LibGuides: Service in Schools Libguide: Youth Activism

Fiction for Young Readers (ages 3-7)

The Protest by Samantha Thornhill; Shirley Ng-Benitez (Illustrator) In this new book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Lily and her friends organize a protest in order to save their neighborhood public garden from being demolished. Five friends from diverse backgrounds learn how to navigate common childhood challenges, new experiences, and the world around them in the realistic and kid-friendly Confetti Kids early chapter books. In this story, Lily learns that the community garden is going to be torn down and made into a parking lot. Lily and her friends are upset by the news. They decide to form a protest and call on friends, neighbors, and reporters to participate and save their beloved garden. On the morning of the protest, Lily is unsure if their efforts will work. After all, she and her friends are just kids, and no one is going to listen to them... Or can they prove that kids can make a difference too?
ISBN: 1643792083
Publication Date: 2021-01-12
Lubaya's Quiet Roar by Marilyn Nelson; Philemona Williamson (Illustrator) A quiet girl makes a powerful impression through her artwork in this lyrical story of introversion and peaceful protest--a stirring picture book from Newbery Honor winner Marilyn Nelson and fine artist Philemona Williamson. Lubaya is a quiet girl who doesn't raise her hand in class and who prefers daydreaming to soccer games. She spends most of her time drawing, often behind the sofa while her family watches TV. That's where she is, creating happy pictures on the backs of her parents' old protest posters, when upsetting news shouts into the living room. The next day her family takes part in a march, and there, on one side of the posters being held high, are Lubaya's drawings of kids holding hands and of the sun shining over the globe--rousing visual statements of how the world could be. "Lubaya's roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history."
ISBN: 0525555552
Publication Date: 2020-10-06

Non-Fiction for Young Readers and All Ages (ages 3 and up)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba; Bryan Mealer; Elizabeth Zunon (Illustrator) When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind. Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how - even in the worst of times - a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.
ISBN: 0803735111
Publication Date: 2012-01-19
All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel; Jennifer Keelan-chaffins (Foreword by); Nabi H. Ali (Illustrator) 2021 Schneider Family Book Award Young Children's Honor Book (American Library Association) Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this inspiring autobiographical picture book. This beautifully illustrated story includes a foreword from Jennifer and backmatter detailing her life and the history of the disability rights movement. This is the story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her. Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change--even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria. Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them. And, without her wheelchair, she climbed. ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP! A Rise: A Feminist Book Project Nominee A Junior Library Guild Selection All the Wayto the Topis perfect for: Elementary school teachers looking for books to supplement disability rights curriculum and the history of the ADA (find a free Common-Core Aligned Educator Guide at www.sourcebooks.com) Parents looking for social justice picture books, books on activism and for young activists, and inspiring books for girls Parents, teachers, librarians, and guardians looking for beautifully illustrated, inspirational and educational books for young readers in their life
ISBN: 1492688975
Publication Date: 2020-03-10
She Persisted Around the World by Chelsea Clinton; Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator) The companion to Chelsea Clinton & Alexandra Boiger's #1 New York Times bestseller, She Persisted. Perfect for tiny activists, mini feminists and little kids who are ready to take on the world. omen around the world have long dreamed big, even when they've been told their dreams didn't matter. They've spoken out, risen up and fought for what's right, even when they've been told to be quiet. Whether in science, the arts, sports or activism, women and girls throughout history have been determined to break barriers and change the status quo. They haven't let anyone get in their way and have helped us better understand our world and what's possible. In this companion book to She Persisted- 13 American Women Who Changed the World, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to a group of thirteen incredible women who have shaped history all across the globe. She Persisted Around the World is a book for everyone who has ever aimed high and been told to step down, for everyone who has ever raised their voice and been told to quiet down, and for everyone who has ever felt small, unimportant or unworthy. Alexandra Boiger's vibrant artwork accompanies this inspiring text that shows readers of all ages that, no matter what obstacles come their way, they have the power to persist and succeed. This book features- Marie Curie, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Viola Desmond, Sissi Lima do Amor, Leymah Gbowee, Caroline Herschel, Wangari Maathai, Aisha Rateb, J.K. Rowling, Kate Sheppard, Yuan Yuan Tan, Mary Verghese and Malala Yousafzai.
ISBN: 0525516999
Publication Date: 2018-03-06
Stand up! Speak Up! by Andrew Joyner From a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator, and the creator of The Pink Hat, comes a timely picture book about a young girl's mission to inspire others to help the planet! From a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator, and the creator of The Pink Hat, comes a timely picture book about a young girl's mission to inspire others to help the planet! Celebrate young climate change activists in this charming story about an empowered girl who shows up, listens up, and ultimately, speaks up to inspire her community to take action against climate change. After attending a climate march, a young activist is motivated to make an effort and do her part to help the planet... by organizing volunteers to work to make green changes in their community, from cleaning a lake, to planting trees, to making composting bins, to hosting a clothing swap and more! Here is an uplifting picture book that is an important reminder that no change is too small--and no person is too young--to make a difference. With simple text and lively illustrations, Andrew Joyner has given young children a timely story about activism, community, and hope.
ISBN: 0593301587
Publication Date: 2020-10-06
The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers A celebration of political activism by America's youngest citizens--our children. You're never too young to care about your community or to stand up for your beliefs. That's the empowering message of this book, which is all about how real kids exercise their first amendment rights. Filled with inspiring photos of children at the Women's March on Washington and other protests and rallies, this book will also include inspirational quotes, simple ideas for how kids can get involved, brief definitions of concepts like "equality" and "feminism," and an introduction from a leading activist who's making a difference in the world today. The Little Book of Little Activists is a child's very first introduction to political activism, presented at a level that they can understand and relate to. Perfect for parents who want to raise their kids to become participatory members of a democracy. All royalties will be donated to a civil rights charity.
ISBN: 0451478541
Publication Date: 2017-09-26

Non-Fiction for Upper Elementary (ages 8-10)

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin by Lesa Cline-Ransome; Chelsea Clinton; Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator); Gillian Flint (Illustrator) Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds! In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome, readers learn about the amazing life of Claudette Colvin--and how she persisted.  Before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin made the same choice. She insisted on standing up--or in her case, sitting down--for what was right, and in doing so, fought for equality, fairness, and justice. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Claudette Colvin's footsteps and make a difference! Praise for She Persisted: Claudette Colvin: "Cline-Ransome brings the teen activist to life with great compassion and impressive brevity . . . A noteworthy start for chapter-book readers wishing to read more about young leaders of the movement." --Kirkus Reviews   "Cline-Ransome's narrative provides a knowledgeable, interesting introduction to an important player in the civil rights movement." --School Library Journal
ISBN: 0593115848
Publication Date: 2021-02-02
Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson; Allison Steinfeld (Illustrator) Moving, funny, and totally true childhood biographies of Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Malala Yousafzai, and 12 other inspiring activists. 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. Martin Luther King, Jr. loved fashion, and argued with his dad about whether or not dancing was a sin. Harvey Milk had a passion for listening to opera music in different languages. Dolores Huerta was once wrongly accused of plagiarizing in school. Kid Activists tells these childhood stories and more through kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. The diverse and inclusive group encompasses Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Dolores Huerta, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Harvey Milk, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai.
ISBN: 1683691415
Publication Date: 2019-09-24
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai; Patricia McCormick (As told to) The bestselling memoir by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. I Am Malala. This is my story. Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren't allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn't go to school. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. No one expected her to survive. Now Malala is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. Malala's powerful story will open your eyes to another world and will make you believe in hope, truth, miracles and the possibility that one person -- one young person -- can inspire change in her community and beyond.
ISBN: 031632793X
Publication Date: 2014-08-19
Someday Is Now by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich; Jade Johnson (Illustrator) "Not only does this book highlight an important civil rights activist, it can serve as an introduction to child activism as well as the movement itself. Valuable." --Kirkus Reviews starred review "Relatable and meaningful ... A top addition to nonfiction collections." --School Library Journal starred review More than a year before the Greensboro sit-ins, a teacher named Clara Luper led a group of young people to protest the segregated Katz Drug Store by sitting at its lunch counter. With simple, elegant art, Someday Is Now tells the inspirational story of this unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. As a child, Clara Luper saw how segregation affected her life. When she grew up, Clara led the movement to desegregate Oklahoma stores and restaurants that were closed to African Americans. With courage and conviction, she led young people to "do what had to be done." Perfect for early elementary age kids in encouraging them to do what is right and stand up for what is right, even at great cost, this is a powerful story about the power of nonviolent activism. Someday Is Nowchallenges young people to ask how they will stand up against something they know is wrong. Kids are inspired to follow the lessons of bravery taught by civil rights pioneers like Clara Luper. This moving title includes additional information on Clara Luper's extraordinary life, her lessons of nonviolent resistance, and a glossary of key civil rights people and terms.
ISBN: 1633224988
Publication Date: 2018-08-07
Be the Change in Your Community by Paula Smith This empowering title will help readers discover that they have the ability to create positive changes in their communities. Inviting text and relatable examples prompt children to learn what it means to be a citizen of a community and find meaningful ways to act for the common good. Ideas include creating artwork to brighten up a local retirement facility and donating old books to a library or reading program.   
ISBN: 0778706362
Publication Date: 2014-09-26

Fiction for Upper Elementary and Middle Grades (ages 8-13)

Power Play by Liam O'Donnell; Mike Deas (Illustrator) Devin and Nadia team up with Bounce, Pema and Marcus as they all travel to Northern Ontario to watch their parents present to the Summit of World Leaders. A swarm of politicians, lobbyists, corporate bosses and protestors have all converged on the summit to get their messages heard. A tragic accident just hours before their parents' presentation plunges the kids into their biggest mystery yet and sets them on the trail of a murderer bent on stopping their parents' controversial message from being heard. It's a fight against the planet's power players as the kids dive into the world of politics, uncovering how government works, the history of democracy, the influence of lobbyists and corporations on politicians and the potential of civil society to change it all.
ISBN: 1554690706
Publication Date: 2011-04-01
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée
ISBN: 0062836706
Publication Date: 2019-03-12

Non-fiction for Middle Grades (ages 11-13)

We Are Power by Todd Hasak-Lowy A stirring look at nonviolent activism, from American suffragists to Civil Rights to the Climate Change Movement   We Are Powerbrings to light the incredible individuals who have used nonviolent activism to change the world. The book explores questions such as what is nonviolent resistance and how does it work? In an age when armies are stronger than ever before, when guns seem to be everywhere, how can people confront their adversaries without resorting to violence themselves? Through key international movements as well as people such as Gandhi, Alice Paul, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, and Václav Havel, this book discusses the components of nonviolent resistance. It answers the question "Why nonviolence?" by showing how nonviolent movements have succeeded again and again in a variety of ways, in all sorts of places, and always in the face of overwhelming odds. The book includes endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.
ISBN: 141974111X
Publication Date: 2020-04-07
Activism and Volunteering by John Wood This inspiring title discusses the benefits of getting involved in making the world a better place. Readers will learn the many ways people speak up as an activist or donate their time and labor as a volunteer to organizations and issues they believe in.
ISBN: 0778754995
Publication Date: 2018-12-15
Girls Resist! by KaeLyn Rich; Giulia Sagramola (Illustrator) A smart, contemporary, stylish, and practical handbook for aspiring teen girl activists who are mad as hell about the way the world is going and aren't gonna take it anymore. GIRLS RESIST is a cool, relevant, timely activism handbook that speaks to teen girl readers like the intelligent and passionate people they are. In this age of political Teen Vogue editorials and teen actors frankly discussing topics like feminism and white privilege, young women are more engaged, excited, and fired up than ever--but they also need guidance. Chapters will cover standard topics like picking a cause, fundraising, networking, and protesting, but devote plenty of space to teen-specific topics and how-tos like having tough talks with unsupportive family members, lobbying and campaigning for representatives when you're too young to vote, and best practices for being effective (and safe!) while raising awareness on social media. Plus, the fresh design will make this as much a self-purchase as a gift, fitting perfectly between magazines and YA novels on a teen girl's shelf.
ISBN: 1683690591
Publication Date: 2018-08-07
Peace, Love, Action! by Tanya Zabinski; Ani DiFranco (Foreword by) An invitation to young readers to roll up their sleeves, get inspired, and take action to build a sustainable, just, and loving world. Peace, Love, Action! is an illustrated, illuminated A-Z of everyday actions that directly make a peaceful, fun, and vibrant world. With original artworks bringing each action to life, "make friends," "go local," "cooperate," "forgive"-seemingly small deeds can really add up! Illustrated by Tanya Zabinski in her characteristic earthy style, each action comes with an inspirational mini-bio of a real hero who exemplifies that action, from Thich Nhat Hanh ("breathe") to Wangari Maathai ("plant"), and follows with a set of "What You Can Do" prompts. With a foreword by singer-songwriter and activist legend, Ani DiFranco.
ISBN: 1946764477
Publication Date: 2019-08-27

Non-Fiction for Young Adults (ages 14-17)

It's Your World--If You Don't Like It, Change It by Mikki Halpin You can change the world. Free Speech. Racism. The Environment. Gay Rights. Bullying and School Safety. Animal Welfare. War. Information about Safe Sex and Birth Control. Free Speech. HIV and AIDS. Women's Rights. These are the issues you care about -- and now you can do something about them. It's Your World will show you how to act on your beliefs, no matter what they are, and make a difference. The information inside includes: * The basics of activism * Activism projects and outreach ideas * The 5-minute activist * How to be an activist at home, at school, and in your community * Stories from teenagers who have taken on the world -- and won * Resources including books, movies, and Web sites * and much, much more Whether at home, in school, or in your community, you have the power and the ability to create change, even if you aren't old enough to vote. Don't wait until you're eighteen to flex your political muscles -- start right now!
ISBN: 0689874480
Publication Date: 2004-09-01
How I Resist by Maureen Johnson "The Ultimate Resistance Guidebook." --Bustle "This book will be a light in the darkness for some, and help guide them from despair."-- Booklist An all-star collection of essays about activism and hope, edited by bestselling YA author Maureen Johnson. Now, more than ever, young people are motivated to make a difference in a world they're bound to inherit. They're ready to stand up and be heard - but with much to shout about, where they do they begin?What can I do? How can I help? How I Resist is the response, and a way to start the conversation. To show readers that they are not helpless, and that anyone can be the change. A collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope,How I Resistfeatures an all-star group of contributors, including, John Paul Brammer, Libba Bray, Lauren Duca,Modern Family'sJesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, Alex Gino, Hebh Jamal, Malinda Lo, Dylan Marron,Hamiltonstar Javier Muñoz, Rosie O'Donnell, Junauda Petrus, Jodi Picoult, Jason Reynolds, Karuna Riazi, Maya Rupert, Dana Schwartz, Dan Sinker, Ali Stroker, Jonny Sun (aka @jonnysun), Sabaa Tahir, Shaina Taub, Daniel Watts, Jennifer Weiner, Jacqueline Woodson, and more, all edited and compiled byNew York Timesbestselling author Maureen Johnson. InHow I Resist,readers will find hope and support through voices that are at turns personal, funny, irreverent, and instructive. Not just for a young adult audience, this incredibly impactful collection will appeal to readers of all ages who are feeling adrift and looking for guidance. How I Resistis the kind of book people will be discussing for years to come and a staple on bookshelves for generations.
ISBN: 1250168368
Publication Date: 2018-05-15
Teens Talk about Leadership and Activism by Jennifer Landau (Editor) In this compilation of real stories, teens will read first-person accounts of young adults finding their way as leaders and activists. The volume offers narratives that deal with topics including the profound influence a teacher has on a student, the importance of teamwork while participating in an artistic performance, and the impact that attending a rally against genocide has on a young adult. Each story is written with an earnestness that is sure to move readers as it reveals the passion of these teens learning more about the world and themselves.
ISBN: 1508176590
Publication Date: 2017-12-15
A Time to Break Silence by Martin Luther King; Walter Dean Myers (Introduction by) The first collection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s essential writings for high school students and young people-with eighteen selections including "I Have a Dream," "Letter from Birmingham Jail," and "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" " Students are in reality standing up for the best in the American dream. . . . One day historians will record this student movement as one of the most significant epics of our heritage." -from "The Time for Freedom Has Come" A Time to Break Silence presents the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most important writings and speeches-carefully selected by teachers across a variety of disciplines-in an accessible and user-friendly volume for students. Arranged thematically in six parts, the collection includes eighteen selections and is introduced by award-winning author Walter Dean Myers. Included are some of Dr. King's most well-known and frequently taught classic works, like "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and "I Have a Dream," as well as lesser-known pieces such as "The Sword that Heals" and "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?," which speak to issues young people face today. Teachers guide and companion curriculum developed by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University available online through www.thekinglegacy.org/teachers
ISBN: 0807033189
Publication Date: 2013-11-05
Taking on the Plastics Crisis by Hannah Testa; Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrator) Pocket Change Collective was born out of a need for space. Space to think. Space to connect. Space to be yourself. And this is your invitation to join us. "Taking on the Plastics Crisis delivers straightforward advise for getting involved in the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics." -- Booklist, Starred Review "Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change."--Kirkus Reviews "Taking on the Plastics Crisis is a sobering and inspiring read by a brilliant young change maker. Now is the time for all of us to come together to solve the plastic pollution crisis."--Ed Begley Jr. (actor and environmental activist) In this personal, moving essay, youth activist Hannah Testa shares with readers how she led a grassroots political campaign to successfully pass state legislation limiting single-use plastics and how she influenced global businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Through her personal journey, readers can learn how they, too, can follow in Hannah's footsteps and lower their carbon footprint by simply refusing single-use plastics. Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. In this installment, youth activist Hannah Testa, the founder of Hannah4Change, chronicles both her personal and political mission to save the Earth's oceans by limiting single-use plastic products.
ISBN: 0593223330
Publication Date: 2020-10-13
Generation Brave by Kate Alexander An illustrated celebration of Gen Z activists fighting to make our world a better place. Gen Z is populated--and defined--by activists. They are bold and original thinkers and not afraid to stand up to authority and conventional wisdom. From the March for Our Lives to the fight for human rights and climate change awareness, this generation is leading the way toward truth and hope like no generation before. Generation Brave showcases Gen Z activists who are fighting for change on many fronts: climate change, LGBTQ rights, awareness and treatment of mental illness, gun control, gender equality, and corruption in business and government at the highest levels. Illustrated throughout, this book will offer a celebration of what might be the most influential generation of the century, including profiles of figures such as: Simone Biles Jaden Smith Jazz Jennings Haile Thomas Yara Shahidi Nadya Okamoto Marley Dias Helena Gualinga Fionn Ferreira . . . and other amazing kids who are using their voices for good.
ISBN: 1524860689
Publication Date: 2020-09-22