8 World-Changing Books to Inspire Young Activists
The world is becoming increasingly complex and frightening, with multiple wars, the rise of extremist political movements, and more and more signs that our climate is drastically changing in ways that will cause immense damage. It’s scary enough for adults at the moment, but for children, who don’t have a vote or the same kind of ability to participate in politics, it’s terrifying. Many people, including young people, are feeling disempowered, but no one, including the next generation, has to feel that way. Whoever you are, there is a way you can engage with today’s issues and fight for a cause you believe in—and there are many books out there that can point the way.
There are plenty of nonfiction books out there aimed at young activists, which show age-appropriate ways for children to get involved in campaigning, speak up against microaggressions or bigotry, or express themselves through creative work like poetry or art. Fiction also plays an important role: stories about children who stand up for what’s right can be inspiring to young readers and show them that there are plenty of ways for them to have a voice or make an impact. Here are some of the best books out there for budding young activists, which will inspire them to make change they believe in and show them that everyone can have a voice.
Fiction About Young Activists
Kicked Out by A. M. Dassu
In this sequel to A. M. Dassu’s bestselling Boy, Everywhere, friends Ali and Sami are planning to enjoy their free time hanging out with their friend Mark in his new, fancy house, complete with a pool. However, the boys are banned from the house by Mark’s racist stepdad, and their friend Aadam is accused of stealing money, which threatens his right to stay in the country. Ali has to work out a way to help his friends and comes up with the brilliant idea of having a charity football match to raise money for Aadam’s legal costs.
Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan
This historical novel explores the bravery of many different communities during the horrors of the Second World War, and how doing the right thing means going against unjust and genocidal laws. Set in Paris during the Nazi occupation, it follows Safiyyah, whose father is arrested because of his resistance work. Safiyyah, living in her community’s mosque, continues her father’s work—including hiding Jewish people who are attempting to escape the Nazis.
How To Be a Revolutionary by Lucy Ann Unwin
Growing up in a house full of political debate and activism, Natalie is very aware of different ways to make change. Her parents’ Revolutionary friends are canvassing and raising awareness for an upcoming election, and Natalie decides that, while she’s too young to vote, she can make change in other ways. Natalie loves her pet rats, but knows that other people are afraid of them, so decides to start a campaign to make people more aware of how wonderful these creatures are—and while she finds that activism isn’t always as straightforward as she thought, she learns plenty of strategies on how to work for change.
Hope Jones Saves the World by Josh Lacey
Eco-warrior Hope Jones is back with a new plan to save the environment. In this third installment in a series, Hope decides to petition her local supermarket to reduce plastic waste. Hope is no stranger to activism—she’s already fought against pollution and argued for eating less meat—and so she sets out to make banners, raise awareness, and try to get the supermarket to stop using so much unnecessary plastic.
Nonfiction About Young Activists
Kids Who Did: Real Kids Who Ruled, Rebelled, Survived and Thrived by Kirsty Murray
Children may feel that, because they can’t vote, they have very little social power. In Kids Who Did, Kirsty Murray shares several examples of children who fought for what was right despite their young ages. With a number of activists included alongside Olympians, child monarchs, and inventors, Kids Who Did is full of empowering examples for young readers.
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood
Poetry can be a great way to call for change as well as to express your thoughts and feelings. In Woke, poets Browne, Acevedo and Gatwood offer a collection of poems that will inspire young writers and give them ideas on ways to use their own words for change.
Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s book takes a frank, honest look at the realities of racism and gives child readers ideas on how to resist and speak up when they notice racism or bigotry in their day-to-day lives. Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism is a helpful way for adults to introduce this difficult topic to children, and it will help young readers feel more empowered to resist racism when they encounter it.
How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein
Klein’s first book for younger readers, How to Change Everything gives important and useful guidance on how to take part in activism to help stop climate change, reduce pollution, and a number of other areas. Using examples like the work carried out by Greta Thunberg and other young environmental activists, Klein shows young readers that they have the power to make change.
Want more inspiration? Try YA Books with Protagonists Who Change the World, or No Justice, No Peace: YA Books with Activism.
