Inspiring Youth Activism: Picture Books that Highlight the Power of Protest
Even the youngest readers can be inspired to speak up, take action, and imagine a better world. Children are naturally tuned in to fairness, empathy, and justice ~ and picture books are powerful tools for helping them understand how their voices matter and how they can use their voice for change. Whether it’s a march, a chant, a sign, or simply standing up for a friend, protest can take many forms ~ and every form is important.
Our littles ones are watching as cities across the United States mobilize in protest against ICE raids and an increasingly fascist administration. And while they may feel worried or frightened by the clashes they see on the news, it’s important to remind our littles of the power of protest to fight for change and demand justice. One way to inspire youth activism, and perhaps prepare your kids to join their very first protest, is to read them a picture book.
This collection of picture books introduces children to real-life youth activists, social movements past and present, and everyday kids who dare to make a difference. In a time when young people are leading climate strikes, organizing walkouts, and demanding safer schools and communities, raising kids to recognize their own power is more essential than ever. These stories will not only spark important conversations but also plant seeds of courage, hope, and change.
Picture Books that Highlight the Power of Protests
Find the Full List with even *more* titles on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on individual titles below.
Greta and the Giants by Zoe Tucker | Greta lives in a once-beautiful forest now being destroyed by greedy Giants who cut down trees to build cities. As the forest disappears and the animals lose their homes, Greta decides to take a stand. With courage and a simple idea, she begins to fight back ~ and others join her.
Stonewall A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.by Rob Sanders | This powerful true story introduces young readers to the history of the Stonewall Inn and its pivotal role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. On June 28, 1969, a police raid sparked protests that marked a turning point in the fight for equality ~ a movement that continues today.
Fighting for Yes! by Maryann Cocca-Leffler | This inspiring story follows Judy Heumann, a lifelong disability rights activist who refused to take “no” for an answer. When people with disabilities were denied access and opportunities, Judy led a powerful movement that helped pass Section 504.
A Hero Like Me by Jen Reid | Told through the eyes of a young girl, this powerful story follows the real-life toppling of a statue honoring a slave trader and the brief rise of a new statue celebrating activist Jen Reid. As the girl searches for true heroes, she realizes that change begins with speaking up ~ and that not all statues deserve to stand.
My Mommy Marches by Samantha Hawkins | A young girl watches her mother march for justice, rain or shine, and finds inspiration in her courage. As her mother raises her voice for what matters, the girl dreams of one day marching beside her and joining the next generation of changemakers.
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson | In 1963 Birmingham, thousands of brave Black children marched to protest segregation and demand civil rights. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they faced fear and danger to make their voices heard and help change the world.
Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer | Inspired by a real child at the 2017 Women’s March, this uplifting story follows young Mari as she makes a sign and joins a crowd calling for change. With her mother’s reassurance that love is powerful, Mari learns that even a small voice can help spread a big message of hope, unity, and equality.
Not So Small by Pat Zietlow Miller | Celebrates how people can come together to create change. This book reminds readers that every voice matters ~ and together, we can become an unstoppable force for good.
No Voice Too Small by Lindsay H. Metcalf | Celebrates 14 young activists who stood up for justice and sparked change. Through powerful poems and detailed bios, this inspiring collection shows that every voice, no matter how small, can make a big difference.
The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith | When a young boy sees the world’s injustices, he combines his art and activism to become an “Artivist.” After his powerful mural goes viral, he inspires others to use creativity as a tool for change, showing young readers how art can help heal the world.
Rise Up! The Art of Protest by Jo Rippon | Invites young readers to stand up for human rights through peaceful protest. Featuring vibrant photos of real protest posters, this book celebrates the ongoing fights for equality, justice, and the environment.
Momma’s Going to March by Jennifer Maruno | Follows children as they join their mothers at peaceful protests for causes like the environment, equality, and clean water. Through making signs, carrying flags, and marching together, the kids learn that activism can be joyful and empowering.
Princess and the Pea-tition by Kim Nguyen | Princess isn’t really a princess—just a girl caught in a strange test that suddenly names her future ruler. But she challenges the unfair system by starting The Pea-tition, inspiring her kingdom to embrace democracy, question old traditions, and use their voices for change.
Rise Up! by Rachel C. Katz | From the Boston Tea Party to the Capitol Crawl, this bold nonfiction picture book highlights 25 moments of protest and resistance in American history. Celebrating 250 years of activism, it teaches kids how to campaign, vote, and embrace protest as a core part of being American.
Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders } Helps kids understand what it means to stand up for what’s right. It breaks down big ideas like protest and activism into clear, actionable messages ~ showing that many voices together can create real change.
A Voice Like Yours by Frank Murphy | Celebrates the many ways we use our voices ~ to express ourselves, inspire others, create change, and speak up for what’s right. Whether loud or quiet, spoken, sung, or signed, every voice is powerful and needed. The world needs a voice like yours.
What We’re Reading this Week
A mini update of what’s being read in our household (and to keep us accountable to reading for fun!)
Me: Tales from Beyond the Rainbow: Ten LGBTQ+ Fairy Tales Proudly Reclaimed by Pete Jordi Wood
Husband: Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement by Anthony Robbins
Toddler: Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale
Baby: J is for Justice: An Activism Alphabet by Veronica I. Arreola
Be on the lookout for this upcoming week’s bonus book lists, and stay tuned for tomorrow’s Weekly Book List and Rec Recap (if you are a paid subscriber, I send you links to all of the book lists and books I shared the previous week on IG so you don’t miss a rec! And so you don’t have to be logged into socials all week ~ and can still get all the book lists)
Happy Reading,
Maya
This is soooo good!!
This is a phenomenal list. I also like Barrio Rising