kate Messner does a fantastic job of teaching about major historical events that people commonly have misconceptions about or are misinformed about. History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment is a great add-on to the History Smasherrs series and I will be adding it to the library for my students.

[Jerrica [JERSY] Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thought-provoking book geared towards middle-grade and young adults with actual facts a d truths brought to light. As a kid, our history books were very skewed and didn't show whole truths of situations or other sides of the coins. This book is definitely informational, but without being biased and remaining neutral with facts.
My kids, 10 and 11 years old, was able to understand the issues and grasp the importance of our U.S. history, shedding light on more nuanced issues.
They've devoured all of the previous History Smashers books they've read in the past and this one is no different!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by the Publisher

This tenth book in Messner's History Smashers series discusses the history, complications, and ramifications of my second favorite holiday (after Groundhogs' Day!)- Earth Day! I have very vague memories of the buzz surrounding the first celebration in 1970, but I definitely remember the twentieth anniversary and the renewed emphasis on recycling and environmental issues that resulted. I still have a "Save a Tree" tote bag I use... it's just like one on display in the Smithsonian!

That is all surface interest, however, and Messner takes readers on a complicated, deep dive into the evolution of the ecological movement in the world and the US. Using a mix of comic strips, photographs, and text, a lot of historical events are depicted that show why protections for the environment needed to be put in place. From the time of Benjamin Franklin and the devastation of the beaver population in order to create popular hats, to a great illustrated overview of Rachel Carson's work against DDT, to short biographies of current leaders in the environmental movement like Hoesung Lee, Vanessa Nakate, and Greta Thunberg, this book is packed with information.

Like other History Smasher books, there is an emphasis on how disproportionately communities of color are affected by environmental problems. This is information that is often left out of traditional textbooks, so is a welcome addition.

The celebration of the first Earth Day isn't covered until halfway through the book, but the scene is well set for understanding its importance. I grew up fairly close to the Cuyahoga River, but even I learned a bit more about the fire that became a rallying cry for the movement. It's sad that even after the movement started, there were incidents like Love Canal, Three Mile Island, and the Exxon Valdez. The after effects, and the continued problems with the environment, are fully explored. The timeline at the end of the book is very helpful.

It amazes me that many of my students don't have any interest in the environment. It's hard to get them to pick up books like Beer's Kids vs. Plastic and Bell's You Can Change the World: The Kids' Guide to a Better Planet. This popular series will be a great nonfiction companion to the growing pile of middle grade about climate activism and climate anxiety like Dee's Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Firestone's The First Rule of Climate Club, Frank's Global Warning, and Dimopoulos' Turn the Tide.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Messner’s History Smashers series is a fantastic nonfiction series for every library; the newest installment in the series continues the success of previous entries. As in the other books in the series, Messner is setting the record straight – in this case about the environmental movement. The book begins by making clear that the environmental movement started long before the first Earth Day in 1970. In fact, native people here in the United States practiced sustainability long before it was fashionable by rotating crops, planting crops together (the three sisters), moving about to avoid stressing the land, and in general acting in a way that indicated “common respect for the environment.” Colonists on the other hand, were unsustainable from the start owing to their belief system that God had given them dominion over Earth’s resources. As Messner moves through history explaining the growth of the environmental movement, she delineates between activists who wanted to protect people’s health, conservationists who wanted to protect land for human use, and preservationists who wanted to protect nature just because. Myths and heroes who are called out include Henry David Thoreau (his mom potentially did his laundry every week while he was at Walden Pond and he could walk to Concord) as well as Theodore Roosevelt (he was racist and really only wanted to preserve national parks for rich white people like himself). 

Cute, fun illustrations, text boxes with extra information (“What is Coal?”), occasional comic book elements, primary sources (excerpts from letters, quotes, and more). and yearbook “superlatives” to highlight important heroes in the environmentalist movement are scattered throughout the book to keep the reader engaged. Many of the heroes highlighted are women and people of color like Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who brought awareness to the importance of the Everglades habitat, and Chico Mendes, who fought against deforestation in Brazil. 

This volume is entertaining and chock full of information that will make readers grateful for environmental change agents past and present and hopefully inspire their own activism and engagement on this important issue. Includes a timeline, an author’s note, a bibliography, image credits, and an index. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earth Day is every day. In fact, it's been going on for much longer than the official proclamation of an Earth Day. As you'll discover, it's been going on for not just years but decades. Centuries, even. This book gives reference to more than just the happenings and reactions to an official Earth Day but takes us back to see where the idea of taking care of the earth we live on began.

I won't try to summarize the history of the goal of saving the earth, obviously, but will say that Messner does her usual excellent job of combining fact, humor, and thought provoking bits of information and comments throughout. While I can't claim to have read the entire series, this one differed from some recent ones I've read in that it seems to be more wide-ranging. By that I mean it covers a vast array of time and place. We may think of Earth Day as a single event but its beginnings were wide spread and its impact felt for centuries before someone got around to making it an official day. I have Native American roots and was delighted to see their role given attention. Also, as someone who has always been fascinated by the Mayan culture, the reminder that the terraces and reservoirs that were used by the Maya people were some of the most visible means of cultivating our earth's resources while helping protect them for the long term, too. And these efforts are simply the tip of the iceberg.

Bottom line, there is a great deal of info to be digested here as well as suggestions on how we as both individuals and groups can preserve our world for future generations. I mean, maybe you'd like to go live on barren Mars but I think I'll stick to good ol' planet Earth. Messner's writing style flows nicely and is easy to understand and digest. Even better, she documents her sources and there are lots of both fun and informative illustrations to help readers grasp what they are reading. The ample use of sidebars and color helps. There is certainly more to see, read, and learn. Thanks #RandomHoouseChildren's books for sharing this early copy with me. The retired teacher in me thoroughly enjoyed it and, yes, learned more than a few things.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

HISTORY SMASHERS: EARTH DAY AND THE ENVIRONMENT is a comprehensive look at environmental activism, exploring the roots of the movement from long before the start of Earth Day. The book describes how human interaction with the environment has made an impact and been a call to action over time, whether through activism, conservation, or preservation. Impacts of a variety of events, including the Industrial Revolution, the increase of pesticides and pollutants, and climate change are discussed in detail in a way that is kid-friendly and engaging. As in prior series titles, Messner provides evidence to contradict some widely held claims about the topic. Many historical figures and change makers are highlighted, providing a diverse view of the individuals who blazed trails in environmental activism. The book does not shy away from discussing how racially and economically marginalized communities have often been the ones most impacted by environmental issues. This is a timely and informative book that will draw reader attention to an important topic.

[Veronica Bartles]

This “deep dive” into the origins of Earth Day, and the history of environmental activism, is a great way to introduce young readers to the realities of climate change, and the political and social complexities that surround the people‘s acceptance (or rejection) of the science throughout history.
There’s so much more to this topic than can be addressed in a single 200 page book, so even though it does a great job of smashing through the surface to show stories behind the story, this is still just an introduction to Environmental Science. Messner does a great job, though of flagging those moments when readers may want to investigate further to learn more of the story. And she provides a great list of books for further reading at the back of the book!
Climate change is an important topic, and one that can create a good deal of anxiety, so books like this one full of hopeful encouragement, and an invitation to look forward to a future where we can make a difference should be on every classroom and library shelf!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

We LOVE the History Smashers series in this house. We own a handful and check out the others from the library on the regular, so we were super excited to get an ARC of Earth Day and the Environment! My 7yo is a budding environmentalist and has a very strong sense of right/wrong so this was right up his alley. Tons of information presented in an easy to digest manner and the story prompted lots more research and plenty of good discussion. My 7yo preferred this one over some of the others as it covered less of a specific event and more of a broad range of interconnected events/mindsets throughout history.

We will be looking to purchase the physical copy of this book for our quickly growing collection!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information well-presented and easily understood. The information is documented and made more real with the use of photos and illustrations. This grandma truly enjoyed reading it and pre-ordered copy to share.
Great for gifting to anyone, but especially to school library and your local public library. I feel that it is totally fun for ESL, too!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected advance proof from Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers via NetGalley. Thank you!
Avail Mar 11, 2025 #HistorySmashersEarthDayAndTheEnvironment by @KateMessner #NonFiction #HistorySmashersSeriesBk10 @randomhousekids ***** #MiddleGrades #EarthDay #Ecology #History #SavingTheEnvironment

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

This was my introduction to the History Smashers series and it did not disappoint! It was informative in an easy to read format that incorporated history as storytelling, comics, and highlighted individuals. The book incorporated multicultural perspectives of people of diverse backgrounds from the United States and across the world. It also uncovered the racist and classist history of environmental activism and how different communities have been affected differently depending on the people living there. Myth Busters sprinkled throughout the book helped to break apart misconceptions. I recommend this book as a an informative and thought-provoking read!

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well put together. Covers the history of the environmental movement in the US, noting throughout that disenfranchised people have borne the brunt of the intentions and actions of white folks, while also noting that the first inhabitants of this country also altered the environment, but not to a similar extent. Later on in the book, environmental movements and heroes from other parts of the world are mentioned.
I learned a lot, and everything seems to be accurate, but there’s one line that’s a little weird. ‘Before European settlers showed up, there were millions of passenger pigeons in North America-probably even billions.’ The estimation for passenger pigeon numbers is indeed 3-5 billion, and it’s pretty standard across the board.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Messner's series has been a huge hit and this latest book will provide opportunities for dialogue as well. Readers learn that people were concerned about the environment long before Earth Day began in the 1970s. We see scientists and activists pushing for regulations and care of our planet beginning centuries ago. Information is shared in an easy to read format for middle grade readers though adults should read this series too. The author has done extensive research and shares the bibliography, timeline, and book recommendations for further exploration.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look at the history of Earth Day, focusing on how the environment was treated throughout the history of the United States. This was the first of this series that I've read, and I really enjoyed it! I liked how the book had a mix of media/styles - there were normal words, but also parts in more comic form, pictures, etc. I thought it was written in a way that was really engaging (and would be for children as well). The author also did a good job of highlighting when things seemed strange and sought to explain that. Definitely recommend!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expands the scope of environmental activism, looking beyond the heavy hitters like Rachel Carson, John Muir, or even Greta Thunberg and peering at lesser-known researchers and activists. While Messner steadily tries to look beyond the well-known names (and the white old men), it takes her some time to really crack that open. And because of her focus on the increased need for remedial environmentalism after white colonists arrive in America, the story doesn't really dive very deeply into Indigenous activists or traditions. There are a few examples, but there's definitely a gap there.

That all being said, this was interesting and informative, and a fine addition to the series.

[Elena Santangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary for kids of the history of environmental issues. Not simply a history of Earth Day. This book covers the efforts of first cultures to care for their surroundings up through 20th and 21st century environmental science and technological advances, with short biographies of people who made a difference in the field.

Fast read, well-written, lots of illustrations and photos.

A must-read for all kids (because no matter what they grow up to do, they'll have to deal with their environment). It wouldn't hurt adults to read it either.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Messner is so good! If you've ever wondered HOW we got here on climate change and biodiversity losses, this is the book for you. Geared to 4th - 7th, but adults could use this as a quick primer, too. Learn about all the chances we had to get this right and why we blew it each time. Love the almost comic book style of reading, too! Easy to read with lots of breaks and lots of graphics. A winner.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This was so interesting to read, even as an adult. However, the writing is easy enough for children to comprehend. The book does touch on racism a bit but even explains why that is included in a book about the environment. Some of the inserts messed up the flow of the book a bit but most kept it intact.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information is excellent. The message is good. But there is something in the format and delivery that is not quite optimal. Perhaps if it had been in color- or if the partitions had not been so awkward. I liked the appendix with the extra resources.

[Susan Apps-Bodilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It should be required reading for all ages.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

This series was great! It provided a clear explanation of the historical events and why they are different in textbooks.

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learn SO much from this series and this one is no exception. Highly recommend!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

(DNF - pg35)

[Kirti Vyas · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy-to-read history textbook for Grades 4-5 - informative but not impactful or memorable.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Kate Messner's latest installment of History Smashers with Earth Day and the Environment.