Celebrating Social Justice Heroes
Books about social justice activists
Recorded read alouds and more
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I Am One -- A Book of Action
by Susan Verde -- Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds Another amazing book from Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds from their “I Am…” series. The book takes the idea that one can be powerful. One seed can start a garden. One note can start a song. One brick can break down a wall. A book about activism that even Kindergarteners could understand but deep enough for upper elementary students to take away a lot and make connections to more concrete activist movements. (Ages 4 - 8) Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. In addition to being one of the best books about activism. (Ages 6 - 9) Say Something
by Peter H. Reynolds Say Something! is a call to action for kids to speak up and stand up -- when they see injustice, when they have something to say, when they are feeling emotions such as being grateful. The key point is that every voice counts, not just the loud ones, and there are many ways to say something -- through art or poetry, on a protest sign, in a private message to the universe, or by a kind, compassionate act. It's a great message delivered via accessible, cartoony art featuring diverse, enthusiastic kids. (Ages 3 - 5) A Is For Activist
by Innosanto Nagara A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. A book that inspires hope for the future. (Ages 3 - 7) |
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Kamala & Maya's Big Idea by Meena Harris Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is a picture book inspired by real-life events in the childhood of U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, and her sister, Maya, written by Maya's daughter, Meena Harris. It tells the story of when the two sisters got the "big idea" to ask the landlord of their apartment building to turn an unused courtyard into a playground. He said no, but Kamala countered by saying that the building's families could build it, and he gave his permission. The rest of the book shows the community -- kids and grown-ups -- working together to make it happen. Ana Ramírez González's colorful, cheerful illustrations make their hard work look like loads of fun. (Ages 4 - 8) |
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Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai Malala's Magic Pencil is by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl whose work as an education activist gained international recognition, and who was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. There are a slew of kids' books about this inspirational young hero, but this one is by Malala herself, and it focuses on her childhood, offering the sort of personal details that make her early life highly accessible to young readers. The violent attack against her -- when she was shot by the Taliban -- is handled gently and indirectly for the age group, saying only that "dangerous men tried to silence me, but they failed." The book's a powerful introduction to this young, contemporary Muslim female role model and her work. (Ages 4 - 8) Kamala Harris: Rooted In Justice
by Nikki Grimes Discover the incredible story of a young daughter of immigrants who would grow up to be the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American ever elected Vice President of the United States in this moving picture book biography of Kamala Harris. Her long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. And now this dedication has led her all the way to being elected Vice President of the United States. (Ages 4 - 8) |
I Dissent Read-A-Loud Video is currently unavailable.
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Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable! Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements. (Ages 7 -10) Brave Girl - Clara And The Shirtwaist Maker's Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel This picture book biography about Ukrainian immigrant, Clara Lemlich, tackles topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry. The art, by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet, beautifully incorporates stitching and fabric. A bibliography and an author's note on the garment industry are included. When Clara arrived in America, she couldn't speak English. She didn't know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast. But that didn't stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory. She never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen. This picture book biography about the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s and the timeless fight for equality and justice should not be missed. (Ages 4 - 8) Emmanuel's Dream
by Laurie Ann Thompson This is the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled. The story of this remarkable young man has since become a movie titled Emmanuel’s Gift and narrated by Oprah Winfrey. (Ages 4 - 8) |
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Freedom On The Move by Carole Boston Weatherford There were signs all throughout town telling eight-year-old Connie where she could and could not go. But when Connie sees four young men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, she realizes that things may soon change. This event sparks a movement throughout her town and region. And while Connie is too young to march or give a speech, she helps her brother and sister make signs for the cause. Changes are coming to Connie’s town, but Connie just wants to sit at the lunch counter and eat a banana split like everyone else. (Ages 4 – 8 / Historical Fiction) |
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We March
by Shane W. Evans On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience. We March was one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012, and is an important story about the African American civil rights movement. (Ages 4 - 8) Our House Is On Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
by Jeanette Winter Learn the story of TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR Greta Thunberg, the sixteen-year-old climate activist who has sparked a worldwide student movement and is demanding action from world leaders who refuse to address climate change—from acclaimed picture book creator Jeanette Winter. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic…I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is. When she was fifteen years old, Greta Thunberg’s teacher explained to her class that our climate is changing—the earth is getting warmer, the polar ice caps are melting, and life on earth is threatened. Greta was devastated. What could she do? If the grown-ups weren’t doing enough to save the planet, Greta would have to demand change herself. So she went on strike, skipping school every Friday to sit outside of the Swedish Parliament building with a sign that read “School Strike for Climate.” At first, Greta was the only one. But gradually, more and more students joined her, until her lone protest had sparked a worldwide student movement for action on climate change. A year later, Greta was speaking to audiences of world leaders at important meetings like the United Nations Climate Conference and the World Economic Forum. She is leading the conversation on climate change and sparking worldwide conversation on how to save our planet. Greta is showing everyone that even the smallest person can make a big difference, and this picture book informs and inspires young readers who are beginning to learn about the world around them. (Ages 3 - 8)
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HARVESTING HOPE by Kathleen Krull The story of farm labor organizer Cesar Chavez and his march to Sacramento. This biography begins with his childhood and leads to his famous march and fight for farm labor rights. Chavez did much more in his life but the focus on this one event helps focus young readers on his message and work in the labor movement. I love that this book is also available in Spanish as Cosechando Esperanza. (Ages 4 - 8) MARY WEARS WHAT SHE WANTS
by Keith Negley This is a biography of women’s rights activist Mary Edwards Walker. She was a 19th century doctor who was arrested many times throughout her life for…wearing pants. This is a story that is great for younger grades to challenge gender norms and societal pressures and push children to think about gender inequality still present today. A favorite activism book for kids, especially for Kindergarten, first and second grade. (Ages 4 - 8) |
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ELIZABETH LEADS THE WAY: Elizabeth Cady Stanton And The Right To Vote by Tanya Lee Stone Elizabeth Cady Stanton stood up and fought for what she believed in. From an early age, she knew that women were not given rights equal to men. But rather than accept her lesser status, Elizabeth went to college and later gathered other like-minded women to challenge the right to vote. Here is the inspiring story of an extraordinary woman who changed America forever because she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. (Ages 6 - 10) |
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DADDY, THERE'S A NOISE OUTSIDE by Kenneth Braswell A timely book that connects to the Black Lives Matter movement. Two children are awoken in the middle of the night and are trying to understand why they are doing what they’re doing. A great introductory book to social activism for students of primary or upper elementary. A book that uses simple words to explain a big idea. In addition to being an excellent book about activism. (Ages 3 - 8) PRIDE: THE STORY OF HARVEY MILK AND THE RAINBOW FLAG
by Rob Sanders An age-appropriate telling of the life of Harvey Milk. The book focuses on how he realized that the best way to make change was to make the laws. It talks about his social activism and the roots of the Gay Pride Flag. It then bridges to the present when in 2015 the White House was lit with a rainbow to celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision on gay marriage. (Ages 5 - 8) |
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LET THE CHILDREN MARCH by Monica Clark-Robinson In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Beautiful illustrations to accompany this true story. (Ages 6 - 9) ENERGY ISLAND
by Allan Drummond A book about community activism centered on Amsterdam, Holland. Motor vehicles were taking over the small streets of the city making it unsafe for bicycle traffic. One day, the unthinkable happened: a child riding a bike was killed by a car. The people had had enough, so they set up protests. They blocked streets with bicycles and people. They went on bike rides to protest, and eventually the government listened. Car traffic was banned in the downtown area. A powerful story about a motivated group of citizens, child activists included, working together to bring about change over time. (Ages 9 - 12) ONE PLASTIC BAG BY ISATOU CESAY AND THE RECYCLING WOMEN OF THE GAMBIA by Miranda Paul The inspiring true story of how one African woman began a movement to recycle the plastic bags that were polluting her community. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. Isatou Ceesay showed how one person's actions really can make a difference in our world. (Ages 5 - 9) |
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DOLORES HUERTA: A HERO TO MIGRANT WORKERS by Sarah E. Warren . A Jane Addam's Children's Book Award Honor Book for Younger Children. Dolores is a teacher, a mother, and a friend. She wants to know why her students are too hungry to listen, why they don t have shoes to wear to school? Dolores is a warrior, an organizer, and a peacemaker. When she finds out that the farm workers in her community are poorly paid and working under dangerous conditions, she standsup for their rights. This is the story of Dolores Huerta and the extraordinary battle she waged to ensure fair and safe work places for migrant workers. The powerful text, paired with Robert Casilla's vibrant watercolor-and-pastel illustrations, brings Dolores’s amazing journey to life. (Ages 6 - 9) |
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THE STORY RUBY BRIDGES
by Robert Coles and George Ford Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first African American child to integrate a New Orleans school with this paperback reissue! The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Told with Robert Coles' powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Ruby's story of courage, faith, and hope is now available in this special 50th anniversary edition with an updated afterword! (Ages 4 - 8) KID ACTIVISTS: TRUE TALES OF CHILDHOOD FROM CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
by Robin Stevensen Every activist started out as a kid - and in some cases they were kids when their activism began. But even the world's greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems - often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Kid Activists tell moving, relatable, and totoally true childhood biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Halen Keller, Malala Yousafzai and 12 other inspiring activists. (Ages 9 - 12) |