Meatless? A Fresh Look At What You Eat

Humans are eating more meat than ever before. At the same time, vegetarianism is capturing more widespread attention. From Meatless Mondays to vegan options, people are talking more about meat and whether or not to eat it.

Journalist Sarah Elton tackles the topic by explaining what vegetarianism is, why people choose it, and how their reasons—including religion, animal rights, food security, and the environmental cost of eating meat—have changed over time. The book closes with practical tips for making the switch, and perspectives from vegetarian kids.

As a conflicted meat eater herself, Elton encourages freedom to choose. Lively illustrations, sidebars, and sources, plus a glossary, index, and further reading suggestions make this a friendly, comprehensive introduction to vegetarianism.

LEVELING
Grade Range: 4–8
Fountas & Pinnell: T
Lexile: 1020L

COMMON CORE
W.5.1,2,4,6,7,8,9,9b,10
SL.5.1,1a,1c,1d,2,3,4,5,5
RF.5.3,3a,4,4a,4c
L.5.3,4,4a,4b,4c,5,5a,6
RI.5.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10

Sarah Elton is an author and journalist who writes about food. Her first book for children, Starting from Scratch: What You Should Know about Food and Cooking, was shortlisted for The Canadian Children's Book Centre Norma Fleck Award as well as the Ontario Library Association Red Maple Award. Her bestselling books for adults include Consumed: Food for a Finite Planet and Locavore: From Farmers’ Fields to Rooftop Gardens, How Canadians Are Changing the Way We Eat. Sarah is also a CBC Radio food columnist and lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Julie McLaughlin is the Vancouver-based illustrator of the Norma Fleck Award–winning Why We Live Where We Live, and The Art of the Possible: An Everyday Guide to Politics.