If March comes in like a lion, then it will go out like a lamb. Or so went the folkloric forecast of the past. Certainly, today’s increasingly sophisticated weather technology has supplanted such iffy predictions and now allows for greater accuracy.
Broadly defined, weather is the state of the atmosphere relative to moisture, wind speed, temperature, etc. But that’s a rather prosaic summing up of what to kids often seems magical. Why does rain suddenly fall on a sunny day? How can a tornado appear so quickly and wreak such destruction? What makes the wind blow? These books address general questions and consider weather extremes caused by climate change and environmental damage.
As part of National Geographic’s popular Explore My World series, this book is the perfect go-to for curious youngsters. Color photos and accessible text describe clouds, storms and even ways to watch the weather (windsocks, anemometers, satellites). It ends with a rainbow, which occurs “when sunlight shines through tiny raindrops floating in the air.”
What is wind? Opening with this key question, local author Debra Shumaker then explains wind as something ever-changing, something felt but not seen. “Wind is a dance … warm air leaps high, while cool air bows low.” Apt textual metaphors also appear in the art. This helps kids better understand what happens when wind grows stronger and faster. Across double-page spreads, they see it morph from nudging teammate (tailwind) to “ornery opponent” (headwind) to hurtling train (derecho). Four pages of back matter encourage additional investigation. The National Council of Teachers of English selected this lyrical, lovely title as a 2025 Notable Poetry Book.
This informative book seems especially timely given last year’s major disasters in the United States: Hurricane Helene, devastating California wildfires and more than 1,700 tornadoes. And because so many disasters are tied to climate change, their number and severity should only increase with time. Stunning photos accompany clear explanations of droughts, blizzards, thunderstorms, heat waves and so on, and sidebars on safety tips and nature’s warning signs appear throughout. The book ends with actions that kids might take to protect the environment so that “weather doesn’t get worse.”
It’s hard for young people to grasp the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – the danger, flooding, destruction and loss. This compelling graphic novel immerses them in the experience of extreme weather. As the turbulent waters rise in New Orleans, Barry is swept away from his family. He must rely on himself and the frightened dog he rescues. Together they contend with snakes, swim through debris and spend a sleepless night on a rooftop – before reuniting with family. Back matter includes the account of the illustrator (a New Orleans native), details of heroic rescues and new safety measures.
Given the scope of the climate crisis, can we create positive change if we act quickly? Bestselling Washington author Debbie Levy describes the beneficial role of carbon – and the damage caused with the release of too much when fossil fuels are burned. She then examines how the earth repairs itself and the effect of kelp, mangroves and dirt on this process. But though mighty, “they are not enough.” Humans, too, must do their part, by changing their power sources, agricultural practices and modes of transportation. The back matter provides practical examples of people and communities taking these steps. Hopeful and helpful, this nonfiction book should prove an inspiring resource for the whole family.
This gripping, heartfelt YA novel focuses on the aftermath of a weather disaster – the physical, emotional and economic toll. In alternating chapters, Eliza and Javier share how Hurricane Harvey upended their lives in Houston in 2017. Environmental activism gives them purpose and a recognition that “we must change our way of living” across the entire planet.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker. maryquattlebaum.com
