15 New and Upcoming Books for Student Activists

Originally published November 2024

These days it can feel like we’re constantly inundated by nothing but bad news. With everything that’s happening in the world right now, in far off countries and closer to home, it’s easy to feel defeated—especially for kids. It’s up to us to remind them things aren’t hopeless, and that it’s never too late to take a stand. The voices of today’s youth can still be heard, and they have the power to take action in big and small ways for causes that matter to them.

To help you inspire your students to become agents of change, we’ve gathered this collection of K–12 books, published in 2024 and beyond, that focus on different forms of activism. From inspiring stories of everyday heroes—both real and fictional—to guidebooks that feature practical steps students can take to support their local and global communities, there’s a little something for everyone in this list.

Packed within the pages of this book are tons of things that kids can do to help keep their neighbourhoods clean. From hands-on projects for reusing and upcycling unwanted items, to larger-scale activities like trash clean-ups, young conservationists are sure to find joy and inspiration in these innovative activities.    

Don’t Wait introduces readers to three young activists who have contributed to some of the most important movements of our time. There’s Kahlila, who became involved with Black Lives Matter and fought to defund school police in Los Angeles. Then there’s Nalleli, who stood up against the oil company that was causing serious health problems for people in her neighbourhood. Last but not least, there’s Sonia who, needing a creative outlet during the pandemic, strove to increase access to arts education for schools across California. Author and journalist Sonali Kohli shares the stories of these young women, while also giving them space to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned through their activism.

Give Back is a celebration of kindness, community, and the many ways we can help those around us. This poetic picture book follows the story of a girl and her family as they get ready for a community food and clothing drive. It introduces young readers to the concept of “giving back,” and includes suggestions for a number of ways to be caring towards others.

One of the newest installments in the Orca Think series, this non-fiction book gets middle-grade readers thinking about the impact that sports have on the environment. It also explores some of the ways that organizations, athletes, and fans around the world are stepping up to raise awareness and make changes in the sports industry to help tackle the climate crisis. Additional resources for In It to Win It include a teacher’s guide and an activity sheet.

Eco-warrier Martin Dorey invites middle-grade readers to become #2minutesuperheroes and help protect Earth’s wildlife by completing the activities in this book. Kids can do their part to save endangered species by choosing from 60 fun “2-minute missions” that can be completed at school, at home, or in their community. Sample activities include collecting rainwater, buying foods without palm oil, or visiting a zero waste store, along with many, many more.

Momma’s Going to March shows young readers that advocacy is for everyone, and that it can be fun! The book follows several children as they prepare to attend peaceful protest marches with their mothers. They make signs and banners. They decorate wagons. They gather their drums. All because… Momma’s going to march! Backmatter includes descriptions of historical marches, additional information on the use of drums, flags, banners, etc. in peaceful protests, and more.

Set in the 1880s, this queer YA graphic novel is based on the true stories of America’s first “stunt-girl” (investigative journalist) Nell Nelson and photographer Alice Austen. Nell has always wanted to write serious, impactful articles for the New York Chronicle, but so far all she’s done is contribute to the society column. Then she meets Alice, a street photographer who also shoots portraits of queer women. Alice encourages Nell to stand up against injustice, and maybe even take a chance on love. When Nell’s friend is injured in a garment factory, she decides to go undercover as a seamstress to expose the poor working conditions. But as her reports gain momentum, Nell begins to face some serious backlash. Will she find the strength to continue her pursuit of justice?

Inspired by Stacey Abrams and her legacy of activism, this picture book shows kids that everybody has the power to make a difference. When young Stacey finds out that some of her classmates can’t afford to eat lunch, she vows to do something about it. At first she’s not quite sure what, but with the help of her community, Stacey soon comes up with a plan. (Additional resources for Stacey Speaks Up include an activity guide.)

This beautifully illustrated picture book offers a gentle reminder for young readers that we are stronger together than we are on our own, and that collective action is the most powerful way to bring about change. The story follows a lamb who is determined to make their dream come true. It sets off on a journey to do so and, along the way, encounters other animals who share the same dream, and want to help make it a reality.

Middle-grade readers can learn all about Ursula Franklin through this important biography, written by her daughter, Monica. Ursula’s story is one of unimaginable hardships, but also extraordinary accomplishments. A Holocaust survivor, scholar, scientist, and educator, Ursula spent her life standing up for causes that she believed in, including peace, equality, and the environment. Her legacy and achievements are sure to inspire students to be brave and chase after their own dreams.

A Voice Like Yours teaches young readers that everyone has a voice, and we all use them in different ways to express ourselves. Whether through singing, speaking, or staying silent, our voices have power, and each and every one of us can use them to make changes, inspire others, lift up the people around us, and so much more!

In this fiery YA romance, two rival teens are forced to work together to lead their school’s environmental justice club. There’s a lot on the line for both Isa Brown and Darius Freeman as co-presidents of the club. Isa wants to take action against the wildfires threatening her community, and Darius needs the club in order to round out his college applications and launch his political career. But as the two clash over the best way to run things, they’re surprised when deeper feelings for each other start to emerge. Will they be able to find a way to work together, for the sake of their own futures and the future of their community, or will they end up burning down everything they’ve worked so hard for?

Community leader and equity activist Michael Redhead Champagne’s inspiring debut picture book presents a necessary call to action for young readers. It teaches them that everyone has a gift, and that we can all use those gifts to help the people around us. Through a celebration of diverse cultures and perspectives, We Need Everyone invites children to consider how they can use their unique talents to contribute to their communities and achieve their goals. Additional resources include a free teacher guide.

Part of Holiday House’s Books for a Better Earth collection, this non-fiction STEM text explores how scientists, engineers, and everyday people are working together to stitch the Earth’s habitats back together. From wildlife crossings to biological corridors to dam removals, actions are being taken all over the world to help animals move safely across the landscape. Wildlife Crossings of Hope also includes actions that kids can take on their own to contribute to wildlife protection and the restoration of wild places. Be sure to check out the accompanying activity kit as well.

Written by youth activist Charlene Rocha, You Can Be an Activist is a handbook for kids who want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start. It contains plenty of practical tips, such as how to create a petition or lead a team, and also supports young readers in learning more about important issues such as Black Lives Matter, queer rights, and feminism. Backmatter includes a list of additional resources, as well as a checklist of next steps to take. This book is part of the CitizenKid series, and aligns with the themes of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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