Change comes in all different forms, shapes and sizes, but one thing remains the same: it always requires courage. Picture books about activism help both children and adults remember that just one voice can make a difference, and that it’s never too late to take a stand for what’s right. Check out some of our favorites below!
Speak Up by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Whether it means saying you’re sorry, sticking up for another person, saying thank you, or helping the Earth, don’t be afraid to speak up! With cheerful illustrations and fun rhyming text, this story reminds us all that even one voice can make a difference.
Just Help: How to Build a Better World by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
When Sonia leaves for school in the morning, her mother asks her a simple question: How will you help today? Her question inspires Sonia to gather supplies for her class’s project helping veterans, which inspires another classmate to help others. As classmate after classmate finds ways to help, we learn that there are lots of different ways to make the world a better place!
Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds
Amara loves bats! But when she moves to a new home, the bats are missing! The park ranger tells her they haven’t returned in a long time, so Amara enlists the help of her classmates. Together they work to bring the bats home—but will they succeed? Amara’s steps can help young readers better understand what to do when there’s a problem they’d like to fix.
Change Sings by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long
Poet Amanda Gorman’s beautiful words remind us that we are all have the power to effect change in the world. From helping in our communities to helping with our hearts, the lyrical text, vibrant illustrations, and use of metaphor reminds us that change need not be feared or avoided. We are the change!
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
When her squirrel-chasing dog takes off up a huge trash heap in her neighborhood, Sofia Valdez has a big idea: ask the mayor to transform the trash heap into a neighborhood park! Sofia must overcome her own wobbly fears if she’s going to get the grown-ups to give her idea a chance. With engaging rhyme and wonderful illustrations, Sofia’s story will inspire kids everywhere to stand up for what they know is right—even when it’s scary!
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris, illustrated by Marissa Valdez
Though ambitious women have often been mislabeled, every girl has the power to achieve! Spinning labels on its head, this book uses creative rhyme and engaging illustrations to remind all children that success is possible, and reaching for it is something to be celebrated.
The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
At nine years old, Audrey Faye Hendricks was the youngest child to be arrested in the Birmingham marches for equality. This story follows her from the dinner table with Martin Luther King and other changemakers, to the streets of Birmingham and the walls of her jail cell. It is a story of activism, fighting for freedom and equality, and the changes that can happen when even the youngest marchers make brave choices.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno
Harvey Milk dreamed that all people would be equal, even people with differing sexual orientation. As he planned a public march, he knew he needed a symbol that would help people feel part of more than a march, but part of a community—and the rainbow flag was formed. This is the story of that flag, which, even after Milk’s assassination, still flies as a symbol for equality, pride, and love.
We Move Together by Kelly Fristch & Anne McGuire, illustrated by Eduardo Trejos
This picture book celebrates the connections we have as humans and members of society. With simple language and bright illustrations, it reminds us that despite problems, differences, unfamiliarity, and struggle, we can make the world a better place.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
With lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, this story introduces the ancient legend of the black snake, now the Dakota Access pipeline, which will eventually destroy water in the traditional lands of the Dakotas region. The narrator vows to fight for her people as she defends the land, the water, and the many creatures without voices to speak up.