How is climate activism represented in award-winning children’s picturebooks? A critical content analysis

Purpose Anthropogenic climate change presents urgent challenges requiring collective action. The purpose of this study is to examine how children’s picture books can serve as important tools for introducing youth to environmental responsibility and real-world activism. Design/methodology/approach Using a critical content analysis methodology, this study examined how climate change activism is represented in nine contemporary, award-winning picture books published between 2020 and 2023. Guided by Fletcher and Holyoke’s (2023) framework of activism typologies, texts were analyzed for narrative and visual elements that portray children’s agency in environmental contexts. Findings Findings reveal a spectrum of activism, ranging from everyday, to expansive, to transformative action and including activism that is only implied. This study reveals how these representations provide varied entry points for young readers to imagine themselves as capable environmental actors. Research limitations/implications Implications for teachers’ text selection and literacy instruction are discussed, including suggestions for how teachers can incorporate these texts through inquiry-based pedagogies that support young readers in engaging with policymakers around climate change topics. Originality/value Moreover, this study holds implications for how picture books may support children’s sense of self-efficacy and understanding of climate justice.