What does activism look like to a preschooler \u2014 or a fifth grader? How do we teach them what it means to stand up for our rights, for social justice, for greater equality and protections? How do we articulate the values and ideas we believe are worth fighting for \u2014 especially in ways that a kid can truly hear?<\/p>\n
Well, through books and stories, for one. Here are some titles to jumpstart the conversation of what it means to show up, speak out, resist, and persist on behalf of our own beliefs \u2014 and for those who may not have a voice. <\/p>\n
no no 9781609806934 A is for Activist <\/i> by Innosanto Nagara <\/p>\n
While A is for Activist<\/i> uses alliteration and rhyming to get its message across, this isn\u2019t your typical ABC book. Instead of apples, dogs, and frogs, you have \u201cactivists,\u201d \u201clittle d democracy,\u201d and \u201cfeminists.\u201d<\/p>\n
F is for Feminist.
\nFor Fairness in our pay.
\nFor Freedom to Flourish
\nand choose our own way.<\/i><\/p>\n
Oakland-based author Innosanto Nagara, who was born and raised in Indonesia, originally wrote the book to help capture and convey progressive values to his own son. Now, this bestselling board book is helping to frame up young activism for the preschool set. <\/p>\n
If you like A is for Activist<\/i>, check out Nagara\u2019s follow-up counting book, Counting on Community<\/a><\/i>. 9780593383773 Show Up and Vote <\/i> by Ani DiFranco, illustrated by Rachelle Baker <\/p>\n From singer-songwriter, activist, feminist, and bestselling author Ani Di Franco comes a lyrical picture book that sensitively portrays a young girl’s experience accompanying her mother to vote, emphasizing the significance of this civic duty in an authentic and relatable manner. RELATED: Picture Books About Elections and Voting<\/a><\/p>\n no no 9780593431269 Rocket Says Speak Up! <\/i> by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola <\/p>\n Motivated by the impending closure of her town’s library, Rocket channel’s Rosa Parks’ pioneering activism to mobilize her community, organizing a peaceful protest that garners attention, generates funds, and saves the library. It’s an uplifting story to teach kids about taking a stand. 9780679823117 Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt <\/i> by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by James Ransome <\/p>\n Oftentimes, activism looks like quiet resistance that directly serves others. That\u2019s one of the many lessons in Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt<\/i>. When Clara learns about the Underground Railroad, she uses her skills as a seamstress to create a map that shows the way \u2014 a map that only those looking for the secret route will understand. Through her actions, Clara demonstrates the importance of bringing others along on the journey to freedom. 9781524772260 The Pink Hat <\/i> by Andrew Joyner <\/p>\n Inspired by the 2017 Women\u2019s March, author Andrew Joyner put together this tale of one iconic pink hat, the only pop of color in this black and white illustrated book. The hat itself travels from one feminist into the hands of another feminist, a generation or two removed. The origin of the pink hats is not discussed, and the tone and style are a positive take on girl power, and the women\u2019s movement it rolls up into. 9780593203224 Change Sings <\/i> by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long <\/p>\n Amanda Gorman stunned America when she delivered her powerful poem during the presidential inauguration. Now, you can share her inspirational message with your children. Her picture book shows readers of all ages that we can change the world for the better when we work together. 9780593301586 Stand Up! Speak Up! <\/i> by Andrew Joyner <\/p>\n Another great story by Andrew Joyner, this one focusing on taking action to fight climate change. Follow along as a young activist participates in a march, organizes community clean-ups, speaks at town halls, and more. The back matter features profiles of global youth activists who have raised their voices on environmental issues. The book jacket even doubles as a march sign, the underside reading “Marching for My Future.” 9781101937204 Miss Paul and the President <\/i> by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Nancy Zhang <\/p>\n As a young girl, Alice Paul couldn\u2019t help but notice that her mother didn\u2019t join her father at the voting polls. After studying the Constitution and learning that women weren\u2019t allowed to vote, Alice decided it was time for change. She organized protests and parades, wrote to her representatives, and even met with President Woodrow Wilson, who wasn\u2019t interested in Alice\u2019s proposition. But Alice persisted, as recounted in this picture book with vivid artwork by Nancy Zhang. To keep discussing Votes for Women, see also Around America to Win the Vote<\/a><\/i> and Bold & Brave<\/a><\/i>. 9780593580646 Andy Johnson and the March for Justice<\/i> by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng <\/p>\n When Andy’s dad announces a family trip to join a city march, Andy’s ready to suit up for action. But this isn\u2019t a march to battle \u2014 it\u2019s a march for justice. Join Andy and the Johnson kids as they learn how marching can be a powerful way to answer God’s call for justice and work toward a world that reflects God’s love. RELATED: Rise Up! Picture Book Biographies About Prominent Change-Makers<\/a><\/p>\n no no 9781984831972 Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America<\/i> by Emily Easton, illustrated by Ziyue Chen <\/p>\n This galvanizing collection of portraits introduces young readers to some of the most influential protestors in our country\u2019s history and of today. From Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to Colin Kaepernick and transgender teen Jazz Jennings, budding activists will learn about these incredible and brave leaders who shaped \u2014 and continue to shape \u2014 a brighter tomorrow through their varying forms of protest. The book opens with a foreword from a Parkland shooting survivor and concludes with additional context about each protestor and their respective causes. 9780399555312 Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag <\/i> by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno <\/p>\n Children\u2019s books like Pride<\/i> help us remember that the history of LGBTQ+ rights, gay pride, and the rainbow flag is relatively recent, and hold up the bravery and leadership of people like Harvey Milk \u2014 whose activism paved the way for greater equality. <\/p>\n After Pride<\/i>, add Stonewall<\/a><\/i> to the conversation: a picture book by the same author-illustrator team that explains the powerful history behind the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, as narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself. 9780385390286 Lillian’s Right to Vote<\/i> by Jonah Winter, illustrations by Shane W. Evans <\/p>\n It\u2019s Election Day, and Lillian, a 100-year-old African American woman, is taking an uphill journey to her polling place. She\u2019s determined to make her voice heard, and as she walks, she invites the reader on flashbacks into her family\u2019s past. We see her great-grandfather voting for the first time after the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, her parents meeting pushback on their own voter registrations, and Lillian marching in the 1965 civil rights protests in Selma, Alabama. Blending the personal and historical, Lillian\u2019s Right to Vote<\/i> encourages us to celebrate victories while also remembering the past. RELATED: Books To Help Kids Understand the Fight for Racial Equality<\/a><\/p>\n no no 9780451478542 The Little Book of Little Activists <\/i> by Penguin Young Readers <\/p>\n This intro to activism is book-ended by veterans of two iconic marches \u2014 a co-chair of the 2017 Women\u2019s March on one end and an activist\/author from the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March on the other. In between are inspiring photos of and quotes from kid activists doing their thing. Writes School Library Journal<\/i>, \u201cAn inspiring reminder that people of any age can play a role in the quest for social justice.\u201d 9780525514381 Start Now! <\/i> by Chelsea Clinton <\/p>\n You are never too young to get involved with causes that are important to you. This book from Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to a host of issues facing kids today and then encourages them to make a difference. If you start small but think big, there\u2019s nothing you can\u2019t accomplish. 9781953424211 Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Women Who Protect the Earth <\/i> by Rebel Girls and Cristina Mittermeier <\/p>\n Alongside beautiful illustrations, this short book contains the stories of 25 incredible women and what they did to help our planet. From Autumn Peltier, a clean water activist, to Angelina Aora, an inventor who created bioplastic bags from natural ingredients, this book will help so many young readers appreciate all they can do to help!
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8)<\/i> <\/p>\n
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 9)<\/i> <\/p>\n
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 10)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12)<\/i><\/p>\n