Nature’s Best Hope (Young Readers’ Edition): How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard

The target age group of Nature’s Best Hope is 8-12 years old. In my opinion, this book isn’t just for young readers. Adapted from the original book by Doug Tallamy, it contains all the information to help you understand the small steps you can take to make an impact. Share this book with your young reader, but make sure you read it, too! 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.

About the Author of Nature’s Best Hope

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 97 research publications and has taught insect-related courses for 40 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, published by Timber Press in 2007, was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers’ Association. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, the 2018 AHS B. Y. Morrison Communication Award, and the 2019 Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award.

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Portland, Maine.

Nature’s Best Hope Details

This paperback version is 7.9″ x 5.5″ and has 256 pages. The photos in the book are black and white.

Plants We Offer

Joyful Butterfly carries many of the plants cited in this book. Since butterflies and caterpillars play a crucial role in nature, caring for butterflies naturally benefits all of nature. Check out our page on Wild Black Cherry Tree, New England Asters, and Showy Goldenrod.  We carry many other host and nectar plants that are vital to every part of the butterfly life cycle.