May Update From Your Local Sierra Club Chapter- Spring Reads Special!
May 27, 2026
Enjoy these books this spring!
Welcome to our May newsletter — a spring reads special!
I am visiting my home country of Cymru (Wales) for three weeks this month, and rather than leave you without a newsletter, I thought it would be fun to ask our team for their spring reading and viewing recommendations!
Below you'll find reading and viewing recommendations, ranging from a bird cam, to a children's book, to activism inspiration. We hope you'll find your next late spring read or watch here.
I will be back in June with our regular newsletter. In the meantime, please let us know your personal book recommendations by replying to this email, and we may feature them in our future newsletters!
Thank you for your continued readership and support. See you next month!
Rebecca Dien-Johns Chapter Digital Strategist
P.S. Don't forget to check sc.org/hcevents for all our upcoming events and outings. We have many wonderful hikes planned in our beautiful state, and we'd love to see you on the trail!
Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Spring Reads and Viewing Recommendations!
Read This When Things Fall Apart: Letters to Activists in Crisis edited by Kelly Hayes.
"This collection of letters written by activists and organizers to other activists and organizers across movement spaces about moments when things were tough, felt insurmountable, and the hits kept coming — it is invaluable. They write about how it felt, what they learned, and about what gave them strength and hope when they were knocked down. They share how they got back up again and what sustains them through ongoing challenges.
I won't be the first to tell you the last year and a half has been particularly difficult and this book has been a comfort and a companion navigating the moment we are in. It is a reminder that we labor in community and in the legacy of folks who have been here before in some form or fashion. If you pick it up feeling alone, disheartened, and exhausted you will put it down feeling more deeply connected, hopeful, and encouraged."
"This is a small book you throw into any bag and read any time. It is written by one who stewarded the Black Forest for decades and it tells how trees 'talk' with one another. I love this little book so much!"
...and Fresh Banana Leaves by Dr. Jessica Hernandez
"The author discusses her Indigenous perspective when it comes to how to approach stewardship and restoration."
Jennifer Ehara, Winding Waters Group ExCom, Hoosier Chapter Comms Team, and Hoosier Chapter Legislative Committee Social Justice Lead, recommends:
Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac by Jim Arnosky
"Crinkleroot lives in the forest, and is the part of the forest himself. Birds live in his beard and ride on his hat. The Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac introduces children to the four seasons of nature in a whimsical, dreamy way, and pulls the reader right into the experiences that Crinkleroot is sharing. Interactive nature puzzles engage inquisitive kids and pull them further into the delightful illustrations."
Rebecca Dien-Johns, Chapter Digital Strategist, recommends:
"I have been checking in on this camera-equipped owl box daily for several weeks now. It is right here in Indiana and recently welcomed two owlets. I remember when they were just eggs!
Seeing how the owl takes care of the owlets is both fascinating and moving. It's been a sorely-needed meditative experience for me to follow them on this journey, and feels so special and a real privilege to witness. In these tumultuous times, nature prevails and heals."
Robyn Skuya-Boss, Chapter Director recommends:
Non-violent Communication, by Marshall Rosenberg
"Non-violent Communication is a model for communication that has readers take responsibility for feelings, and work to rewire the language of violence and control in order to express needs clearly and in a way others can understand."
Lora Kemp, Vice Chair of the Executive Committee, recommends:
Scottish Mussel (film)
"Scottish Mussel is about a rare mussel in Scotland being protected, endangered because of the pearl it produces.
Mystery, bad guys, and just some fellows in between, romance, beautiful scenery and an awesome environmental story."
