Writing a Book, Reading a Book, Changing the World? Young Adult Nonfiction on Sustainability

Abstract: Young people are key players in environmental sustainability, interested in environmental topics and eager to learn. Nonfiction, often seen as a literature of facts, has been lately recognized as a literature of questions, encouraging critical engagement. But is there room for questions in young adult nonfiction on environmentalism, where presenting the facts of climate change is one of the crucial tasks? A content analysis of Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty and Planet, ki ne raste ( The Planet That Does Not Grow ) by Lučka Kajfež Bogataj demonstrates that environmental topics can be addressed comprehensively—providing facts and solutions while also fostering critical thinking and engagement.