Science 2 - Living Systems Books

Go Green by Recycling by Lisa Bullard is an engaging early reader that introduces young children to the importance of recycling. Through a relatable narrative and vibrant illustrations, the book follows a diverse group of characters as they learn how everyday actions—like sorting waste and reusing materials—can help protect the environment. The story is structured with short chapters and includes comprehension questions, fun facts, and critical thinking prompts to encourage discussion and reinforce learning.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAy080NPMk

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/gogreenbyrecycli0000bull/

"How Can We Reduce Our Household Waste?" by Mary Pratt introduces young readers to the concept of household waste and explores practical ways families can reduce, reuse, and recycle everyday materials. Written in clear, accessible language with colorful photos and real-life examples, the book encourages students to think critically about the waste they produce and the impact it has on the environment. It aligns well with science and social studies curricula focused on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and human impact on ecosystems. The text includes discussion prompts, glossary terms, and simple action steps that are ideal for Grade 2 learners. Its focus on solutions—rather than problems alone—makes it an empowering resource for building environmental awareness. This book would be a strong addition to lessons on living systems, earth stewardship, or class eco-projects.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ToGSs7b7w

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/36347

The Life of a Little Plastic Bottle follows a plastic bottle's journey from trash to recycling, showing how it can be transformed and reused. With simple language and engaging illustrations, the book helps young readers understand the importance of recycling and how their actions impact the environment. It’s well-suited for Grade 2 science topics like sustainability and human impact. This book supports discussions about responsibility and practical environmental solutions. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTcq9VlVQlw

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781839032004

The Lorax is a rhyming picture book that tells the story of a once-beautiful natural world damaged by unchecked industrial growth. Through the voice of the Lorax, who “speaks for the trees,” students explore themes of environmental responsibility, deforestation, and the consequences of human actions. The imaginative setting and playful language engage young readers while introducing serious ecological concepts in an age-appropriate way. Ideal for Grade 2, the book sparks discussions about conservation, sustainability, and personal choices. Its message of hope and change encourages students to consider how they can care for the planet. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffvbNhCAugY

YouTube (Animated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6moGLmmaQCc

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/theloraxbydrseus00

One Plastic Bag tells the true story of Isatou Ceesay, a woman in Gambia who finds a creative way to address plastic waste in her village. By recycling plastic bags into purses, she not only helps clean the environment but also empowers local women. The book uses simple language and vivid illustrations to show how small actions can lead to big change. It's a strong choice for exploring environmental impact, community action, and global citizenship at the Grade 2 level. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjvfqHmb6Wk

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/oneplasticbagisa0000paul

What If There Were No Bees? shows how important bees are to grassland ecosystems and what could happen if they disappeared. Using simple language and vivid illustrations, it helps Grade 2 students understand food webs and the ripple effects of losing a single species. The book also offers tips on how kids can help support pollinators. It’s a strong fit for lessons on living systems, biodiversity, and human impact. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSMZYkYI0-k

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whatifthereweren0000slad_k8k9

I Can Save the Earth! follows Max, a little green monster who learns how his everyday habits affect the planet. After a blackout, he discovers the value of conserving energy, recycling, and spending time in nature. With simple language and colorful illustrations, the book introduces key environmental concepts in a fun, relatable way. It’s a great fit for Grade 2 lessons on sustainability, responsibility, and positive change. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mkwhe6LOBo

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/icansaveearth0000inch

In Are You My Mother?, a newly hatched baby bird sets off on a journey to find his mother, not realizing she has just gone off to find him food. Along the way, he meets a variety of animals and objects—including a kitten, a cow, and even a large machine—all of which he questions in his search. The repetitive structure and simple text make it ideal for early readers, while the storyline encourages curiosity, persistence, and emotional connection. The book also introduces the concept of animal offspring and their dependence on parents for care and guidance. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veeGj6oJlpo

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/areyoumymother00east

Chickens Aren’t the Only Ones is a vibrant, rhyming nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the wide variety of animals that lay eggs. From reptiles and amphibians to insects and fish, the book expands the concept of reproduction beyond birds, encouraging curiosity about the diversity of life. Ruth Heller’s playful language and bold, detailed illustrations make scientific facts fun and easy to remember. Ideal for Grade 2, the book supports learning about animal offspring, life cycles, and inherited traits. It also provides opportunities for vocabulary development and comparison between species. This engaging resource is a great fit for exploring living systems and sparking student interest in biology. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmySkYDXho

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/chickensarentonl00ruth

Whose Baby Am I? invites young readers to explore the animal kingdom by matching baby animals to their parents through gentle, rhythmic text and soft, realistic illustrations. Each page presents a baby animal with the question, “Whose baby am I?” followed by the answer and a glimpse of the parent in its natural habitat. The book introduces names like calf, cub, and chick, helping students build vocabulary around animal offspring. Its interactive format supports prediction, observation, and early science inquiry. Ideal for Grade 2, it aligns with learning outcomes related to living systems, life cycles, and classification. This beautifully illustrated book encourages curiosity and connection with nature while reinforcing key science concepts. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXku3zLG2x0

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whosebabyami0000butl

From Seed to Plant is an informative nonfiction book that explains the process of how plants grow, beginning with pollination and ending with seed dispersal. With clear, straightforward text and colorful diagrams, Gail Gibbons makes complex scientific ideas accessible to young readers. The book covers the parts of a plant, how seeds travel, and the conditions needed for growth, making it an excellent resource for teaching plant life cycles. It supports Grade 2 science outcomes related to living systems and plant reproduction. The visual aids and labeled illustrations also help reinforce science vocabulary and concepts. This book is a valuable tool for hands-on learning and classroom discussions about how plants create offspring. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRGjPyrAPfY

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/fromseedtoplant00gibb

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/52185

From Tadpole to Frog is a clear and engaging nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the fascinating life cycle of a frog. Using accessible language and detailed illustrations, it walks students through each stage of development—from egg, to tadpole, to froglet, to adult frog. The book highlights how frogs change in appearance and behavior as they grow, making it a strong fit for teaching about animal offspring and metamorphosis. It also includes simple diagrams and vocabulary that support early science literacy. Ideal for Grade 2, this title connects well with living systems outcomes and encourages observation, comparison, and curiosity about the natural world. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmx1LMuvSCo

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/fromtadpoletofro00zoeh

My Baby Blue Jays is a beautifully photographed nonfiction book that documents the real-life journey of two baby blue jays growing up on the author’s balcony. Through simple, descriptive text and vivid images, students witness the nesting process, hatching, feeding, and first flight of the young birds. The book offers a close-up look at parental care and the development of bird offspring, making it ideal for lessons on animal life cycles and behavior. Its narrative style encourages observation and empathy, helping young readers connect emotionally with the natural world. Suitable for Grade 2, this book supports curriculum outcomes related to living systems and animal growth. It’s an excellent choice for sparking discussion and inquiry in early science classrooms. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVoAwKpOWjc

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/mybabybluejays0000bere_w8c4

"Grand Canyon" by Jason Chin is an educational and beautifully illustrated children's book that transports readers to the Grand Canyon, a spectacular example of a plateau landscape. The book expertly weaves together a narrative of a father and daughter exploring the Canyon, with informative sidebars that delve into the geological and ecological aspects of the area. It teaches about the formation of the canyon, emphasizing how the Colorado River carved its way through layers of rock to create the deep gorges and high plateaus that define the landscape. Through engaging visuals and text, the book highlights the unique features of plateaus, including their elevation, flat surfaces, and steep cliffs, helping young readers understand the natural processes that shape such remarkable landforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Rq0Hg_5SU

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/thankstoanimals0000sock

"We Are Water Protectors" is a powerful, lyrical picture book inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water. It follows a young Anishinaabe girl who stands up to defend the water against an oil pipeline, which is symbolized by a black snake. The story emphasizes the spiritual and cultural importance of water in Indigenous communities and encourages children to view water as a sacred resource. With beautiful illustrations and poetic language, it invites readers to reflect on their role in protecting the Earth. It also provides a clear connection between cultural values and environmental advocacy. Ideal for introducing conversations around activism and traditional knowledge in Grade 2–3 classrooms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLZVQFhFeqE

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/wearewaterprotec0000lind

Epic Books (Audiobook): https://www.getepic.com/app/read/81780