One Planet, Many Passions—Find Your Earth Day Focus

What Is Earth Day? 

Earth Day is an annual global event focused on environmental protection while encouraging actions that support a healthier planet. Are there Earth Day events in your neighborhood? 

When Is Earth Day 2026?

Earth Day is held every year on April 22 during Earth Month, which is always the month of April. Earth Day 2026 will be celebrated on April 22, 2026. 

Where Is Earth Day Celebrated? 

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide, in schools, libraries, parks, and communities across more than 190 countries, with both in-person and virtual events. 

How Can You Celebrate Earth Day and Earth Month? 

You can celebrate Earth Month and Earth Day by reducing waste, planting trees, and joining local events. Here at Hoopla, we have collected eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and BingePasses to celebrate Earth Day. Choose a focus and find out more about the subject. 

What’s Your Earth Day Focus?  

Water, Climate, Waste & Recycling, or Nature?  

Pick your focus and learn more about how you can make an impact. 

Water 

Audiobooks

The Sea Around Us audiobook cover

The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson and read by Kaiulani Lee 

Published in 1951, The Sea Around Us became a huge hit thanks to Rachel Carson’s mix of science and beautiful writing. It topped bestseller lists, won major awards, and sold over a million copies. Packed with vivid ocean scenes and fascinating facts, it still feels fresh and captures the ocean’s mystery in a really engaging way. 


Water in Plain Site audiobook cover art

Water in Plain Sight by Judith D. Schwartz and read by Tia Rider 

Water’s no longer something we can take for granted. It’s tied to money, politics, and how we live. As shortages grow, people are finding creative ways to adapt. This book shows how smart practices can restore landscapes and build water resilience. 


Troubled water audiobook cover art

Troubled Water by Seth M. Siegel and read by Tim Campbell 

This carefully researched book is packed with eye-opening stories about contaminated water across the country and the everyday people who pushed for safer drinking water. It wraps up with what the US needs to do to fix years of neglect and cautious inaction to protect this vital resource. 


eBooks 

Water Always Wins eBook cover

Water Always Wins by Erica Gies 

In this low-key but eye-opening book, Erica Gies explores the “Slow Water” movement, where experts rethink how we treat water by asking: what does it actually need? Instead of rushing it away, they work with its natural rhythms to prevent floods, store water, and support ecosystems, showing a smarter, more sustainable way forward. 


Where the River Flows eBook cover

Where the River Flows by Sean W. Fleming 

Rivers shape life and civilization, but do we really understand them? Where the River Flows takes you on a fascinating journey from backyard creeks to mighty rivers like the Mississippi and Yangtze, exploring their patterns, science, and surprising links to our world. 


Oceans for Dummies by Ashlan Cousteau, Philppe Cousteau, and Joseph Kraynak 

This book makes the ocean easy to understand, from phytoplankton that produce oxygen to currents that shape our climate. It’s full of fun facts about wild creatures, like mantis shrimp and see-through fish. 


Comics 

Wild Oceans: Sharks, Whales, Rays, and Other Endangered Sea Creatures by Matt Dembicki with various illustrators 

This graphic novel collection by Matt Dembicki brings together stories about 12 iconic endangered sea animals. Created with the nonprofit PangeaSeed, it mixes fantastic visuals with real science to teach readers about ocean life and inspire people to care more about protecting it. 


Hubert Reeves Explains: Vol. 3 – Oceans by Hubert Reeves and Vandermeulen and illustrated by Danieal Casanave 

On a deep-sea journey, Hubert Reeves explains how oceans formed, why they’re salty, and what drives tides and currents. He explores the incredible life beneath the waves and shows how oceans shape our planet’s future, and why protecting them matters. 


Fire on the Water graphic novel cover

Fire on the Water by Scott MacGregor and illustrated by Gary Dumm 

This graphic novel reimagines the 1916 Lake Erie tunnel disaster in Cleveland, following workers, immigrants, and a Black inventor inspired by Garrett Morgan. It blends history and fiction to explore an early ecological disaster, along with themes of racism and class inequality. 


BingePass 

Curiosity Stream BingePass   

Get unlimited access to thousands of documentaries and series on science, nature, history, travel, and beyond. There’s content here for all ages, including a special Curiosity KIDS collection designed to engage and educate younger viewers. 

BingePasses give you instant access to entire collections and premium streaming services for a single borrow through your local public library. With a BingePass you get unlimited, free seven-day access to binge movies, magazines, books, and more with your library card. 

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Climate 

Audiobooks 

How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Practical Guide to Surviving the Chaos ebook art

How to Prepare for Climate Change written and read by David Pogue  

Practical, well-researched advice on getting ready for what’s ahead. Pogue covers what to grow and eat, how to build and insure, where to invest, and how to prep your kids and pets. He even suggests places to move. Plus, there are tips for handling stress and step-by-step plans for dealing with everything from storms to wildfires and disease. 


Losing Earth: A Recent History audiobook cover

Losing Earth by Nathaniel Rich and read by Matt Godfrey 

Rich’s book tells a more personal, human story of climate change. It digs into how climate denial began and how fossil fuel companies used misinformation to slow action. It also looks at today, reflecting on past mistakes and what they mean for our future. 


Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the world audiobook cover

Unstoppable written and read by Bill Nye  

Bill Nye shares his hopeful, science-driven message: challenges are chances to innovate. He sees environmental issues as opportunities to build a cleaner, smarter world, not problems to fear. We don’t have to accept wasted energy, harmful emissions, or a damaged planet for future generations. 


eBooks 

Human Nature by Kate Marvel 

A fresh take on climate change, told through nine emotions. Marvel shows how feelings like wonder, anger, and love can help us understand the science and actually care enough to act. Each chapter blends emotion with insight, turning big feelings into motivation, and making a powerful case for why we need to feel more to do better. 


Looking Up eBook cover

Looking Up by Matthew Cappucci 

Rising meteorologist Matthew Cappucci (part Doogie Howser, part Twister hero) shares his love for weather in Looking Up. Mixing personal stories, science, and reporting, he takes readers through weather basics, climate impacts, and his journey with mentors who helped him chase big dreams. 


Climate Optimism eBook cover

Climate Optimism by Zahra Biabani 

Climate activist Zahra Biabani focuses on hope and action, showing why staying optimistic about climate change matters. She highlights real solutions and uplifting trends, showing how we can protect the planet without feeling overwhelmed. 


Comics 

Climate Changed written and illustrated by Philippe Squarzoni 

This graphic novel dives into climate change—its causes, impacts, and what individuals can do. Philippe Squarzoni blends scientific research, expert interviews, and personal insight to make complex ideas clear, weighing real solutions against false promises. It’s a thoughtful, balanced look at the crisis and a call to take meaningful action. 


You Are a Sacred Place eBook cover art

You Are a Sacred Place written and illustrated by Madeleine Jubilee Saito 

Written as a heartfelt letter, this book moves from isolation and grief toward hope, community, and connection. Blending faith with climate and disability justice, Saito encourages imagining life beyond fossil fuel systems. 


Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan for Rewliding Every City on Earth eBook cover

Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan for Rewilding Every City on Earth written and illustrated by Steve Mushin 

Join inventive thinker Steve Mushin as he dreams up wild but science-based ideas to fight climate change. From robot birds that rebuild habitats to sewer submarines and compost cannons, he mixes creativity, science, and big plans for greener, future-ready cities. 

BingePass 

Science Squad BingePass cover art

Science Squad BingePass  

This collection offers 100+ eBooks that make science, tech, and engineering fun for kids 4–12. Packed with engaging topics, colorful infographics, and diverse role models, it shows real-world STEM in action, from medicine to transportation. Kids can explore independently or in class, starting with basics like weather, senses, and states of matter. 

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Waste & Recycling

Audiobook 

Garbology audiobook cover

Garbology by Edward Humes and read by Joe Barrett 

Trash cans are just the beginning of a weird, eye-opening, and expensive journey, and maybe a huge missed opportunity. In Garbology, Edward Humes digs into our waste, what it costs, and how some people turn it into opportunity. With wild stories and real solutions, it shows what our trash says about us and how we can actually benefit from changing it. 


Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy audiobook cover

Discarded by Sarah Gabbott and Jan Zalasiewicz and read by Clare Staniforth  

Everyday items like pens, phones, and teabags are made to last but often get thrown away. These “technofossils” will stick around for ages. Over time, they can even change rocks and groundwater in surprising ways. This book explores science revealing humanity’s long-term impact on Earth. 


Finding Genius: Understanding Microplastics audiobook cover

Finding Genius: Understanding Microplastics by Richard Jacobs and read by Matt Doyle 

In 2016, Jacobs’s curiosity about AI, 3D printing, blockchain, and more sparked the Future Tech podcast. After interviewing nearly 4,000 experts, he built a deep knowledge base and the Finding Genius book series, sharing unique stories and insights on topics like viruses, cancer, and, in this book, microplastics. 

eBooks 

Recycling for Dummies ebook cover art

Recycling for Dummies by Sarah Winkler 

Recycling for Dummies clears up what you can actually recycle without all the confusion. It explains symbols, rules, and where your stuff goes in simple terms. You’ll also get practical tips for reusing items and making smarter choices every day to cut waste and help the planet. 


An Almost-Zero Waste Life

An Almost-Zero Waste Life by Megean Weldon 

Megean Weldon, aka the Zero Waste Nerd, guides you through a realistic, approachable path to sustainable living. Packed with tips, recipes, strategies, and DIY projects, this beautifully designed guide makes reducing waste feel doable and even fun. 


Zero Waste eBook cover art

Zero Waste by Shia Su 

What if cutting your waste and carbon footprint could actually be simple? Or even fun? Shia Su proves it is, fitting a year’s trash into a mason jar. She breaks down zero-waste living with easy tips, quick fixes, and practical advice to help you get started. 

Comics 

Trashed comic book cover

Trashed written and illustrated by Derf Backderf 

Trashed is a raucous, gritty tribute to the world’s toughest, stinkiest job: garbage collecting. Following three friends as they haul trash through heat, cold, and small-town chaos, Derf mixes wild fictional adventures with real-life insights about where our garbage actually goes, making it both funny and surprisingly informative. 


The Diary of a (Nearly) Zero-Waste family cover art

The Diary of a (Nearly) Zero-Waste Family written and illustrated by Bénédicte Moret  

In 2014, a French family of four tried living zero waste for a year, and got their trash down to one small jar. Using simple habits like composting, DIY, and buying in bulk, they made it work. In this fun, illustrated book, the mother herself shares their story. 


Going Green: Giving it My (Almost) All for the Planet comic cover

Going Green: Giving It My (Almost) All for the Planet written and illustrated by Robert Maïté 

Maïté shares humorous, relatable stories about living a greener life, from DIY deodorant to buying secondhand furniture. She draws on her own successes and setbacks to show how doable (and sometimes tricky) going green can be. Her vignettes make eco-living feel personal and fun. 

BingePass 

Highlights BingePass artwork cover

The Highlights Collection BingePass 

Everyone who loves Highlights magazine will love this digital platform from the same publisher. It offers a mix of audiobooks, eBooks, and movies, plus over 200 interactive series like The TimbertoesListen and LearnTex and Indi, and Ask Arizona, providing hours of fun, educational content including a lot of nature-related information. 

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Nature 

Audiobooks

Underland audiobook cover

Underland by Robert Macfarlane and read by Matthew Waterson 

A fascinating dive into our connection with darkness and what’s beneath us, both physically and mentally. Macfarlane travels through “deep time,” from ancient caves to future nuclear sites, mixing his own journeys with stories of explorers, artists, and others who’ve ventured underground, revealing a hidden world that shapes how we see life and death. 


A Walk in the Woods audiobook cover

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson and read by Ron McLarty 

After 20 years in England, Bill Bryson returned to the US and decided the best way to reconnect was hiking the Appalachian Trail. This funny, adventurous book follows his trek from Georgia to Maine, full of quirky characters, wild scenery, and hilarious mishaps.


Is a River Alive audiobook cover art

Is a River Alive? written and read by Robert Macfarlane  

Macfarlane takes readers on three amazing journeys—to Ecuador’s cloud forests, India’s damaged waterways, and Canada’s wild rivers—while weaving in the story of a small chalk stream near his home. Full of vivid writing, the book explores how rivers connect to our lives and fate. 

eBooks 

Bicycling With Butterflies ebook cover art

Bicycling with Butterflies by Sara Dykman 
Sara Dykman became the first person to bike alongside monarch butterflies on their epic migration: over 10,000 miles across three countries, solo, on a DIY bike. In Bicycling with Butterflies, she shares the highs and lows of the journey, from rough roads to meeting people along the way, all while spreading her love for monarch conservation. 


Into the Planet by Jill Heinerth 

Jill Heinerth, a record-breaking cave diver, shares her intense underwater adventures, from Antarctic icebergs to hidden caves. She dives into life-or-death moments, challenges for women, and scientific discoveries, showing both the danger and beauty of exploring Earth’s hidden waters. 


The Hidden Life of Trees eBook cover art

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben 

Trees act a lot like families. They communicate, share nutrients, and support each other. Living in groups helps them survive tough conditions and live longer, while isolated trees struggle. Backed by new science, this book reveals the hidden social lives of trees and how they connect. 

Comics 

Hubert Reeves Explains: Vol. 1 - Biodiversity

Hubert Reeves Explains: Vol. 1 – Biodiversity by Nelly Boutinot and Hubert Reeves and illustrated by Daniel Casanave 

After years studying the stars, Hubert Reeves now focuses on Earth’s future. The friendly and passionate astrophysicist takes readers on an eye-opening journey, showing why protecting our environment is more important than ever. 


Discovery Channel's top 10 Deadliest Sharks cover art

Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Deadliest Sharks by Joe Brusha with various illustrators  

Discovery Channel’s first graphic novel, The Top 10 Deadliest Sharks, dives into the world of these ancient, fierce predators. For centuries, sharks have ruled the seas and kept humans on edge with their sheer power and presence. 


BingePass 

Smile and Learn BingePass cover art

Smile and Learn BingePass 

So much to do! This learning platform has 14,000+ games and activities for kids 3–12, including ones with nature themes. Designed by educators, it keeps learning fun, personalized, and accessible, including support for special needs and lots of languages.  

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Why Do We Celebrate Earth Day? 

We celebrate Earth Day to teach people about the planet. It’s a day to inspire people and communities to take action on issues like water, climate, waste/recycling, and nature. 

Test Your Knowledge of the Environment and Earth Day 

Q. What region on the planet does 20% of the planet’s oxygen come from? 

A. The Amazon Rainforest 

Q. Who is credited with being the founder of Earth Day? 

A. Environmentalist and senator Gaylord Nelson 

Q. What are the three Rs of Earth Day? 

A. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 

Q. What percentage of the Earth is covered by water? 

A. Approximately 71% 

Discover with Hoopla 

Earth Day is the perfect time to explore new ideas and take action for our planet. No matter what your focus is, you can make a difference on Earth Day, Earth Month, and all year long. 

*Title availability may vary.