Kids Making a Difference: Books to Inspire
Now more than ever, it’s important to teach our kids that their voices matter, and that they have a significant role to play in fighting for social justice. In fact, there are many examples from history of kids making a difference! The books below feature children and teens who got involved and made their marks on the world, fighting for a range of causes.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own.
Kids Making a Difference: Books to Inspire
Inspire the next generation of leaders with these books about kids making a difference!
This lovely little book, part of the series by the #1 NY Times bestselling team of Susan Verde & Peter H. Reynolds, answers the question so many children have: How can I make a difference? The lyrical text with its luminous illustrations shows the significance of one word, one paint stroke, one act of kindness. It effectively demonstrates the ripple effect of our actions, as the child in the book starts with small actions that ultimately create a movement that swells and includes many others. A great book to help children see the power of taking action, no matter how small those first steps might seem.
Buy I Am One: A Book of Action on Amazon or Bookshop
This book shares the incredible true story of a successful community protest that you probably never heard about. For years, city development had chipped away at a vibrant Chicane community in San Diego. But in 1970, when residents learned that bulldozers were preparing to build not a park, as they had been promised years before, but a police station, they took action. This book follows the story of young activist Elena as she and her neighbors stage a days long protest that eventually resulted in the building of the city’s beloved Chicano Park. Though fictionalized, this account is based on detailed research and incorporates the true stories of many of the protestors. The inspiring tale is a perfect example of a community working together to make positive change. Be sure to watch my [interview] with the author.
Buy Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park on Amazon or Bookshop
This thoughtful book comes from an educator and activist who is also a long-time Minneapolis resident. A young Black girl in South Minneapolis tries to make sense of the news about the murder of George Floyd and how she can get involved to remember him and build a better future. This book strikes the difficult balance of telling kids the truth about what happened but also delivering an uplifting message. The book takes us from shock and grief through to resolve and, surprisingly, optimism. Highly recommended as a way to help children work through their feelings about this tragic event. Be sure to watch my interview with the author.
Buy We Miss You, George Floyd on Amazon or Bookshop
There is no better way to teach than by example, and the mother in this wonderful new picture book has done just that. A young girl proudly tells about how and why her mommy marches – to fix problems and to remind people how to love. The young girl is inspired by her mother and is learning to march herself, talking with her feet and not just with her words. A great book to help young readers understand the how and the why of marching for social justice.
Buy My Mommy Marches on Amazon or Bookshop
This thoughtful middle grade novel presents a terrifying possibility that seems ripped from the headlines: A young girl finds out that her parents have enrolled her in an autism study without her knowledge – and it has the potential to change how she thinks and feels, thanks to a chip inserted in her brain. Not only can Paige no longer trust her parents, she wonders if she can even trust her own mind anymore! Are her parents trying to “fix” her? More urgently, can she figure out how to stop the company behind the technology before they find her? This highly readable book is at heart a page turning thriller, but it also helps young readers understand issues of consent and technology in terms they can easily understand. I love that the protagonist is neurodiverse, helping other autistic kids feel seen (and helping neurotypical readers see the world through Paige’s eyes). Highly recommended for anyone interested in disability rights and issues of consent and technology, especially for young people. Be sure to watch my interview with the author.
Buy Paige Not Found on Amazon or Bookshop
This middle grade novel is about a young girl discovering how to use her voice to help her community. When her apartment building, a beloved landmark known as The Umbrella House, is threatened with demolition, Ruby and her best friend Scout decide to enter a video contest with a local news outlet to try to save it. Could the mysterious Midnight Muralist be the key to saving the building? A wonderful novel about friendship, community, and standing up for what is important. Based on a real house of the same name in New York City’s East Village.
Buy The Umbrella House on Amazon or Bookshop
Author Lisa Stringfellow was inspired to write this book when she realized how few stories showed young girls as the ones who save the day. In this middle grade fantasy novel, our young protagonist discovers that she is the only one who can save their dying kingdom from an unjust ruler. She wonders if she has the strength to save their true ruler (a princess locked in the tower), and why she is the only one who can accomplish this task. I love the West-African inspired magical world created by the author and the emotional journey taken by the main character. I won’t give away the twist (why Amara is the chosen one), but suffice it to say that it is very unique and compelling. A wonderful, heartfelt adventure for older kids. Be sure to watch my interview with the author.
Buy Kingdom of Dust on Amazon or Bookshop
Want to inspire girls to pursue studies in STEAM fields? Or just want a great adventure book with young girls of color making a difference in the world? Then this is the book for you! The teens in this book (the first in what will be a series) are super smart and enthusiastic, and they are on a mission to save the endangered mountain gorilla of Uganda! Yes, your kids will learn a lot by reading this book. Yes, they will be inspired to know that they can also make a difference. But on top of that, they will enjoy a page-turning read with believable characters that they will quickly grow to love. A wonderful book to motivate kids to make their mark on the world (and pursue their studies in order to do so!) Be sure to watch my interview with the author.
Buy The Wildlife Divas Adventure Team: Saving The Endangered Mountain Gorilla on Amazon or Bookshop
This powerful story, told in verse, introduces us to 16 year old Amina. She is known for always standing up for herself, no matter what the consequences, so she is shocked and scared to discover that her words sometimes fail her when she needs them the most. When she is attacked by a respected member of her community, she says nothing. Terrified and ashamed, she doubts anyone will believe her, especially since she has often been seen as a troublemaker. It isn’t until her attacker is arrested for another assault that she finds the courage to speak up. Amina’s voice as a narrator comes through clearly, as the book explores what it means to be a survivor, showing grace to those that speak up as well as to those that don’t. It raises questions about how poorly we treat victims, both in our legal system and in the court of public opinion, even when those victims are minors and supposedly protected.
Buy All the Fighting Parts on Amazon or Bookshop
What cause is close to your child’s heart? How are your kids making a difference? Let us know in the comments!
Related Posts:
Gifts for Kids Who Want to Change the World
Caring for the Planet: Books for Kids
