Never has there been a more important time to speak up for ourselves and the rights of others. As parents, we all want to raise young activists. If you’re not sure how to discuss these issues with your children, books are the perfect conversation starters. Curl up with your child with one or more of these books about activists throughout history and present day to inspire you and your young activists.
10 Books For Young Activists
10 inspiring books to read with your young activist.
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A is for Activist
Written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
You’re never too young to be an activist. A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara unapologetically introduces young readers to important issues through rhyme. Not only will your child learn their alphabet, they’ll also learn about environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and other issues through rhyming verses! Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Photo credit: Triangle Square
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Baby Feminists
Written by Libby Babbott-Klein and illustrated by Jessica Walker
What baby or toddler can resist a lift-the-flap board book? Baby Feminists imagines how change-making feminists looked like as babies! Soon women like Frida Kahlo and Mae Jemison will be household names for budding feminists of any gender Recommended for preschool and up.
Photo credit: Viking Books for Young Readers
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Enough: 20 Protestors Who Changed America
Written by Emily Easton, illustrated by Ziyue Chen
The American Revolution began when colonists when colonists declared “Enough.” Spanning from Samuel Adams to Colin Kaepernick to transgender teen Jazz Jennings, Enough by Emily Easton illustrates historic moments for these activists. An appendix provides short bios so you can further discuss them with your children. Recommended for ages 5-8.
Photo credit: Crown Books for Young Readers
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I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
Written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Show your kids that there’s nothing wrong with disagreeing with others. Written by Debbie Levy, I Dissent tells the illustrated story of Justice Ginsberg’s famous dissents. My son adored this book so much he’s borrowed it twice from the library. Recommended for grades 3-5.
Photo credit: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Malala's Magic Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët
Nobel Peace Prize winner inspires young activists in Malala’s Magic Pencil. As a child Malala wished for a magic pencil to make everyone happy and to right the wrongs she saw in her community. She may not have found the magic pencil, but Malala Yousafzai has found her magic through her words. Recommend for ages 4-8.
Photo credit: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Written by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno
The rainbow gay pride flag waves proudly today, but that wasn’t always the case. Learn its history and how it became a proud, empowering symbol for the LGBTQ community in Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. Recommended for ages 5-8.
Photo credit: Random House Books for Young Readers
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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Written by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Introduce your mini-activists to women in American history who have refused to be silent. She Persisted celebrates women who never gave up and stood up for their beliefs. Oprah Winfrey, Sally Ride, Ruby Bridges and Maria Tallchief are some of the feminists featured. Recommended for grades K-3
Photo credit: Penguin Random House
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Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different
Written by Ben Brooks, illustrated by Quinton Wintor
Gender role are made to be broken. Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different gives boys an alternative narrative to machismo. This book celebrates men who are introverts and innovators who are sensitive and resilient. A few stereotype smashers include Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Joseph, and Stephen Hawking. Recommended for ages 8-12.
Photo credit: Running Press Kids
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We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices
Edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson
Filled with original art, letters, poems, and essays, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices will become the rallying mantra for the younger generation. Diverse voices collaborate in this anthology to empower everyone to stand up for a better tomorrow. Recommended for ages 8-12.
Photo credit: Crown Books for Young Readers
