This appealing picture book introduces children to the concept of sustainable communities. Based on actual events, the young narrator leads students on a tour of Greensburg, Kansas before and after a devastating tornado. As a new town emerges from the rubble there is a clear message that sustainability begins at home and we can all make small changes that ensure a better future for our planet.
Click here for more information regarding the author's books, school visits, or teaching resources.
This story offers a great introduction to sustainability concepts like renewable resources and alternative energy technologies. The book also supports science outcomes related to weather and environmental issues.
An interesting aspect of the book is that there is an accompanying website with photo galleries of the rebuilding process in Greensburg. The website highlights community involvement with activities that can easily become the basis of school action projects. A class could develop and present a plan to education officials to reduce energy use in the school building through simple changes like using LED lightbulbs. Community partnerships could also involve students in local conservation projects such as building rain gardens to reduce flooding.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.