The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It

Learn how and why a useful, 5000-year-old invention has become a threat to our planet--and what you can do about it--in this history of the simple straw.

From reeds used by ancient Sumerians to bendy straws in World War II hospitals, people have changed the straw to fit their needs for 5000 years. Today however, this useful tool is contributing to the plastic problem polluting our oceans. Once again, the simple straw needs a reinvention.

With bright illustrations and well-researched text, children can read about the inventors behind the straw’s technological advancements, including primary sources like patents, as well as how disposable plastic harms the environment. See the newest solutions, from plastic straw alternatives to activism by real kids like Milo Cress who started the Be Straw Free campaign when he was 11 years old.

Learn about what kids can do to reduce plastic waste. The backmatter includes more information on the movement to stop plastic waste, action items kids can do, a bibliography, and additional resources on plastic pollution. 

Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.


A Horn Book Fanfare Book
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Green Earth Book Award Recommended Title

Dee Romito is an author of books for young readers from picture books to middle grade. Her middle grade books include The BFF Bucket List, No Place Like Home, Postcards from Venice, and co-authored Best.Night.Ever. Her debut picture book, Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott received a starred review.

She is a deaf Illustrator based in Singapore and represented by MB Artists. She loves drawingand visualising stories through her personal experience. Her life goal has been to have anemotional connection with those who view her work. Her most recent picture books are Dancing With Daddy by Anitra R. Schulte and How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. When she’s not illustrating, she enjoys swimming, cooking and spending time with her loved ones.