Staff Picks
The Power of Protest for Families
- Heather M.
- Saturday, August 22, 2020
Collection
Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference. Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change.
You can also take action with our DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up.
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Dreams of Freedom
In Words and Pictures.
Published in 2015
Worldwide champions of human rights, from Harriet Tubman and Anne Frank to Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, share their dreams of freedom in words illustrated by artists from across the globe.
Let the Children March
Published in 2018
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
Woke Baby
Published in 2018
"For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscrapper is more blue."--Publisher's description.
Let the Children March
Published in 2018
Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, children and teenagers march against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.
Luz Makes a Splash
Published in 2012
When the city restricts water usage, Luz, with her friends and neighbors, strive to conserve and reuse what little water they have access to and protest the new soda factory using the spring water at a nearby pond.
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop
The Sanitation Strike of 1968
Published in 2018
This historical fiction picture book presents the story of nine-year-old Lorraine Jackson, who in 1968 witnessed the Memphis sanitation strike--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final stand for justice before his assassination--when her father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest.
Enough!
20 Protesters Who Changed America
Published in 2018
Profiles twenty social reformers throughout American history, including Samuel Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, Gilbert Baker, and Colin Kaepernick.
What Can a Citizen Do?
Published in 2018
Rhyming text explores citizenship, showing readers how seemingly unrelated actions, such as planting a tree or joining a cause can create a community.
We March
Published in 2012
Illustrations and brief text portray the events of the 1963 march in Washington, D.C., where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a historic speech.
Malala
Activist for Girls' Education
Published in 2017
Describes how a young Pakistani activist was violently targeted by the Taliban for her efforts to secure educational rights for girls.
Rosa
Published in 2005
The story of Rosa Parks and her courageous act of defiance. Provides the story of the young black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in Alabama, setting in motion all the events of the Civil Rights Movements that resulted in the end of the segregated south, gave equality to blacks throughout the nation, and forever changed the country in which we all live today. She had not sought this moment but she was ready for it. When the policeman bent down to ask "Auntie, are you going to move?" all the strength of all the people through all those many years joined in her. She said, "No." An inspiring account of an event that shaped American history. Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture-book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni's evocative text combines with Bryan Collier's striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.
Letters to a Prisoner
Published in 2017
In a wordless story, a man who was arrested during a peaceful protest begins to despair, when a bird begins delivering messages of support from the outside.
No Fear for Freedom
The Story of the Friendship 9
Published in 2013
Story about the historic struggle of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s during the time of segregation at Rock Hill, S.C. Ten young Black men peaceably entered McCrory's Variety Store and asked to be served at the lunch counter with equal service as Whites. They were arrested in spite of their non-violent protest and sent to prison. Charles Taylor returned to College shortly afterward, and worked to support the efforts of equality. The men who remained and served a longer prison sentence became known as the Friendship 9. They became an inspiration to other Civil Rights advocates and their historic sit-in protest sit-in inspired the Jail, No Bail movement. The Frienship 9 were Robert McCullough, John Gaines, Thomas Gaither, Clarence Graham, S.T. "Dub" Massey, Willie McCleod, James Wells, David Williamson, Jr., and Mark Workman.
Women Win the Vote!
19 for the 19th Amendment
Published in 2020
"A bold new collection showcasing the trailblazing individuals who fought for women's suffrage, honoring the Nineteenth Amendment's centennial anniversary. Women Win the Vote! maps the road to the Nineteenth Amendment through compact, readable biographies of nineteen women who helped pave the way. From early feminist activist Lucretia Mott to radical twentieth century suffragist Alice Paul, this vibrant collection profiles both iconic figures like Sojourner Truth and those who may be less well-known, like Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Vividly illustrated with an eye-catching design, Women Win the Vote! celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment and the intrepid individuals who broke through barriers and upended tradition to fight for gender equality and the empowerment of future generations"-- Provided by publisher.
King for Kids
Featuring Recordings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Published in 2008
For the first time, an edition of Martin Luther King's most important speeches and selected sermons are assembled specifically for school-age-children and families to listen to together. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is known for being one of the greatest orators of the 20th Century, and perhaps in all of American history. In the 1950s and 1960s, his words led the Civil Rights movement and helped change society. Though his speeches refer to the conditions of the 1960s, his assertions that nonviolent protest is the key to democracy and that all humans are equal, are as timeless and powerful today as they were nearly forty years ago. To honor Dr. King, this edition includes Dr. King's recordings, abridged for children, and is commemorated with selected art from our nation's own talent.
Luna and Me
The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest
Published in 2015
"Social activism combines with environmentalism in this picture book bio of Julia Butterfly Hill and Luna, the thousand-year-old redwood tree whose life she saved"-- Provided by publisher.
The Youngest Marcher
The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
Published in 2017
Presents the life of nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks who became the youngest known child to be arrested for picketing against Birmingham segregation practices in 1963.
When Thunder Comes
Poems for Civil Rights Leaders
Published in 2013
In moving verse, Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis gives new voice to seventeen heroes of civil rights. Exquisitely illustrated by five extraordinary artists, this commanding collection of poems invites the reader to hear in each verse the thunder that lies in every voice, no matter how small. Featuring civil rights luminaries Coretta Scott King, Harvey Milk, Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Sylvia Mendez, Aung San Suu Kyi, Mamie Carthan Till, Helen Zia, Josh Gibson, Dennis James Banks, Mitsuye Endo, Ellison Onizuka, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Yunus, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all... When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption.
I'm an Activist
Published in 2019
An introduction to activism teaches about people who are changing the world by campaigning for peace, equality, and conservation.
Hands Up!
Published in 2019
"A young girl lifts her hands up in a series of everyday moments before finally raising her hands in resistance at a protest march"-- Provided by publisher.
Abby Takes a Stand
Published in 2005
Gee recalls for her grandchildren what happened in 1960 in Nashville, Tennessee, when she, aged ten, passed out flyers while her cousin and other adults held sit-ins at restaurants and lunch counters to protest segregation.
She Stood for Freedom
The Untold Story of a Civil Rights Hero, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
Published in 2016
Biography of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland follows her from her childhood in 1950s Virginia through her high school and college years, when she joined the Civil Rights Movement, attending demonstrations and sit-ins. She also participated in the Freedom Rides of 1961 and was arrested and imprisoned. Her life has been spent standing up for human rights.
A is for Activist
Published in 2013
"A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. The alliteration, rhyming, and vibrant illustrations make the book exciting for children, while the issues it brings up resonate with their parents' values of community, equality, and justice. This engaging little book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children to action while teaching them a love for books"-- Provided by publisher.
Nelson Mandela
Published in 2013
Presents a biography of the former South African president best known for his political activism and fight to end apartheid.
All the Way to the Top
How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Published in 2020
"Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling-and overcoming-the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated in the Capitol Crawl. The deeply affecting image of Jennifer crawling up the steps of Capitol Hill went viral and helped pressure Congress into passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. A powerfully illustrated biography of Jennifer's life and a celebration of youth activism, All the Way to the Top will teach all children that they have the power to make a difference"-- Provided by publisher.
Lift As You Climb
The Story of Ella Baker
Published in 2020
"A picture book about the life of civil rights activist Ella Baker"--Provided by publisher.
A Good Kind of Trouble
Published in 2019
From debut author Lisa Moore Ramée comes this funny and bighearted debut middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what's right, perfect for fans of of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the novels of Renée Watson and Jason Reynolds. Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she'd also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.) But in junior high, it's like all the rules have changed. Now she's suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she's not black enough. Wait, what? Shay's sister, Hana, is involved in Black Lives Matter, but Shay doesn't think that's for her. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. Shay is scared to do the wrong thing (and even more scared to do the right thing), but if she doesn't face her fear, she'll be forever tripping over the next hurdle. Now, that's trouble, for real.
A Good Kind of Trouble
Published in 2019
Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she'd also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.) But in junior high, it's like all the rules have changed. Now she's suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she's not black enough. Wait, what? Shay's sister, Hana, is involved in Black Lives Matter, but Shay doesn't think that's for her. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. Shay is scared to do the wrong thing (and even more scared to do the right thing), but if she doesn't face her fear, she'll be forever tripping over the next hurdle. Now that's trouble, for real.
A Good Kind of Trouble
Published in 2019
After attending a powerful protest, Shayla starts wearing an armband to school to support the Black Lives Matter movement, but when the school gives her an ultimatum, she is forced to choose between her education and her identity.
Grandpa Stops a War
A Paul Robeson Story
Published in 2019
""Daddy always said it takes a man of peace to stop a war." Based on the true story of Paul Robeson's visit to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War, comes this recollection of his bravery and activism by his granddaughter, Susan Robeson, with her debut book. When Susan was a child her father and grandfather told her family stories over and over. Grandpa Paul was a great man, a singer with a deep and rumbling voice, a man of peace and principle who worried about the safety of the children and families living in countries at war. His songs were always full of emotion, and evoking the African-American spirituals of his own father's childhood, he was able to communicate even with people who didn't speak the same language. Though it was dangerous, Robeson went to Spain and traveled to the front lines of the war (in a Buick!). There, he asked the soldiers to set up speakers facing the fighters on both sides of the battlefield. And then he sang.... With gorgeous illustrations from the fine artist Rod Brown, When Grandpa Stops A War celebrates the activism and achievements of the great Paul Robeson, and shows readers the power of art in times of discord and war."--Provided by publisher.
Pies from Nowhere
How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Published in 2018
"Georgia decided to help the best way she knew how. She worked together with a group of women and together they purchased the supplies they needed--bread, lettuce, and chickens. And off they went to cook. The women brought food to the mass meetings that followed at the church. They sold sandwiches. They sold dinners in their neighborhoods. As the boycotters walked and walked, Georgia cooked and cooked. Georgia Gilmore was a cook at the National Lunch Company in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus boycotts broke out in Montgomery after Rosa Parks was arrested, Georgia knew just what to do. She organized a group of women who cooked and baked to fund-raise for gas and cars to help sustain the boycott. Called the Club from Nowhere, Georgia was the only person who knew who baked and bought the food, and she said the money came from "nowhere" to anyone who asked. When Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for his role in the boycott, Georgia testified on his behalf, and her home became a meeting place for civil rights leaders. This picture book highlights a hidden figure of the civil rights movement who fueled the bus boycotts and demonstrated that one person can make a real change in her community and beyond"-- Provided by publisher.
When Marian Sang
The True Recital of Marian Anderson
Published in 2002
An introduction to the life of Marian Anderson, extraordinary singer and civil rights activist, who was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, whose life and career encouraged social change.
Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights
Published in 2018
"In Knit a Hat, Take a Knee, young readers are taken through their #resistance ABCs. Through lyrically sparse writing, Rob Sanders introduces abstract concepts like "fighting for what you believe in" and turns them into something actionable"-- Provided by publisher.
Pride
The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Published in 2018
Traces the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world.
Stonewall
A Building. an Uprising. a Revolution.
Published in 2019
Describes the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969, which sparked the gay liberation movement in the United States, and details the history of LGBTQ rights since the riots.
Kid Activists
True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change
Published in 2019
"Across history, activists have worked, marched, and spoken out for equality and justice--and many had moving, relatable childhood stories. Martin Luther King Jr. argued with his dad about whether dancing was a sin. Harvey Milk had a passion for opera. Dolores Huerta was wrongly accused of plagiarizing. Kid activists tells these stories and more through engaging biographies and full-color illustrations on nearly every page. Learn about Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai"--Back cover.
Freedom on the Menu
The Greensboro Sit-ins
Published in 2005
The 1960 civil rights sit-ins at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, are seen through the eyes of a young Southern black girl.
Our House is on Fire
Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
Published in 2019
Tells the story of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage climate activist who has sparked a worldwide student movement and is demanding action from world leaders who refuse to address climate change.