Nature's Best Hope: How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard

by Douglas W. Tallamy, Sarah L. Thomson (Adapter)

This middle grade edition of the groundbreaking bestseller by Doug Tallamy will inspire kids to use their backyard to help save the planet.

Douglas W. Tallamy awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this middle grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller Nature's Best Hope, Tallamy outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation that everyone can participate in regardless of age. 

In Nature's Best Hope (Young Readers' Edition), Tallamy empowers kids to use their own yards to help combat the negative effects of climate change. He does so by breaking down complex concepts into simple terms and real-world examples that kids can easily grasp. Black and white photographs help further clarify concepts. In addition to sharing the science, Tallamy encourages kids to take direct action. Some of these ideas include planting an oak tree (one of the most important tree species) at home. If that’s too large of a task, he suggests they can plant asters—a beautiful flower whose pollen bees use to feed their young. By helping the next generation see that they have power and agency over our collective future, this empowering book will drive home the positive point that kids are truly nature’s best hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Nature, Gardening, Environment, Science, Childrens

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

About the author

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 88 research publications and has taught Insect Taxonomy, Behavioral Ecology, Humans and Nature, Insect Ecology, and other courses for 36 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens was published by Timber Press in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers' Association. The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Timber Press, for the advance reading copy.

I love the cover so much!

And I do find the contents young reader friendly. However, I would suggest the contents have more colours with more illustrations/pictures as it would be less distracting for the target audience while reading this book.

Presentation wise, chapters are short, easy to read and follow. However, I was expecting to see some pictures or some form of art in each chapter.

The information given is good. You will enjoy this.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done young reader's edition of Nature's Best Hope. It contains enough explanation, engaging and relatable stories at the same time. The photos and illustrations are very lovely and cute. I think this book will inspire kids to really look outside and appreciate what's out there. Even though it is a young reader's edition, it is definitely great and entertaining for adults as well. The only thing I missed is what you can do if you/your parents don't own a yard. Loads of kids grow up in flat or apartment buildings with only a small balcony. It would be nice to give some tips on a balcony solution as well, like a bird house or small plants.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to read.

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like the author, Doug Tallamy, is an old friend: I saw him speak twice this year as I was getting continuing education credit hours for my continuing Master Gardener’s certification — on January 14 at Ohio State University Tending Nature Webinar and then at the Master Gardeners of Spokane Cabin Fever Symposium Keynote on March 12. He inspired me to register my own garden acreage as a Homegrown National Park. And just as this ARC became available, his original book, “Nature’s Best Secret” was the monthly selection of the Ashton Gardens Secret Garden Book Club on August 26. I am so excited to tell the book club participants that this book would be available for younger readers, too!

Mr. Tallamy is a celebrated advocate of preserving everyday spaces for wildlife, cultivating native plants, practicing conservation and preventing the extinction of both endangered animals and plants. His basic approach is to start within your reach — in your backyard. Conservation shouldn’t be left to specialists — anyone, including young people can participate.

Compared with the original version (thanks to my book club), this version is perfect for those with just the beginning understanding of conservation efforts. The adaption by Sarah L. Thompson covers almost everything the adult version does, but with more relatable stories, simpler explanations and less references/scientific history. Most of the same photos are included. The Q and A section challenges kids to approach grownups to make the changes out of young people’s reach (since they are not the landowners) and gives them talking points for making small and significant changes.

5 stars! Doug Tallamy is an important contributor to preserving native plants and protecting local wildlife for all ages. This book will be a valuable addition to young readers and libraries. Thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Karen]

The author wants to empower kids to use their own yards to help combat climate change. He breaks down complex concepts into simple terms and gives real-world examples that kids can easily understand.

There are beautiful illustrations to also clarify concepts.

In addition to sharing the science, he shows kids how to take direct action.

Plant a tree.
Or a flower.

The key is to help kids see their own importance to saving our planet. One step at a time.

This is a beautiful book targeted to ages 8-12.

[Karen Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro to pollinators and their plant needs for younger readers. Helpful websites. Nice photos.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisconsin Middle School Battle of the Books 2024 -2025

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young readers’ edition of Nature’s Best Hope explains the concepts of the adult book at a middle school grade level. Basically, nature is in trouble and our national parks aren’t big enough to save all the wildlife. But privately owned yards? If enough people planted at least part of their yards into plants native to their local area, all those parts of yards would add up to amazing wildlife corridors, or a Homegrown National Park! The text in the book is accessible to a variety of kids and adults. Only huge drawback is that the photographs of awesome insects, birds, plants, etc are all in black and white. Color photos would appeal more to kids (and probably adults, too).

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent nonfiction book that shows how small steps by anyone at any age can help preserve the planet. I think this is a great compliment for classroom curriculum for upper grade/middle school students. You can use with topics such as: environment, climate, biomes, activist. Just choose the chapters that support your topic you’re teaching.

[Lydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice and goal, explained clearly and consistent for young readers. However, aimed at the USA audience in terms of relevant plants and animals.

[Henry Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read after high school to get me back into reading for pleasure. It’s a nice change of pace reading for yourself and not for school

[Cassandra Grabhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the bomb! We should add to every little library and make it a must-read in schools... young readers could also gift this to their grandparents. ♡

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like the author, Doug Tallamy, is an old friend: I saw him speak twice this year as I was getting continuing education credit hours for my continuing Master Gardener’s certification — on January 14 at Ohio State University Tending Nature Webinar and then at the Master Gardeners of Spokane Cabin Fever Symposium Keynote on March 12. He inspired me to register my own garden acreage as a Homegrown National Park. And just as this ARC became available, his original book, “Nature’s Best Secret” was the monthly selection of the Ashton Gardens Secret Garden Book Club on August 26. I am so excited to tell the book club participants that this book would be available for younger readers, too!

Mr. Tallamy is a celebrated advocate of preserving everyday spaces for wildlife, cultivating native plants, practicing conservation and preventing the extinction of both endangered animals and plants. His basic approach is to start within your reach — in your backyard. Conservation shouldn’t be left to specialists — anyone, including young people can participate.

Compared with the original version (thanks to my book club), this version is perfect for those with just the beginning understanding of conservation efforts. The adaption by Sarah L. Thompson covers almost everything the adult version does, but with more relatable stories, simpler explanations and less references/scientific history. Most of the same photos are included. The Q and A section challenges kids to approach grownups to make the changes out of young people’s reach (since they are not the landowners) and gives them talking points for making small and significant changes.

5 stars! Doug Tallamy is an important contributor to preserving native plants and protecting local wildlife for all ages. This book will be a valuable addition to young readers and libraries. Thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too simplistic. Does not consider climates different than midwest/east.

[A.J. Seiffertt · Rating 2 out of 5]

i mean celebrating white men conservationists is fine; i read and loved e.o. wilson too, back in the day. but our planet’s future would be best served by listening to Indigenous people across *all* earth’s ecosystems (not just… delaware?) and learning how to best support and regenerate those ecosystems by cooperating with nature, not just… “national parks” and “replace your lawn” and “only have one child” etc. like, ok, sure, those are great choices if you have those choices… but most people don’t, and sure don’t own a mansion like those pictured in the book. 🙄 and ok those are average ideas from the 80s, but there’s so many better ways to teach kids ways they can help!!! and… has he talked to kids the age he wants to reach who already have better ideas!!???
ugh. it isn’t hard to not exclude people who’ve been doing it better all this time, and people already doing better.
also, ffs say “enslaved people” at the very least, not “slaves” when talking about thomas jefferson.
also, he says “when europeans can here they cleared land for monoculture farming” (paraphrase) but like… “cleared land”?!? WHOSE land?!?
also, he says sad things about “pilgrims” coming here and “cutting down all the trees” and there is ZERO mention of who was already here caring for those trees??? ack.
honestly my eyes rolled a lot reading this. it’s just so easy to do better these days, talk to people outside your demographic, man.
nice photos of birds and plants, except they’re black and white in the paperback version, and not very detailed, so not helpful for kids identifying them…

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up just for fun from a library display promoting gardens and plants. I will admit that this book has convinced me to plant more native plants once I get around to changing the yard (we just moved to a new house), which I wasn't planning on doing before reading this book. We have some beautiful birds that like the trees we have here, plus I can see the old nest of a larger bird (most likely a hawk or something similar given our location?), and I find that I rather enjoy them and would love to encourage more to come.

One of the parts I found strange and didn't like was the author promoting one-child families (no more), to stop the increase of the human family, without promoting measures like plant-based diets and other sustainable measures that help us use the land more wisely, save resources, etc.

All in all I did like the idea of making "biological corridors" and a "Home-grown National Park."

Notes for later:
HomegrownNationalPark.org - register your yard and see how it contributes to the size of the Home-grown National Park
Bee hotels and water features
Two-thirds for the birds (landscaping 1/2 to 2/3 of your yard with native plants)
Native Plant Finder: nwf.org/NativePlantFinder
Plants for Birds: audubon.org/plantsforbirds
iNaturalist: inaturalist.org (I have already had this app for years and love it)
Merlin bird ID app: merlin.allaboutbirds.org
Pollen Specialist Bees: Central US - jarrowfowler.com/bees_pollen.html, Eastern US - jarrodfowler.com/host_plants.html, Western US - jarrodfowler.com/pollen_specialist.html

[Charessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the eGalley to review!

An excellent edition of an already incredible nonfiction title. I feel like this is exactly what the newer generations need to help us restore our precious planet to the haven for life it once was by doing our part here in the United States (the region that is emphasized in the book). It is simple to understand and the most important points are repeated in quote text to really drive them home.

This would be a wonderful book to pair with any educational program that teaches kids about the importance of the environment. Its readability makes it accessible and a relatively fast read. Even if it isn't paired with a program, there are instructions embedded for kids to take their own initiative, making it an excellent book to have multiple copies of in a collection. If you're thinking of aiming it to teens, however, be aware that it repeatedly says "your grown-ups" and thus might be a bit patronizing (it is the "young reader's edition" after all). I would suggest the original in that case.

I've read many a children's book about conservation and environmentalism and this one is of the two best that I've read (the other being Braiding Sweetgrass). I truly and undoubtedly believe this is a crucial read for our children here in the U.S.

[Zahnii (Suzanne) Artis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this book is really important and found a few takeaways:
1- decrease your lawn space - Lawn do not offer habitats or food or shelter two creatures/insects/birds- I think of them as kind of like junk food for humans - junk food just fill space and does not offer any nutrition
2-plant native species like especially milkweed, which supports monarch butterflies
3- many insects eat a specific plants- for example, monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed
4- caterpillars are essential as food for baby birds since they cannot eat seeds even if they do as adults
5- native plants can support caterpillar populations as well as leaving leaves on the ground so that when they drop they have a soft landing
6- Animals don’t tend to stay only in one place for example box turtles, live in forests, but need a sunny place to lay their eggs and often leave the forest to do so

One part that I did balk at was this tiny section about the human population and that each of us should just have one child. I don’t think that we should tell people how many children to have. It’s such a personal decision.

Also think this book was generally for homeowners and people who own land. I would’ve appreciated some suggestions for people in apartments or otherwise.

[Kim Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conservation and biology concepts can be difficult for younger readers to grasp. In this book, Douglas Tallamy breaks it all down into manageable chunks so that readers can understand the science. He is a well-known advocate for leaving spaces for nature, and our own backyard is the main area we all have influence over. There are a lot of ways we can help. Leaving native vegetation, planting native species in our yards, planting trees, Not disturbing habitat (leaves) to save caterpillars, and so much more. We can all contribute. That's the main point of the book. Even young people have something to contribute toward the effort to fight climate change and extinction of species. We can all do something. Kids can share what they know and help adults understand the urgency to do something to save the species around us. It's great to see a young readers' version of this book. I have read the original and can't recommend it enough. Now, there's a young reader version too. I highly recommend this!

[Becky Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more, as I agree with Tallamy’s central thesis: we should all be striving to plant more natives and restore habitat to a better condition on the land we maintain. Current cultural norms are antithetical to our survival on this planet.

There were a couple of big issues that got in the way for me; the over generalizations about human nature, the exclusion of other (non-Western/colonized) cultural practices towards land stewardship, and some instances of outdated language.

As someone who is very passionate about nature who works with kids who don’t have much of a relationship with nature, I cannot tell you how sad it makes me that the pictures are all in black and white. It completely defeats the purpose of including pictures in the first place. In a book that seeks to inspire kids to take action, it would’ve been worth springing for a slightly more expensive color version rather than requiring them to google the images if they really want to see what each image is trying to convey. I promise you, most kids won’t find it worth the time.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this brilliant middle grade nonfiction book during a cottage vacation, which was quite fitting. The home we stayed at had a beautifully wild and natural landscape, full of native plants, birds, bugs, and so many trees.

The home was near a provincial park, so keeping up with the natural landscape seemed to be the norm. It was the kind of wild, native landscape that creatures, big and small, dream of. The kind of landscape and backyard that our book today encourages everyone to aspire to have.

In it, it details how perfectly manicured lawns have absolutely no positive impact on the environment and that letting your landscapes go a bit wild is the best approach in making an effort to fight climate change.

This book is a wonderful adaptation of the original book, 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦: 𝘈 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘠𝘢𝘳𝘥 by Douglas w. Tallamy, that includes activities and tips for readers ages 8-12 years, on how to make their outdoor spaces more an ecosystem haven.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction. I have been wanting to read Douglas Tallamy for awhile as I keep seeing his name everywhere-- gardening magazines, conservation booklists, etc. When I saw the young reader's edition of one of his books I seized the opportunity. Tallamy shares all about ecosystems, biodiversity, and why exactly we should care if there are fewer caterpillars or insects. He stresses food chains and connectivity, how we all need plants and insects. Despite tackling such a huge issue, he treats it as an issue that can be solved. We can plant native plants in our yard. We can mow less, make a smaller lawn, or add a small water feature. I love that he gives actionable steps and shows how one yard can make a difference. He cites multiple people and studies counting species in an area, showing how one yard with native plants might have over 100 kinds of birds there. An inspiring book, and this was a quick read for me that would be very palatable for an interested young reader.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about “Homegrown National Park” which was exactly what I hoped to gain from this book - a tutorial on native gardening to support nature, especially pollinators.

I was utterly dumbfounded when, based on misguided assumptions about overpopulation, the author advocated for everyone only having one child - in a version of the book meant for young readers! Even if I agreed with his position that limiting family size to one child is the solution for the world’s ecological ills, I do not agree with putting this on school aged children. I do not agree with his position at all - China already tried that and now the government is trying to encourage people to have multiple children so that their society doesn’t collapse. And in patriarchal places where only one child is allowed, sex-selective abortions targeting baby girls are all too common. This chapter was a disappointing detour in the book. It also ignored the real problem, which is the extreme consumption of Western cultures.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great piece of science communication to the younger audience! Professor Tallamy adapts his bestseller on natura conservation for the youngest audience, but also great to be consumed by everyone else!
The writing is clear, informative and easy to take in! It has great calls to action with clear how-to.
The illustrations are very nice, alongside with the many photos, which works to keep readers of all ages engaged and gives them first-hand knowledge of what to look for, regarding these issues of conservation.
Keep in mind that the book is geared to information of Northern-American native species and problems in ecosystems.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. In easy-to-understand terms, Tallamy presents the problem that urban sprawl causes to animal habitat and the consequences of habitat loss. Tallamy offers practical, and in many cases, very low-cost solutions and changes that can be adopted by most persons in most environments. His purpose seems to be to inform and offer realistic alternatives to some practices that are widespread now.

Tallamy is a proponent of population control, but in this middle-school adaptation, the method he suggests is voluntary limiting family size. I would like to read the adult version...I am concerned that the views expressed there might not be so mainstream.

[Olivia Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book after listening to the author’s interview on the 1000 hours outside podcast (highly recommend). This book was an enjoyable read with my 7 year old and I personally learned so much I didn’t know before. This is a book you can easily go back and reference for lists of native plants, invasive species, etc., and I’m sure I will.

The biggest problem I have with this book is that the pictures are in black and white!! I almost returned it and got the “adult” version of the book so we could have the book in color, but ultimately decided not to. It loses a star for that alone, because a book with nature photography should absolutely be in color.

[Emily Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the adult version a while back. The author writes like a professor and not a story teller. I had a hard time getting through that book. Then recently, i was looking for another book of Mr Tallamy’s Bring Natiure Home from the library and found this one. To be honest, i got the titles confused. So i ended up reading a young persons’ version of a book i already read. I found this version to be way more easy to read. Each chapter was more relatable and storytelling like. I dont know what it says about my comprehension and reading skills that i preferred the youth version but i would definitely recommend this book over the adult version.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it's popular to create "young reader's editions" of a number of adult nonfiction books, but I have to say this one is one of my favorites. It successfully honors the material of the original while adapting it to a young adult audience. I found the combination of narrative and photos to be engaging. I also think this is an inspirational book with tangible action items for kids while avoiding scare tactics. It really is beautifully inspired and I hope many children and adults will read this one!

***Note: I was provided a review copy of this book via Timber Press. Opinions are my own.

[Bethann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this book until it got to a chapter that really screamed Eugenics. Considering that this book was adapted for a younger audience, I am pretty curious what the adult version says about this idea of limiting people having children. It knocked the book straight down to a one and I felt it was inappropriate for younger people to read. If I was a sibling of more than one or two, I would feel so guilty after reading this; I felt this concept was not presented factually and would cause more chaos in a home than good.

[Dasha Fuge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read! It was especially moving and emotional to know that a lot of the issues can be solved so simply. That the solution was and is right in front of us. The book is written so well, simple and easily digestible for younger people or kids but not so easy that an adult is turned away from it. If you're looking at getting into more nonfiction this year, I beg; no I IMPLORE you to read this book.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for young and old alike.
I give it 4.75 stars, only because I like color photos in my books. I know, I know, less expensive to print in b & w.
Inspirational to avid eco warriors and new to conservation folks. Get out there and change the world for the better, one small Homegrown National Park at a time!