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Books for a Better Earth
Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change
How do you change the world for the better? You start small. You start with what is on your plate.
When we walk down the aisles of a grocery store, most of us don’t think about all the steps it took for each item to get on the shelf. Or how those different steps might impact the environment and even our own health.
With chapters that explore why we eat what we eat, the environmental impact of the meat industry, what terms like "vegan" and "plant-based" mean, and much more, Eating to Save the Planet is an accessible middle grade nonfiction title for curious eaters.
Supported by bright illustrations and infographics, this kid-friendly book is all about empowering readers to think critically about the food on their plate--how it got there and why it matters. Whether it's Meatless Mondays at home or advocating for better school lunches, there are plenty of ways for kids to get involved.
Back matter includes more information on nutrition, resources for further information, a bibliography, sources notes, and an index.
A Books for a Better Earth™ Title
When we walk down the aisles of a grocery store, most of us don’t think about all the steps it took for each item to get on the shelf. Or how those different steps might impact the environment and even our own health.
With chapters that explore why we eat what we eat, the environmental impact of the meat industry, what terms like "vegan" and "plant-based" mean, and much more, Eating to Save the Planet is an accessible middle grade nonfiction title for curious eaters.
Supported by bright illustrations and infographics, this kid-friendly book is all about empowering readers to think critically about the food on their plate--how it got there and why it matters. Whether it's Meatless Mondays at home or advocating for better school lunches, there are plenty of ways for kids to get involved.
Back matter includes more information on nutrition, resources for further information, a bibliography, sources notes, and an index.
A Books for a Better Earth™ Title
- GenresNonfictionFood
128 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Anne Broyles
26 books10 followersAnne Broyles is the award-winning author of two children's picture books, PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS (Charlesbridge, 2008) and SHY MAMA'S HALLOWEEN (Tilbury House, 2000). She also writes for regional publications such as MERRIMACK VALLEY MAGAZINE and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES Travel section. Check out www.annebroyles.com for more details."
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 28, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I'm a firm believer that, as this book explains, our personal health and the health of the planet are closely intertwined. I walk to work rather than driving, and try to think through all of the aspects of the food I buy. There are a lot of novels that deal with climate anxiety, like Firestone's The First Rule of Climate Club, Dee's Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, and Guillory's Nowhere Better Than Here, and Eating to Save the Planet is a great book for showing tween readers that there ARE things they can do to help the planet.
Starting with an overview of why people eat what they eat (regional, cultural, and personal reasons), there is then a discussion of some staple foods across the world. Clearly, there is a need to address climate change, and Broyles lays out exactly how different types of food affect it. From greenhouse gas emissions to the cost of transporting foods, it's clear that people need to think through their food. The one thing that isn't mentioned, that I look for, is packaging. One of the reasons I don't eat a lot of the vegan "cheese" products, or lab cultured "meat" is the large amount of plastic that this food tends to come in. It's a balancing act, I know, but bears thinking about.
There are a lot of meat alternatives mentioned, including bugs as food and meat substitutes, and a history of veganism. Even if people adhered to Meatless Mondays, reduces the amount of meat eaten would be a great start. Here in Ohio, there are a lot of soy products. One of the foods I eat a lot of is Cleveland Tofu, which is fairly local (reducing transport), and comes in ostensibly recyclable tubs. I guess I fall under the category of "reducitarian".
The impact of dairy production and egg production is laid out well, but for me, personal reasons play into my choices; my mother's family were dairy farmers, so I get a lot of my protein from those products. I did find it interesting that the author uses flaxseed and water instead of eggs in baking, and I'm definitely going to look into that! There are lots of further resources and links to articles at the end of the book.
While many middle school students think that a breakfast of Takis and sour gummy worms is perfectly fine, there are many others who are starting to give thought to how food fuels their bodies, and realizing that there are many things to consider. Both of my daughters became vegetarians in high school, and would have found this book to be very useful. Saving the planet one meal at a time is a great way to think about the contents of this excellent nonfiction title, which I will purchase for my readers who are interested in learning more about how what is on their plate affects the planet.
I'm a firm believer that, as this book explains, our personal health and the health of the planet are closely intertwined. I walk to work rather than driving, and try to think through all of the aspects of the food I buy. There are a lot of novels that deal with climate anxiety, like Firestone's The First Rule of Climate Club, Dee's Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, and Guillory's Nowhere Better Than Here, and Eating to Save the Planet is a great book for showing tween readers that there ARE things they can do to help the planet.
Starting with an overview of why people eat what they eat (regional, cultural, and personal reasons), there is then a discussion of some staple foods across the world. Clearly, there is a need to address climate change, and Broyles lays out exactly how different types of food affect it. From greenhouse gas emissions to the cost of transporting foods, it's clear that people need to think through their food. The one thing that isn't mentioned, that I look for, is packaging. One of the reasons I don't eat a lot of the vegan "cheese" products, or lab cultured "meat" is the large amount of plastic that this food tends to come in. It's a balancing act, I know, but bears thinking about.
There are a lot of meat alternatives mentioned, including bugs as food and meat substitutes, and a history of veganism. Even if people adhered to Meatless Mondays, reduces the amount of meat eaten would be a great start. Here in Ohio, there are a lot of soy products. One of the foods I eat a lot of is Cleveland Tofu, which is fairly local (reducing transport), and comes in ostensibly recyclable tubs. I guess I fall under the category of "reducitarian".
The impact of dairy production and egg production is laid out well, but for me, personal reasons play into my choices; my mother's family were dairy farmers, so I get a lot of my protein from those products. I did find it interesting that the author uses flaxseed and water instead of eggs in baking, and I'm definitely going to look into that! There are lots of further resources and links to articles at the end of the book.
While many middle school students think that a breakfast of Takis and sour gummy worms is perfectly fine, there are many others who are starting to give thought to how food fuels their bodies, and realizing that there are many things to consider. Both of my daughters became vegetarians in high school, and would have found this book to be very useful. Saving the planet one meal at a time is a great way to think about the contents of this excellent nonfiction title, which I will purchase for my readers who are interested in learning more about how what is on their plate affects the planet.
November 25, 2025
Eating to Save the Planet opens with a thought-provoking question: "When you walk down the aisles of a grocery store, do you think about all the steps it took for each item to get on the shelf?" This compelling, jam-packed book explores the benefits of adapting a plant-based diet and the broader implications of our food choices.
The book begins by examining how the foods we eat reflect our cultural backgrounds. The book highlights the diversity of meal preparation and explains that people choose their diets based on what kind of an eater they are, whether they are carnivores, omnivores, vegetarian or pescatarians. Each type of eater is described with clear examples and descriptions of the foods they would typically enjoy.
The discussion also delves into the history of food shortages, emphasizing that what we eat is a global issue. It addresses legislative changes being made to promote healthier food options and explores the growing use of regenerative agricultural as a sustainable solution. The book emphasizes the advantages of a plant-based diet and introduces meat alternatives that are currently being used in other countries, like insects as a potential meat substitute. Real life suggestions are made for children to try out, including Meatless Mondays and gradually incorporating new vegetables into their meals.
Overall, Eating to Save the Planet is an informative, and thought-provoking book about what we put onto our plate and how it impacts our environment. The full-color illustrations will enhance the appeal for younger readers, and I especially enjoyed the impactful graph showing the amount of water that is needed to produce a pound of various types of food. At the back of the book, readers will find a helpful list of sources, websites, and resources for transitioning to a plant-based diet, along with various stories of well-known individuals who have made the switch. This would make a lovely resource for a school or public library.
**A huge thank you Holiday House for access to the e-book in exchange for an honest review**
The book begins by examining how the foods we eat reflect our cultural backgrounds. The book highlights the diversity of meal preparation and explains that people choose their diets based on what kind of an eater they are, whether they are carnivores, omnivores, vegetarian or pescatarians. Each type of eater is described with clear examples and descriptions of the foods they would typically enjoy.
The discussion also delves into the history of food shortages, emphasizing that what we eat is a global issue. It addresses legislative changes being made to promote healthier food options and explores the growing use of regenerative agricultural as a sustainable solution. The book emphasizes the advantages of a plant-based diet and introduces meat alternatives that are currently being used in other countries, like insects as a potential meat substitute. Real life suggestions are made for children to try out, including Meatless Mondays and gradually incorporating new vegetables into their meals.
Overall, Eating to Save the Planet is an informative, and thought-provoking book about what we put onto our plate and how it impacts our environment. The full-color illustrations will enhance the appeal for younger readers, and I especially enjoyed the impactful graph showing the amount of water that is needed to produce a pound of various types of food. At the back of the book, readers will find a helpful list of sources, websites, and resources for transitioning to a plant-based diet, along with various stories of well-known individuals who have made the switch. This would make a lovely resource for a school or public library.
**A huge thank you Holiday House for access to the e-book in exchange for an honest review**
July 26, 2025
Kids interested in the hows and whys of a vegan diet will appreciate this simple and informative nonfiction chapter book. Using bold subject headings and widely spaced text rendered in a modern typewriter font, Broyles presents an argument for adopting a plant-based lifestyle over seven themed chapters. An introductory chapter asks “What’s On Your Plate?” and considers how we're affected by culture, geography, and personal preferences. Chapter Two delves into the connection between food and climate change. Broyles isn’t suggesting that one individual changing their daily intake can resolve this complex issue; instead she wants kids to understand how the combined systemic forces of meat production, corporate farming, and the fossil fuel industry impact what we eat. But she does argue that choosing a vegan diet can be a way to take positive action in response to the climate crisis and to gain some control over our participation in this destructive system. Animal welfare earns its own chapter as do methods for easing into veganism (including Meatless Mondays, vegetarianism, and “vegan before 6 PM”). Frequent digital illustrations (black-and-white in the ARC but with full color promised in the final version) and interesting snippets of background information that appear on a facsimile gingham tablecloth also add interest. The book concludes with an index and a wide array of back matter, including thumbnail biographies of famous vegans, a discussion about protein and nutrition intake, further resources (including books, articles, websites, and videos appropriate for this age group), and source notes. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
October 28, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A good overview of reasons to adapt a vegan diet that includes a nice visual presentation and beautiful illustrations.
Easy-to-read and persuasive, Broyles presents various arguments for adapting a vegan diet and how the use of animal products impacts the environment. Despite the subtitle, the book does not solely focus on veganism in response to climate change. It also covers information about worker treatment and health as well as animal welfare. These were informative and important inclusions, but made the book lack focus.
While the book offers some options for reducing your meat consumption, it mostly focuses on veganism as a way to combat the negative impact of animal products. This is okay, but it also isn't necessarily practical for its audience. Most children are reliant on their caregivers to buy, transport, store, and prepare their food. The book also does not touch on those who don't have healthy plant-based food options readily available.
There is quite a bit of backmatter including short bios of famous vegans and information on protein and other nutrients. Also includes additional resources such as related websites, movies, books, and sources.
Overall, a persuasive read. It seemed to lose focus at times, emphasizing individual choices while also touching on large-scale changes in laws and regulations, using veganism to fight climate change while also including human and animal welfare reasons to change your diet. Despite the fluctuating focus, the information was good. Works well for those who are interested in veganism and have the means to focus on a more plant-based diet.
A good overview of reasons to adapt a vegan diet that includes a nice visual presentation and beautiful illustrations.
Easy-to-read and persuasive, Broyles presents various arguments for adapting a vegan diet and how the use of animal products impacts the environment. Despite the subtitle, the book does not solely focus on veganism in response to climate change. It also covers information about worker treatment and health as well as animal welfare. These were informative and important inclusions, but made the book lack focus.
While the book offers some options for reducing your meat consumption, it mostly focuses on veganism as a way to combat the negative impact of animal products. This is okay, but it also isn't necessarily practical for its audience. Most children are reliant on their caregivers to buy, transport, store, and prepare their food. The book also does not touch on those who don't have healthy plant-based food options readily available.
There is quite a bit of backmatter including short bios of famous vegans and information on protein and other nutrients. Also includes additional resources such as related websites, movies, books, and sources.
Overall, a persuasive read. It seemed to lose focus at times, emphasizing individual choices while also touching on large-scale changes in laws and regulations, using veganism to fight climate change while also including human and animal welfare reasons to change your diet. Despite the fluctuating focus, the information was good. Works well for those who are interested in veganism and have the means to focus on a more plant-based diet.
May 19, 2025
This is a book for which I have been looking! The best solution to climate anxiety is climate action. And kids do have control over what they put in their mouth. Ms Broyles lays out clearly the compelling reasons for eating plant based for the planet while also mentioning heath. She gives lessons to enthusiastic kids on how NOT to share their eating approach with others that is off-putting, which I have found missing in a lot of books. She gives background on why food is so culturally important to us, and why this kind of climate action and change is difficult for many folks. She also covers all the ways people can respond to climate with food like Meatless Mondays, which would have a huge impact if we all did it, being vegetarian, flexitarian, reducetarian -- all ways we can eat some animal products, but less than the daily consumption of animal products at every meal. She goes into organics and the long long religious background to eating plant based and so many more relevant topics. She's kind, she's compelling, and everything is clear and not strident or muddied by emotion and conjecture. Then her back matter is great! Pages of resources for going vegan, names of famous vegans like Senator Corey Booker, Venus and Serena Williams, Jane Goodall and more. Terrific pages of articles to read for more information. This book is top notch!
September 6, 2025
Eating to Save the Planet is a jam-packed book filled with great material and ideas all told in an interesting user-friendly manner. Information, such as animal sentience or what is being done to improve sustainable agriculture and food production and why, is shared in an approachable, unpretentious tone. Full color art spreads are sprinkled throughout, along with many other vibrant illustrations. Back matter includes an interesting author’s note, famous vegans, and questions about protein and vitamins all answered in a way readers can understand. Further resources include a multitude of websites, movie titles, books, bibliography, articles, and a concise index. You really can’t go wrong having this book on the shelf for kids to return to again and again. Highly recommended for families, as well as all school and public libraries.
December 31, 2025
What an insightful book! It’s a great foundational book for elementary and has lots of resources for further research.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews