Today on KLTV, we are sharing our favorite picture books about activism. Whether you want to learn about famous activists in history, or understand your rights, or want to know how to engage in peaceful protests yourself, these amazing books are perfect for understanding powerful change in our country.
These lovely books remind us that even though you may be small, you are never too little to make a difference.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
WE CARE:
A FIRST CONVERSATION ABOUT JUSTICE
Based on the research that race, gender, justice, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and compelling imagery to introduce the concept of justice. This book aims to ground the idea of justice within the responsibilities and benefits of being part of a healthy community.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about tough issues from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
WE CARE: A FIRST CONVERSATION ABOUT JUSTICE
Written by Megan Madison and Illustrated by Sharee Miller
Published by Rise x Penguin Workshop
STACEY SPEAKS UP
The third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling and NAACP Image Award–winning Stacey’s Stories picture book series, from Stacey Abrams and artist Kitt Thomas.
Stacey and her friends can’t wait for lunchtime on Friday, also known as TacoPizza FryDay!
But when Stacey discovers that some of her classmates can't afford to eat lunch, she loses her appetite. She knows she has to do something . . . but what can a kid do?
Plenty, as it turns out! With the help of their community, Stacey and her friends devise a plan to make their voices heard.
Inspired by Stacey Abrams’s legacy of grassroots activism and advocacy, this is a story about how everyone has the power to make a difference.
STACEY SPEAKS UP
Written by Stacey Abrams and Illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Published by HarperCollins
THE ARTIVIST
An inspiring picture book about how children can combine art and activism in their daily lives.
“They say I'm an artist. They say I'm an activist.”
When a young boy realizes the scope of inequities in the wider world, he's seized with the urge to do more. He decides to bring together the different parts of himself—the artist and the activist—to become. . . an Artivist. After his mural goes viral, he sets out to change the world one painting at a time.
With inspiring text and stunning illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, The Artivist is a call to action for young readers to point out injustice in their lives and try to heal the broken bones of the world through their art.
THE ARTIVIST
Written and Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Published by Kokila Books
ROCKET SAYS SPEAK UP
Plucky activist Rocket returns in another inspiring picture book, rallying her community to SPEAK UP! to save their town library.
When Rocket finds out that her town's library is closing, she knows something must be done. Inspired by the activism of Rosa Parks, Rocket rallies support from her peers, and together they lead a peaceful protest that spreads awareness and raises enough money to save their beloved library.
Perfect for fans of Rocket Says Look Up!, Rocket Says Clean Up!, and Ada Twist, Scientist, this book is for any youngster—and parent—interested in community activism. Rocket Says Speak Up! will inspire readers of all ages to take a stand for what they believe in and will teach them that one small person can make a BIG difference.
Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola's Rocket Says Look Up! was honored as a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book!
ROCKET SAYS SPEAK UP
Written by Nathan Byron and Illustrated by Dapo Adeola
Published by RandomHouse Books for Young Readers
STAND UP! 10 Mighty Women Who Made A Change
Bestselling author Brittney Cooper is a leading Black feminist voice of our times. From her New York Times bestseller Eloquent Rage, selected by Emma Watson as an Our Shared Shelf Book, to her frequent guest appearances on MSNBC, to her regular features on Cosmopolitan.com and Salon.com, and her TED Talk with over 800K views, there's no question Brittney Cooper is one of the most preeminent Black influencers of today. Now, this author, professor, activist, and cultural critic brings her immense talents to the children's space with a seven-title publishing deal at Scholastic, spanning from picture books to middle grade, and launching with this momentous picture book debut: Stand Up!
Stand Up! tells the story of ten historic female figures who changed the world by standing up for what's right, including legendary Civil Rights activists like Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks and spanning to contemporary role models like Bree Newsome, who removed the confederate flag from the South Carolina state house grounds, and Mari Copeny, a youth activist who fought for clean water in Flint, Michigan.
This inspirational biographical collection will live side by side with bestselling classics like Little Leaders and She Persisted yet offers a wholly original, powerful new voice and approach that make this story so singular, personal, and groundbreaking. Cooper's enlightening text depicts both famous and unsung Black women who took a stand and made the world a better place for future generations. Each heroic figure is interconnected by a united quest for equity, and offers young readers a stirring, inspirational call to action, reminding them that they are mighty too, and can be forces for change when they stand up!
STAND UP! 10 Mighty Women Who Made A Change Written by Brittany Cooper, Illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson, Published by Scholastic (Orchard Books)
FIGHTING FOR YES
A picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements–leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977.
From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word NO. When she wanted to attend public school, the principal said, “NO.” When she wanted her teaching license, the New York Board of Education said, “NO.” Judy and people with disabilities everywhere were tired of hearing “NO.”
In the 1970s an important disability rights law, Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy and other disability rights activists fought for “YES!” They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community.
Along with a personal reflection from Judy herself, this picture book biography captures the impact and influence of one of America's greatest living activists.
FIGHTING FOR YES Written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers
JAMIE'S CLASS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY
Jamie and classmates learn self-advocacy skills and help adults understand them better.
Jamie is excited for Family Day and all the visitors that will be coming to the classroom. As the class prepares, they share how they feel when adults don't listen closely enough to what the kids want, need, like, and don't like or when adults place unfair, often gendered expectations on them. Together, they decide to use their Family Day celebration to practice self-advocacy skills and help adults understand them better.
Part of the Jamie Is Jamie series, Jamie's Class Has Something to Say is a lighthearted, sweet story that gives young children language and self-advocacy skills to help them speak up for themselves when adults aren't listening carefully enough. A special section includes tips for adults for expanding on the concepts in the book and for talking with children about how to communicate their needs and identities to adults.
JAMIE'S CLASS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY by Afsaneh Moradian, Maria Bogade, Published by Free Spirit Publishing
AMANDA GORMAN
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Amanda Gorman, America's astounding young poet and activist.
From an early age, Little Amanda read everything she could get her hands on, from books to cereal boxes. Growing up with an auditory processing disorder and a speech impediment, Amanda had to work hard, but ultimately she took great strength from her experiences.After hearing her teacher read aloud to the class, she knew that she wanted to become a poet, and nothing would stand in her way. At the age of 19, she became America's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. And, after performing her inspiring poem ‘The Hill We Climb' at the Presidential Inauguration in January 2021, she became an icon across the world.
This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the incredible young poet and activist's life so far.
THE MEANING OF PRIDE
A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, The Meaning of Pride, written by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk, celebrates the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world!
Every year in June, we celebrate Pride! But what does Pride mean? And how do you celebrate it?
This inspiring celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference.
Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag queen, you can show your pride just by being you!
Need middle grade recommendations?
Check out StoryMakers with Leila Sales THE CAMPAIGN.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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