Books to Inspire Young Activists

Activism is in the air. Kids are hearing about marches and protests, boycotts and fundraising campaigns for all kinds of causes, from local to global. And increasing numbers of children's books are showing kids and teens how it's done. From stories of the authors' own activist experiences to how-to guides with tips on everything from organizing a rally to using social media to get the word out, these books offer a glimpse into the planning and passion that go into youthful activism. For more books about peaceful protest, check out our Civil Rights Books and Books with Stories of Extraordinary Women.

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Change Sings: A Children's Anthem Poster Image
BOOK

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

age 4+

Beautiful, lyrical story inspires children to create change.

By: Amanda Gorman (2021)
Hurricane Poster Image
BOOK

Hurricane

age 4+

Gorgeous art shows community strength after disaster.

By: John Rocco (2021)
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea Poster Image
BOOK

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

age 4+

Sisters organize to build a playground in charming tale.

By: Meena Harris (2020)
Say Something Poster Image
BOOK

Say Something

age 4+

Inspiring book spurs kids to speak up, stand up.

By: Peter H. Reynolds (2019)
Speak Up Poster Image
BOOK

Speak Up

age 4+

Uplifting message of individual empowerment and joy.

By: Miranda Paul (2020)
We Shall Overcome Poster Image
BOOK

We Shall Overcome

age 4+

Powerful anthem and bold art tell story of Black activism.

By: Bryan Collier (2021)
The World Needs More Purple People Poster Image
BOOK

The World Needs More Purple People

age 4+

Cheery call to work and play with all kinds of folks.

I Am One: A Book of Action Poster Image
BOOK

I Am One: A Book of Action

age 5+

Inspiring book celebrates the power of one.

By: Susan Verde (2020)
Malala's Magic Pencil Poster Image
BOOK

Malala's Magic Pencil

age 5+

Nobel winner tells what inspired activism in relatable tale.

By: Malala Yousafzai (2017)
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma Poster Image
BOOK

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma

age 5+

Cellist builds bridges in lovely tale of his life and work.

By: Joanna Ho (2021)
Saving American Beach Poster Image
BOOK

Saving American Beach

age 5+

Impressive true tale of woman who protected inclusive beach.

By: Heidi Tyline King (2021)
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez Poster Image
BOOK

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

age 5+

Girl takes on city hall in fun, diverse tale of persistence.

By: Andrea Beaty (2019)
We Are Here book cover
BOOK

We Are Here

age 5+

Poetic, empowering story celebrates Black and Brown history.

By: Tami Charles (2023)
What Can a Citizen Do? Poster Image
BOOK

What Can a Citizen Do?

age 5+

Timely book on citizenship engages kids on their level.

By: Dave Eggers (2018)
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers cover
BOOK

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

age 6+

Inspiring tales of young women currently changing the world.

By: Rebel Girls (2022)
Book cover: I Am Malala Yousafzai
BOOK

I Am Malala Yousafzai: Ordinary People Change the World

age 6+

Engaging bio of teen education activist/Nobel prize winner.

By: Brad Meltzer (2022)
Just Like Jesse Owens cover.
BOOK

Just Like Jesse Owens

age 6+

Childhood story inspires lifelong commitment to equality.

Let the Children March Poster Image
BOOK

Let the Children March

age 6+

Powerful art amplifies inspiring civil rights protest tale.

Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women Poster Image
BOOK

Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women

age 6+

Exciting biographies of women leaders sure to inspire.

By: Rebel Girls (2021)
She Persisted: Claudette Colvin Poster Image
BOOK

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin

age 6+

Well-crafted story telling of a teen civil rights hero.