(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

MORE: Big List of Picture Book Biographies of Women Who Changed History: scientists, performers, writers and more! Read these books during Women's History Month, and all year long.

Picture Books about Women's Suffrage

Learn about the women who fought for the right to vote.

Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women's Right to Vote by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Nancy Zhang. Alice Paul, a suffragette and activist organized a protest outside the White House during Wilson's administration. She led parades, went to jail and even met with the president himself. Her creative tactics helped pave the way for the 19th amendment.

I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote by Linda Arms White, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Introduce your daughters and sons to the spunky Esther Morris, who from her childhood never forgot that "she could do that, too." Not a lot is known about the personal life of Morris, who was an important figure in Wyoming suffrage politics and eventually became a judge, but this picture book gives an entertaining take on what it might be like to be an outspoken female in the 19th century.

Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Hadley Hooper. A fun picture book about two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, who travelled across the country with a kitten, and a typewriter to spread the message that women should have the right to vote.

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Faulkner. The book starts with a sort of prologue starring Abigail Adams who issues a warning to her husband that if women were not included in the new laws for the United States they would start their own revolution. The story then skips ahead to 1840 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott start that very revolution.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Performers

Picture Books about Women Activists

These tireless women could not tolerate sitting idly by in the face of injustice. They are roll models any child can look up to.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist by Philip Dray, illustrated Stephen Alcorn. In post-Civil War America, anti-lynching activist Wells was one of the first successful Black Americans to win a legal battle in court. She wrote tirelessly against Jim Crow laws and refused to back down, even in the face of threats to her life.

The Mother of a Movement by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Sam Kalda. Jeanne Manford was a true mama bear! In 1972, after her son was beaten by police for handing out leaflets calling for gay rights, Manford wrote a letter to the New York Times professing unconditional support for her child. She organized a march and founded PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to help motivate others to support the LGBTQ community.

MORE: Picture Books about LGBTQ History

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Poems tell the story of Fannie Lou Hamer's life, from her childhood as a sharecropper to her life as an activist. The text is emotional and doesn't gloss over Fannie's hardships; the collage illustrations are stunning.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior With Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya, illustrated by L. C. Wheatley is a biography of the young Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Malala has become an inspiring voice for peace and education and even though her story is frightening at times, this is a good, age appropriate picture book.

Malala is one of the fearless women on our printable women card coloring pages. Check out all 8 of our featured women cards!

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Clara comes to NYC dirt poor but full of grit. She works a miserable, backbreaking job at a garment factory. An extraordinary individual, she taught herself to read and led the largest walkout of women workers in U.S. History, despite being beaten and jailed for participating in labor strikes. Markel tells a valuable story of the history of women workers and the importance of fair labor practices, a story which still resonates today.

MORE: Picture Books about Protest and Civil Disobedience

Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Here is a wonderful, lyrical recounting of the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Shange's words remind the reader of Scott's individuality, and the addition of Kadir Nelson's illustrations bring the story to life. An important addition to any classroom study of King.

MORE: Books about the Civil Rights Movement

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla. Warren portrays Huerta in her many roles as teacher, parent, protester and more. Her strength and determination to help the farmworkers led her to help organize a strike so they could achieve better working conditions and fair treatment under the law. The book includes great supplemental information in the afterward.

MORE: Books about the History of Labor

Stand as Tall as the Trees, Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo. As a child, co-author Patricia Gualinga lived in Sarayaku, inside the Ecuadorian rainforest. Her mother taught her that humans are connected to nature and to the forest. She describes how, as an adult, she and members of the Indigenous Kichwa went to the Court of Human Rights as part of their campaign to stop oil companies from taking over parts of the rainforest. Spoiler alert: they win. This is a gorgeous, well-written book about a crucial and timely issue.

MORE: Picture Books about the Environment

Write On, Mercy!: The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. I love the story of Mercy because not only did she become an accomplished writer and political thinker before, during and after the American Revolution, she was surrounded by men who encouraged and valued her contributions, despite the prevalent belief that woman's role was to cook and sew.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Writers

Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson is the story of singer Florence Mills, who used her fame to fight for civil rights in the 1920s. She was well-known for her compassion for the less fortunate and for helping to advance the careers other African-American performers who faced profound racism.

Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist by Q. L. Pearce, illustrated by Gina Capaldi. Zitkala-Sa, left her home on the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota to go to school in Indiana where she found solace in music. This picture book biography tells her story from her struggles due to being separated from her traditional culture, discovering her love of music as a child, to her activism on behalf of Native Americans.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Musicians

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar, illustrated Molly Mendoza. Growing up in rural Mexico in the 1910s, Jovita hated being forced to wear big skirts. So she fashioned her skirts into a pair of pants and went exploring with her brothers. When her father and brothers joined the Cristeros as part of the Mexican revolution, Jovita longed to join them. She eventually becomes involved, but the revolution brings tragedy to Jovita's family. Jovita does not back down, dressing "as Juan" and leading an army of peasants against the government. Back matter includes a lengthy and informative author's note.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Hispanic and Latino Luminaries

Aani and the Tree Huggers by Jeannine Atkins, illustrated by Venantius J Pinto. Atkins was inspired to write this book by events that took place in 1970, in India. Villagers protested the cutting down of their venerated trees by holding on to them. In this story, Aani, a young girl, leads the fight to protect the trees from tree-cutters who have official orders to cut them down. The trees are a source of food, shelter and comfort for the villagers. This is an interesting book to talk to kids about the many forms of protest. It's not always a march or a strike. It could be—literally—tree-hugging.

Picture Books about First Ladies

First ladies of the United States did not sit idly by while their husbands conducted business. Whether their contributions were political, social or cultural, many first ladies expressed a fierce devotion to making their country better for everyone.

Kids' Guide to America's First Ladies by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Anna DiVito. This is not a picture book, but I found it an excellent resource and goes beyond the dry facts of each women's life as first lady. Each woman's section can be read with your child as a discreet unit if you prefer. Includes first ladies through 2017.

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick. I love this book which captures Eleanor Roosevelt's adventurous, convention-defying spirit. In 1933, two risk-loving women sneak away from a stuffy dinner party and go for the ride in the sky! Brian Selznick's black and white pencil illustrations capture the era perfectly.

Dolley Madison Saves George Washington  by Don Brown. Dolley was a popular first lady, whom many underestimated and lazily wrote off as a "socialite." It was Dolley, however, who stepped up to the plate as the soldiers fled the White House during the War of 1812 and rescued valuable state papers from the mansion, as well as the now-famous portrait of the first Commander-in-Chief. This book is great fun but also a serious look at the importance of courage.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein. A picture book biography of Lady Bird Johnson's life and dedication to bringing the beauty of nature to America, including her role in the Highway Beautification Act.

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Jackie Kennedy may have been a style icon, but she had grit and determination to make the world beautiful. This biography focuses onJackie Kennedy Onassis' role in the campaign to keep Grand Central from going the way of Penn Station.

Picture Books about Women Candidates and Legislators

Women run for office, serve the public as representatives and senators. This sampling of biographies tell the stories of these trailblazing politicians.

She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Russell-Brown's engaging biography of Chisholm narrates her journey from a young child with a talent for leadership to her life in politics. Readers will learn about how her experiences growing up in Barbados and New York influenced her desire to make change and fight on behalf of others. With the growing diversity in high political offices, this is an important read for children to learn about the long trajectory of the fight for representation and justice.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. There are several picture book biographies about Hillary Clinton, I like this one as it offers an inspiring and positive message in the way it focuses on Hillary's journey in leadership, service and activism as a girl, young adult and grown woman in education, the law and politics. I also love Pham's appealing illustrations, especially the final pages which show Hillary in a group of her fellow inspiring female leaders.

Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman's Race for the Presidency by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Courtney Martin. A fun biography of a woman who ran for president in 1884. Belva Lockwood was a determined woman. When her law degree was denied she appealed directly to President Grant and won. She argued a case before the Supreme Court, and she had the audacity to run for the highest office at a time when women couldn't even vote.

Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids & Nancy K. Mays, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk nation, became one of the first female Native American representatives in the U.S. Congress. In this memoir picture book, Davids describes her path growing up as a person who always looked for ways to serve others. After a time where she studied martial arts, worked in customer service and gave back to her community, she went to law school, eventually deciding to run for congress in the state of Kansas.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Native Americans

Phemonenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Loris Lora. While she may be a lighting rod for political arguments with your neighbor, this thoughtful and inspiring biography of Ocasio-Cortez, or "AOC" brings her humanity to the foreground. Growing up in suburban New York, AOC quickly noticed how few people in the community looked like her family, and that there were strong disparities of resources between neighborhoods, depending on the wealth of their inhabitants. She worked hard to succeed in school, got involved in activism and politics, and eventually became the youngest elected member of the House of Representatives.

Madam President: Five Women Who Paved the Way by Nichola D. Gutgold, and Abigail S. Kennedy, illustrated by Jane Ramsey. The book includes the stories of Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Patricia Schroeder, Elizabeth Dole, and Hillary Clinton.

Picture Books about Women Lawyers and Judges

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. I love this charming book about how Ginsburg never stopped disagreeing with ideas that put women and other underprivileged persons at a disadvantage.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's story will inspire everyone. The book follows Sonia as she grows up in poverty in the Bronx and gets an education. The book has a great, positive message and emphasizes how important it is to be surrounded by supportive friends and family.

When Esther Morris Headed West, Women, Wyoming and the Right to Vote by Connie Nordhielm Woldridge, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. If you made it to the end of this list congratulations, you probably noticed this is the second book about Ester Morris. I didn't know if I should include her under suffragettes or judges (women never stay in pat little boxes, do they?) so I thought what the heck, I'll just do both. This book focuses more on Morris in Wyoming rather than her childhood, but both books are worth reading.

The post Children's Books about Women in Politics and Women Activists appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jared Andrew Schorr

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In alphabetical order from A to Z, the author-illustrator team describes actions that thoughtful citizens can take to improve their communities, large and small. There are some allusions to historical protests like sports players taking a knee, but the simple direct text offers many opportunities to discuss the wide variety of ways people take action for what is right. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Picture Books about Responsible Citizenship

We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Collier's gorgeous illustrations adorn the pages next to the lyrics of the protest song, "We Shall Overcome." The illustrations depict historical events as well as scenes of the present. Endnotes give further information about essential protests that changed the course of history. Essential reading. Ages 3 and up.

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Peter Malone

Find it: Amazon

Let's not forget that the United States was founded in the spirit of protests and civil disobedience. Freedman's text and Malone's illustrations will teach kids about this important historical moment. I like how Freedman's choice of words and his attention to detail give an urgency to the events and the reader is reminded again and again that the Boston Tea Party was a result of anger over a perceived injustice. Ages 7 and up.

Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Is there any cause more important than your local library? Rocket reminds us that when a library is threatened, we must do something! Rocket is a cheerful, determined protagonist. Spurred by reading a book about Rosa Parks, Rocket organizes a peaceful protest against library closures, and others rally to her cry. Ages 4 and up.

Noodlephant by by Jacob Kramer, illustrated by K-Fai Steele

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Elephant loves noodles and likes having his animal friends over for pasta parties! But the kangaroos, who make all the rules and thus hold all the power declare that pasta is only to be eaten by kangaroos. They declare that the other animals should eat sticks and branches instead. This simply won't do! In protest, Elephant and his friends invent a machine that turns ordinary objects into pasta! I love the clever wordplay and the sneaky subversiveness of the non-kangaroo animals to protest the unjust law. Of course, the marvelous conclusion reaffirms that injustice and inequality must always be challenged. Be sure to read the sequel, Okapi Tale! Ages 5 and up.

We March by Shane W. Evans

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is one of my favorite books about protest marches. The spare text and brilliant illustrations make this a wonderful book for children as young as 3 years old. The light, first person narrative tells the story of a family getting ready to participate in the March on Washington. Illustrations depict crowds of people from all walks of life and celebrate the excitement the event generated, and the power of peaceful protest. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's Books about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Swimmy is a classic picture book and you might be surprised to see it on a list of books about protest, but it fits right in. The tale is about how little fish join forces to fight off the big bully fish. However, the story also demonstrates that one can still be an individual, even when banding together with others in pursuit of a common goal. Ages 3 and up.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Clara came to NYC dirt poor but full of grit. She worked a miserable, backbreaking job at a garment factory. An extraordinary individual, she taught herself to read and led the largest walkout of women workers in U.S. History, despite being beaten and jailed for participating in labor strikes. This is a valuable story of the history of women workers and the importance of fair labor practices and will still resonate today. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies about Women Activists

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A board book that's not just for babies! With a fun sense of humor, this alphabet book introduces kids to the idea that life may not be all about acquiring the latest Thomas Train. The book teaches generosity, compassion, consideration for others. Use the book as a starting point for further discussions about the topics. Counting on Community is the companion book which turns a simple counting book into an inspiring call to action. Ages 2 and up.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez by Kathleel Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morale

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This picture book biography begins with Chávez as a young boy, who was "not a fighter," and follows him as his family leaves Mexico during the drought. When they arrive in California ,the family experiences the hardship, racism and brutal treatment rained down on migrant workers. Chávez was roused to take action and organized a 340 mile peaceful protest march on behalf of farmworkers. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Books about the History of Labor

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, illustrated by David Diaz

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Even Bunting wrote Smoky Night in response to the Los Angeles protests and riots in the wake of the Rodney King trials. It is a sensitive story about the effects of urban violence, but the real emphasis in on the importance of seeing the value of one's neighbors as individuals. Diaz's illustrations are gorgeous and evocative. Ages 7 and up.

MORE: Social Justice Picture Books for Kids

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Warren portrays civil rights leader Dolores Huerta in her many roles, from teacher to parent to protester and more. Her strength and determination to help the farm workers inspired her her to help organize a strike so they could achieve better working conditions and fair treatment under the law. Endnotes supply further information. Ages 5 and up.

Dolores Huerta is one of the fearless women on our women cards coloring page!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

If you want to raise kids who won't let their future employers walk all over them, read them this modern classic about a group of determined barnyard animals who persevere to get what they want, despite a grumpy farmer. Ages 3 and up.

¡Sí, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! by Diana Cohn

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Cohn's book is inspired by a real life janitor strike in 2000.  The story centers on Carlitos, whose mother is a night janitor who cleans a skyscraper in Los Angeles. I like the family touches, like when mama tucks Carlitos into bed every night before she goes to work. It personalizes the story so kids will be able to relate to the characters, even if they may never find themselves in a similar economic situation. Mama helps to organize the janitor strike, and a passionate Carlitos who "loves his mama" gets involved. A bilingual book. Ages 4 and up.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Tonatiuh tells the story of school desegregation 10 years before Brown v. the Board of Education. In 1944, Sylvia's family moved to a new community. When she tried to attend school, she was told that she would have to go to "the Mexican school". Sylvia and her family fight back and eventually win a very important court battle, setting the stage for future desegregation cases. Ages 5 and up

MORE: Picture Books about The Civil Rights Movement

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A young girl, with her red-ribboned teddy bear describes the experience as she and her sister slip out of their house to join a freedom march. The focus is very much on the sensory experience. They stand, "waist high" in the "bright light", "clapping in time with [their] feet." This is lovely book that emphases how children have been an integral part in civil disobedience and protest marches. Young readers will enjoy picking out the plucky protagonist in the illustrations by her bear's ribbon, which matches the stripes in the flag. Ages 4 and up.

Aani and the Tree Huggers by Jeannine Atkins

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In an event in 1970s India, villagers protested the cutting down of their venerated trees by holding on to them. In this story, Aani, a young girl, leads the fight to protect the trees from tree-cutters who have official orders to cut them down. The trees are a source of food, shelter and comfort for the villagers. This is an interesting book to talk to kids about the many forms of protest. It's not always a march or a strike. It could be—literally—tree-hugging. Ages 6 and up.

Which Side are You On? The Story of a Song by George Ella Lyon, Christopher Cardinale

Find it: Amazon

Florence Reese wrote the titular 1931 song and it's now a ballad sung worldwide in support of workers' rights. Florence's husband was a coal miner and the story of the coal miners' strike is told through the eyes of Florence's daughter. I recommend this book for ages 8 and up because of the depiction of the gun fire that was rained down on the miners. Nevertheless, it is an important story that deserves to be remembered. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport

Find it: Amazon

The book starts with a sort of prologue starring Abigail Adams who issues a warning to her husband that if women were not included in the new laws for the United States they would start their own revolution. The story then skips ahead to 1840 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott start that very revolution. I appreciated that the author included the voice of Sojourner Truth in the middle of the book because it is important to remember that Cady Stanton and the other suffragettes were not fighting for all women's right to vote. Ages 5 and up.

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerone Lagarrigue

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In 1960, four black college students sat down at the Woolworth's lunch counter, labelled "WHITES ONLY." The events are told from young Connie's perspective. She sips her soda while standing but her siblings become active in the lunch counter boycott and she helps them make signs. I like that the author still included Connie's youthful desire to just have a banana split, which she finally gets to do—while sitting. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Big List of African-American History Books for Kids

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here's another story about the 1960 Greensboro lunch counter sit in. I liked this one because of the food metaphors. "At first they were treated like the hole in the doughnut—invisible." "The kids had a recipe, too. A new brew called integration." I love Pinkney's splendidly expressive illustrations, with their swirly lines and colors. Ages 5 and up.

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Pinkney's book tells the story of how the African-American community walked for 382 days rather than ride the segregated busses in Montgomery, Alabama. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, which themselves appear to move beautifully capture the spirit of the amazing individuals who brought change to their community and the nation. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Check out all our book list topics in the book list index!

The post Children's Picture Books about Protest and Civil Disobedience appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These picture books about the civil rights movement give one so much to think about. One of my favorite characteristics of the books on this list is that most of them emphasize the role children played in the civil rights movement, which will inspire them to use their own strengths to make a positive change in the world.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

MORE: Big list of children's books about African-American history

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colón is a first person narrative by the daughter of civil rights leader, Andrew Young. She describes how her family moved from New York back to the South so they could aid the civil rights movement. This is a long book, better for kids 7 and up, with a lot of information. Her story culminates in the march from Selma to Montgomery and the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. What I like about this story is the emphasis on how the leaders of the movement cooperated with each other to make things happen. Mini-biographies of the individuals mentioned in the book are included at the end.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Levinson tells the story about the youngest known child to be arrested for standing up for civl rights. Audrey was nine when she was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963 during the civil rights march.

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford. This book celebrates six-year-old Ruby who faced angry crowds and empty classrooms in 1960 as she became the first child to attend an all-white school after a court ordered desegregation in New Orleans. Author Coles does a great job of making an historical event personal and showing how a child can show courage in a difficult situation.

MORE: Picture book biographies of Amazing African-American Women

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velazquez. A young girl, with her red-ribboned teddy bear describes her experience as she and her sister slip out of their house to join a freedom march. The text focuses on describing the sensory experience. This is another lovely book that emphases how children were an integral part in the fight for freedom.

We March by Shane W. Evans. The spare text and brilliant illustrations make this a wonderful book for children as young as 3 years old. The light, first person narrative tells the story of a family getting ready to march in the historic event.

I Have a Dream, speech Speech by Martin Luther King, Jr, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Nelson's gorgeous illustrations accompany an excerpt from Dr. King's most famous speech. The paintings cover a broad range of images–from close ups of clasped hands, to views of the national landscape, to the crowd at the Washington Monument. The hardcover book includes a CD of the official recording and the entire speech is included at the end of the book.

MORE: List of Martin Luther King, Jr. books for kids

Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Gwen Strauss, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. From 1936-1964, “The Green Book” was a travel guide for African-Americans that included a listing of service stations that would serve them.  Ruth and her family are en route from Chicago to Alabama to visit grandma. Ruth learns about Jim Crow laws for the first time and makes it her job to help navigate with the help of The Green Book. (A good chapter book to read in conjunction with Ruth and the Green Book is the superb, The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963.)

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis. The more I read this book, the more I love it. A fence, both metaphorical and physical, defines the boundary between Annie’s white family and Clover’s African-American one. Clover’s mom has told her not to cross the fence because it is unsafe. Instead, Clover sits on the fence, watching the other girl play. Annie eventually approaches Clover and the two sides begin talking, a friendship is formed and the fence, finally crossed. The final image of a line of girls sitting on the fence points to the possibilities of the future.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue. Joe and John Henry are great friends. But, because Joe is white and John Henry is Black they can't swim in the public pool together. This is Mississippi in 1964, after all. Instead, they spend their summer swimming in the creek. When the Civil Rights Act is finally passed, the boys look forward to finally going to the pool, only to find it filled with concrete. White leaders would rather forgo swimming that desegregate recreation areas. There's hope, too, though, as the boys head to buy their ice pops at the newly integrated general store.

Fighting with Love: the Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome. Kids will learn about civil rights activist, John Lewis, and his "good trouble." The boldly illustrated book takes a look at Lewis' childhood, recalling his observations about growing up in segregated Georgia, his desire for education, and the love of his family. His determination not to back down during the most difficult times of the struggle and his insistence on peaceful demonstrations will inspire kids to follow in his footsteps.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh. This book tells the story of school desegregation 10 years before Brown v. the Board of Education. In 1944, Sylvia's family moved to a new community. When she tried to attend school, she was told that she would have to go to "the Mexican school". Sylvia and her family fight back and eventually win a very important court battle, setting the stage for future desegregation cases. This is a great book to teach our kids that segregation extended beyond the Jim Crow laws of the South.

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue Lagarrigue. In 1960 four black college students sat down at the Woolworth's lunch counter, labelled "WHITES ONLY." The story is told from young Connie's perspective. She sips her soda while standing but her siblings become active in the lunch counter boycott and she helps them make signs. I like that the author still included Connie's youthful desire to just have a banana split, which she finally gets to do -- while sitting.

MORE: Children's books about protest and civil disobedience

The Teachers March!: How Selma's Teachers Changed History by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace, illustrated by Charly Palmer. This is a fascinating look at a lesser-known event during the Civil Rights movement. Using extensive research, the authors tell the story of Reverend F.D. Reese, who organized his fellow educators to march for voting rights in 1965.

MORE: Picture book biographies of lesser-known Black heroes

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney. This is the story of the 1960 Greensboro lunch counter sit in.  I quite enjoyed the food metaphors. “At first they were treated like the hole in the doughnut—invisible.” “The kids had a recipe, too. A new brew called integration.” I love Pinkney's splendidly expressive illustrations, with their swirly lines and colors.

MORE: Social justice picture books

This Is the Dream by Diane Z Shore, and Jessica Alexander, illustrated by James Ransome. This Is the Dream tells a story of change in three parts. First we learn about the rules of segregation at drinking fountains, on busses, in restaurants and public spaces. "These are the buses–a dime buys a ride, but the people are sorted by color inside." The second third then moves on to the events, large and small, that began the civil rights movement. Finally, the last few pages re-look at the places in the first part of the book–now open and available to all. James Ransome's striking illustrations and Shore and Alexander's concise, rhyming text make this a great read aloud.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier.  This is a good beginner's guide to MLK. It's informative but not overly long as some picture book biographies can be. It gives a solid introduction to MLK's life and work and is beautifully illustrated.

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney. This book tells the story of how the African-American community walked for 382 days rather than ride the segregated busses in Montgomery, Alabama. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, which themselves appear to move, beautifully capture the spirit of the amazing individuals who brought change to their community and the nation.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson. I'm throwing this feel-good choice in for good measure. This is not specifically a civil rights book but a wonderful we-are-all-one type of picture book. The classic Sunday School song is brilliantly illustrated by Kadir Nelson and will get you singing in no time.

MORE: Picture books to teach peace

The blog, Teach with Picture Books has a terrific post about civil rights books that includes ideas for questions to ask your kids (or lesson plan ideas for teachers). Some of the books above are included in her post in addition to a few others.

MORE: Books to inspire kids to change the world

The post 18 Civil Rights Picture Books for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

We March by Shane W. Evans

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

We March is one of my favorite book on this list. The spare text and brilliant illustrations make this a wonderful book for children as young as 3 years old. The light, first person narrative tells the story of a family getting ready to march in the historic event. Illustrations depict crowds of people from all walks of life and celebrate the excitement the event generated and the power of peaceful protest.

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velazquez

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

A young girl, with her red-ribboned teddy bear, describes her experience as she and her sister slip out of their house to join a freedom march. The focus is very much on the sensory experience. They stand, "waist high" in the "bright light", "clapping in time with [their] feet." There's no mention about which march it is, but we know it takes place under Dr. King's leadership. This is another lovely book that emphases how children were an integral part in the fight for freedom and readers can pick out the plucky protagonist in the illustrations by her bear's ribbon, which matches the stripes in the flag.

MORE: Picture books by Black authors

Elementary School (and up)

Share these fantastically illustrated books about Martin Luther King, Jr with children ages 5 to 105.

I Have a Dream, speech by Martin Luther King, Jr, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Kadir Nelson's gorgeous illustrations accompany an excerpt from Dr. King's most famous speech. The paintings cover a broad range of images–from close ups of clasped hands, to views of the national landscape, to the crowd at the Washington Monument. The hardcover book includes a CD of the official recording and the entire speech is included at the end of the book. I find it impossible to listen to the speech without weeping; it's an essential experience for everyone.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is an excellent beginner's guide to MLK. It's informative, but not overly long as some picture book biographies can be. It gives a solid introduction to King's life and work, and is beautifully illustrated. This is a great choice for a kindergarten or first grade classroom.

Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Here is a wonderful, lyrical recounting of the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although Shange's words remind the reader of Scott's individuality, the addition of Kadir Nelson's illustrations bring the story to life. An important addition to any classroom study of King.

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Written in free verse, Wittenstein and Pinkney's gorgeous book tells the backstory of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous speech. It's a fascinating look at the behind the scenes story and helps kids understand the work that goes into creating historical moments.

As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March toward Freedom by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colón

Find it: Amazon

King experienced racism in the American South; Heschel endured antisemitism in Poland and Germany. Heschel was able to escape the tragic fate of family by immigrating to American. Witnessing racism in America reminded Heschel of antisemitism, spurred him to join the fight for equal rights, and he and King walked alongside one another. This is an excellent addition to your reading, and teaches kids about some of the allies that Black Americans had during the civil rights movement.

MORE: Picture books about Peace and Peacemakers

Middle School (and up)

The following titles are a selection of picture books, a graphic novel and biographies. With guidance, they can also be used for upper elementary students.

Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is a moving portrait of King told in a series of poems. Pinkney focuses on the last few months of King's life and readers will get a sense of the civil rights leader as a complex individual. I highly recommend reading the verse out loud. Includes extensive notes, timelines and sources at the end of the book.

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

In early 1968, two black sanitation workers were killed as a result of faulty machinery, leading to labor strikes. Several months later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came on to the scene to help, and on April 3 delivered his last notable speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." Duncan narrates the story through the voice of a 9-year-old girl, with the text alternating between verse and prose. Historical details and sources are included.

March On! the Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Christine King Farris recounts her memories surrounding the March on Washington and listening to her brother's "I Have a Dream" speech. Reading Farris' narrative gives children an intimate and emotional look at the writing and delivering of King's speech. Ladd's bold illustrations reflect both the seriousness and the excitement of the time.

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood,illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

I've always loved verse memoirs! Kirkwood describes her journey as an activist to her push to secure Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a recognized, national holiday. Her story will inspire kids to pursue their own passions and fight for what is right.

March (trilogy) by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

John Lewis, the congressman from Georgia is one of our greatest civil rights heroes. This graphic novel trilogy is Lewis' first hand account of his experiences during the civil rights movement and the "good trouble" he got up to. Lewis provides many personal details and focuses on the non-violent philosophy of the movement. Readers will be inspired to, in the words of Lewis, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."

Martin and Bobby: A Journey Toward Justice by Claire Rudolf Murphy

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Murphy's fascinating double biography is told in two parts. Part one looks at the events of April 1968 and part two looks at the years 1925-1967, focusing on the events that led the two men to shape their philosophies, and their growth as leaders. Readers will come away with a richer understanding, not just of the two men, but as to how their lives were deeply interwoven with each other and 20th century events.

MORE: President Books for Middle School

The post Martin Luther King, Jr. Books for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This list includes nonfiction and fiction books. Both types of stories offer viewpoints that help readers gain perspective about historical events and experiences, as well as how they affect policies and attitudes of present day Americans.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Nonfiction

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, as told to Elspeth Leacock and Susan Buckley, illustrated by PJ Loughran. This book is an appealing, conversation-style first person narrative by the youngest person to march all the way from Selma to Montgomery. Lowery describes her experience being jailed nine times (all before the age of 15) and beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama in a way that speaks directly to children and tells them they have a voice and can be history makers, too.

MORE: Civil Rights Picture Books for Kids

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith, Jr., illustrated by Shane W. Evans. For each day in February, the book introduces readers to a different African-American who made an impact. Three Supreme Court decisions and a constitutional amendment are also included. Although the format of the book does not support in-depth biographies, the book is chock full of interesting and important information that will inspire kids to seek out further resources.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin is about a little known event in 1944 in which war and civil rights collided. 244 African-American soldiers refused to follow a command which they felt would have put them at unnecessary risk. For their stand, they were charged with mutiny. Sheinkin's book looks at the event, what led up to the mutiny and how differently the armed services treated its white and black soldiers. Fascinating.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition) by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve. Dunbar and Van Cleve have written an extremely readable biography detailing what Ona Judge’s life would have been like, how the Washingtons viewed slavery, how they treated their slaves, and crucially, how they pursued Judge after she escaped. This book is an eye-opener for children whose views of Washington were formed around the cherry tree myth. Did you know Washington attempted to break his own fugitive law in order to capture Judge? Not exactly the picture of a fair and just leader. That said, even though the author’s sympathies clearly lie with Judge, the book does not demonize the president.

MORE: Biographies of African-American Women

Fiction

The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton. Celebrated children’s author, Virginia Hamilton, wrote this wonderful collection of Black American folktales. There are several categories of tales ranging from animal trickster legends, stories of the supernatural and tales of freedom. At the end of each short story, Hamilton includes her notes on the origin of the tale and its dialect.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Published in 1976, (and on my list of must read books from the 1970s) this is the story of how Cassie and her family are deeply affected by racism during the 1930s in rural Mississippi. The novel touches on the importance of land ownership for Black Americans.

MORE: African-American History Books for Kids

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine, is set during the 1958 Little Rock school closures. Marlee makes friends with Liz, the new girl, but when Liz suddenly leaves school Marlee discovers Liz was "passing." The two continue the friendship in secret while Marlee joins a group that works to reopen the schools. Marlee faces the typical social challenges of being 13 but also sees the ugliness of institutionalized racism and how frightening and dangerous it can be.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. In the 1860s Elijah becomes the first free child born to runaway slaves in a colony in Canada. His family sees him as "fragile", crying too easily or getting scared or hurt. The first part of the book is filled with humorous antics surrounding the community of Buxton. Later, Elijah makes the decision to travel to America to help a friend recover money that was stolen from him and the nature of freedom stares him straight in the eye.

The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood. Just after the war, Theo lives with his uncle, a Vietnam vet, in a boarding house. While he tries to solve a local mystery involving a famous baseball player, Theo makes friends with the proprietor of the dancing school, who lets him play the piano.

MORE: Middle Grade Books by Black Authors

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. It's 1968 when 11-year-old Delphine and her sisters travel from New York to Oakland to stay with the mother who abandoned them seven years earlier.  Their mother enrolls them in a day care run by the Black Panthers. Williams-Garcia's writing is splendid, with interesting characters. It was a hard-to-put-down kind of book and an great story to show kids how politics infuses daily regular life.

The Harlem Charade by Natasha Harpley. Good deeds bring Jin and Alex together. When they meet the homeless Elvin, he tells his new friends about a mystery surrounding his grandfather, who was just attacked and is now in a coma. Rare paintings by a mysterious artist of the 1960s is at the heart of it all. Harpley has deftly woven past and present in this spirited tale in which the culture and vibrancy of Harlem are center stage.

MORE: Anti-Bias Middle Grade Books

Chains (series) by Laurie Halse Anderson. A compelling trilogy of slavery in the North. During the American Revolution a 13-year-old slave belonging to a ruthless Loyalist family, Isabel, yearns for freedom. She meets Curzon who encourages her to spy for the Rebels. The second book, Forge, is told from Curzon's, point of view. in the final book, Ashes, Curzon and Isabel seek to free Isabel's sister, Ruth, who is enslaved in the South.

The post Middle Grade Books for Black History Month (Ages 8-13) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These books about activism and changing the world will inspire kids to raise their powerful voices to make a difference. Parents can use the books as conversation starters about how small and large actions can change the world, whether it's with one act of kindness or by leading others in a grand movement.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores. You can view this list (and related book recommendations) on Bookshop.

The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Nikkolas Smith describes how he came to use his art to spread messages prompting social change. As a child he loved art, but also saw the injustice around him. When his art captured the media's attention he saw what a powerful tool it can be. I liked the way Smith's book shows children that their passions can be vehicles through which they effect change in the world and spread a message of hope and compassion. Ages 4 and up.

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman's book tells children they have the power to make a difference. There may be problems in the world but you can find a friend who thinks like you and fix it together. Robinson is one of my favorite illustrators and his collages sit on a white background, putting the focus on the spare text and powerful message. Ages 4 and up.

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Why yes, I do have two books by Amanda Gorman on this list! And why not? Her poems are amazing and her spoken-word style poetry is a good fit for picture books. The narrator picks up her guitar, tells the reader, "Change sings," and takes them on a journey through the neighborhood. She meets with others, taking actions in the community like delivering groceries, cleaning up a playground, and showing love to friends. At the end, a parade of diverse children play their instruments. Ages 4 and up.

A Is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A board book that's not just for babies! With a fun sense of humor, this alphabet book introduces young kids to the idea that life may not be all about acquiring the latest Thomas Train. The rhymes and wit make this introduction to social justice a worthwhile read. The book teaches generosity, compassion, consideration for others. Use the book as a starting point for further discussions about the topics. Ages 2 and up.

I Am One: A Book of Action by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This simple but effective book teaches kids that it's easy to begin making a difference it the world. It starts with one action. One seed planted, one brick to break down a wall, one word to start a friendship. Verde reminds children that when everyone starts one action, big changes can happen. Includes an author's note which will help parents continue the conversation. Ages 3 and up.

How to Change the World in 12 Easy Steps by Peggy Porter Tierney, illustrated by Marie Letourneau

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Focusing on acts of kindness and compassion, and inspired by the teachings of Eva Kor, an Auschwitz child survivor, this book will encourage children to focus their energies on making positive changes in their communities. Standing up to bullies, forgiving others, speaking kindly may seem small, but they have a ripple effects which change the entire world. Ages 4 and up.

Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The strength of children from the past serve as powerful inspiration for kids to keep working towards a more just world. In 1963 the Birmingham Children’s Crusade was a protest march led by children inspired to activism after hearing a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. The children refused to back down, maintaining their dignity in the face of hatred, fear and racism. Back matter includes historical notes, sources and artist statements. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Children's books about protest and civil disobedience

New in Town by Kevin Cornell

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Sometimes you don't think about a book being a call to activism on the first reading. However, this clever and entertaining tale is a story of a determined change maker. The island town of Puddletrunk is in need of a bridge. Mortimer Gulch, a greedy troll continues to thwart the town's efforts for his own profit, until one day, a traveling repair man shows up. He's brought a few new ideas and is unswayed when it comes to improving the community. The illustrations are so clever and witty, kids will love to hunt out all their details. Ages 4 and up.

Be Strong by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

When she can't climb the rock wall in gym class, Tanisha does not feel strong. She asks others how to be strong and everyone has some advice for her. Tanisha learns from other that being strong means not giving up, standing up for herself and others, and working towards making a positive difference. For more books on finding inner strength, our list of books about fear and courage will come in handy.

Stillwater and Koo Save the World by Jon Muth

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As in his other Stillwater books, Muth's Zen Buddist-inspired message is lear. Kindness will save the world. Koo wakes up one day and tells his uncle Stillwater that he wants to save the world. His wise uncle patiently explains that big change is often accomplished by starting with small tasks like raking the leaves, cleaning one's room and feeding ones's pets. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's books about kindness

Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In her inspiring, autobiographical picture book, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Malala Yousafzai, describes how, as a child, she wished for a magic pencil, like the one on a Pakistani TV show. She dreamed of how she would use this pencil to help her community. As she grew up, she learned how to use the power of her own voice to stand up for herself and others. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Children's book biographies of women activists

Manjhi Moves a Mountain by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Danny Popovici

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Dashrath Manjhi lives in a poor village in India, but just on the other side of the mountain is another village where crops flourish, schools educate children and hospitals heal the sick. But the road between villages is 34 miles. Manjhi wants to connect the two villages so they can prosper together. He takes up a chisel and hammer and begins to carve a path through the mountain. It takes him 22 years, but finally the road–all 360 feet of it–is finished. Based on a true story. Ages 5 and up.

All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this picture book biography, 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan, born with cerebral palsy, fights to secure passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. All her life, Keelan has persevered to join in activities, even when others told her she couldn't do it. When politicians ignore Keelan and her fellow activists, she climbs the steps of the Capitol, even though it means crawling the entire way. Although the ADA is a big step forward for inclusion for people with disabilities, the text acknowledges that more work is needed. Ages 4 and up.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a touching book about the payoff for taking risks and making new friends. A fence, both metaphorical and physical, defines the boundary between Annie's white family and Clover's African-American one. Clover's mom has told her not to cross the fence because it is unsafe. Instead, Clover sits on the fence, watching the other girl play. Annie eventually approaches Clover and the two sides begin talking, a friendship is formed and the fence, finally crossed. The final image of a line of girls sitting on the fence points to the idea that the very act of trying something new (in this case making a new friend despite the pressures not to) can lead to profound social change. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Anti-bias children's picture books to teach inclusion

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

We've read this book out loud many times over the years. I know that as we continue to read it, we will learn to think even more deeply about the answers to the three questions (What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?) in terms of how they apply to our own lives, and the book is a great foundation for us to reflect on the importance of doing good deeds and paying attention to the immediate moment. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Children's books about mindfulness

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this picture book autobiography, William Kamkwamba, describes how he helped bring electricity to his village in Malawi. William had to drop out of school because he had no money for the fees, but a picture of a windmill on a book lit a spark in him. He worked hard to research and build a windmill for his impoverished and drought-stricken village. A great growth mindset book, too! Ages 5 and up.

The post Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Picture Books about Hair

These children's picture books about hair are good choices to read aloud in a classroom or at home. The books encourage children to develop an attitude of inclusivity, support children's self-confidence, teach body positivity and help them see hair as positive self-expression.

I LOVE MY HAIR by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and E. B. Lewis

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

No book list about hair love would be complete without Tarpley's modern classic! Keyana describes the love with which her mother tends to her hair every night. She acknowledges that the brushing can be painful, but her mother encourages her to think of her hair as beautiful. Thus begins an utterly delightful and imaginative narration of the types of hair styles she can wear. Tarpley also wrote Bibbity Bop Barbershop about a boy's first trip to the barbershop.

DALIA'S WONDROUS HAIR / EL CABELLO MARAVILLOSO DE DALIA by Laura Lacamara

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This whimsical, bilingual story is set in Cuba. Dalia wakes one morning to find her hair has magically grown sky-high. Dalia then proceeds to add items from the natural world into her hair and turns it into quite a mess, or so others tell her. Before going to bed, she wraps her hair up and by morning it has transformed into a butterfly garden. The joy of this book is Dalia's delight in doing whatever she wants to her hair and reveling in the results!

THE GOOD HAIR DAY Christian Trimmer, illustrated by J. Yang

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Noah is making a long list of what he wants for his birthday, but he doesn't feel brave enough to ask for the one thing he really wants. He goes for a haircut and is devastated when he gets a buzzcut. Afterwards, he puts a shirt on his head, imagining that he has long hair, instead. His loving family comes to understand Noah's unspoken wish and give him the perfect birthday gift.

MORE: Books that Challenge Gender Stereotypes

MY FADE IS FRESH by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This rhyming, up-beat book is fun to read aloud. A girl heads into a barbershop where everyone suggests various hairstyles for her to choose from. However, she knows what she wants and stays true to herself. She wants a fade and she wants it fresh!

WANDA THE BRAVE by Sihle-Isipho Nontshokweni, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Wanda goes to her Aunty Ada's hair salon in South Africa. Wanda wants a particular braided hairstyle but Ada wants to straighten Wanda's hair. When the chemicals start to burn her scalp, Wanda and her friend, who has come to the salon with her, speak up for themselves. They relate how others make fun of their natural hair but they still don't want the chemical straighteners.

HAIR LOVE by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This wonderful picture book shows that dads can try new things too! Zuri's dad can problem solve, fix hair and bond with his daughter all at the same time. Zuri's hair "has a mind of its own," and she needs help. Lucky for her, dad steps up to the plate. After a few failed tries, Zuri shows him the products and the how-to video he needs to get things right. When mom comes home, she is mighty impressed. Joyful! You can also watch the Oscar-winning short film of Hair Love on YouTube here.

HAIR TWINS Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Holly Hatam

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is a wonderful story about a father and daughter bonding over a shared hairstyle. (I bet you can count on one hand the books which are about that subject!) Father and daughter both wear their hair in the Sikh tradition. The girl describes how somedays they wear it long, other days their hair is tied up and in a bun–his under a turban. When they visit the park, the scene includes a diverse range of families and hairstyles.

MORE: Anti-bias and inclusive picture books

HAPPY TO BE NAPPY by bell hooks, illustrated by Chris Raschka

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a lively board book that begs to be read aloud. The short, bouncy text is filled with positive messages about the glory of natural hair.

MY HAIR IS MAGIC! by M. L. Marroquin, illustrated by Tonya Engel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A girl celebrates her hair in this empowering story. I really love the way the narrator expresses confidence in her appearance and asserts her own agency. Her hair is big and magical and she loves it! She describes her hair in emotional terms and details questions people sometimes ask her about it, as well as her answers. A delightful and joyful book that shares the power of hair as self-expression.

BEDTIME BONNET by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Many parents are familiar with the struggle that ensues when trying to convince their child of the benefits of wearing a hat on a sunny day. I imagine there might be a similar tussle when a toddler is faced with wearing a bonnet to protect their hair at bedtime. Fortunately, parents have this lovely picture book ode to the bedtime bonnet! All the members of a family, from dad to grandma, wear a bonnet or head wrap to bed. When a girl's bonnet goes missing, the whole family joins in the search to find it.

MORE: Best Books for 3-Year-Olds

CROWN: ODE TO A FRESH CUT by Derrick Barnes

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

I absolutely love this book and its energetic illustrations. A strong, rhythmic text describes a boy going into the barbershop and the experience of getting a new, fresh haircut and all the excitement that surrounds the possibilities of what a new haircut might bring–such as a look from a girl, or acing an exam.  

MORE: Must-Read Picture Books by Black Authors

DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR by Sharee Miller

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Our narrator, Aria, has a gorgeous head of hair. It's so beautiful that everyone wants to touch it. But, as Aria explains, she doesn't like it when they do. Miller uses humor to show all the ways Aria evades the outstretched hands that attempt to reach her hair. The illustrations are dynamic and full of comedic detail. 

MORE: Picture Books about Consent

MY POWERFUL HAIR by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Steph Littlebird

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

An Indigenous girl narrates her experience waiting for her hair to grow long. She describes how her mother and grandmother were denied long hair for different reason. However, the narrator knows that hair is a source of power, memories, connection and strength for Native peoples. The woodcut illustrations are marvelous. Back matter gives more information on the importance of hair in Indigenous cultures and the history behind White people's attempt to erase Native culture by cutting their hair.

MORE: Picture Books by Native American and Indigenous Authors

PRINCESS HAIR by Sharee Miller

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

I love this celebration of hair! The colorful, happy illustrations and text share the joy of all different types of hair, both natural and styled!

MY HAIR IS A GARDEN by Cozbi A. Cabrera

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Mackenzie is teased by her classmates for her unruly hair but finds comfort and direction from her neighbor, Miss Tillie. I love the way Mackenzie learns to treasure her black hair. In the endnotes, there is even a hair care guide and recipes for natural hair products.

WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

There is definitely a need for some good, widely available, books about kids with alopecia. Bea's school is planning a Silly Hair Day during Spirit Week, and Bea is feeling left out. All her hair fell out when she was 4 and she doesn't know if it will ever grow back. A friend tries to be supportive and the two girls try and reject a range of ideas. Finally, a change to Silly Hair Day offers a solution.

UNDER MY HIJAB by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

What a delightful book filled with strong female role models! A girl narrates her observations of how six women in her life wear (or don't wear) the hijab. The women are shown in a variety of occupations both at work and at home. At the end of the book, the narrator tries on her own hijab and looks forward to her future and how and when she will wear the hijab over her hair.

MOMMY'S KHIMAR by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Find it: Amazon

A young girl admires the scarves her mother wears to cover her hair. She takes joy in looking through the closet, dancing with them, trying them on and imagining the possibilities of when she will wear her own. No matter what the reader's background, every child will see themselves in the young narrator as she celebrates the khimar and the loving relationship she has with her mother.

MORE: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Protagonists

BEAR'S BRAID/KuūNUx Saripiíšu̕ by Joelle Bearstail, illustrated by Denise Ta

Find it: Your Library | Mascot Books | Amazon (Kindle only)

I loved this story of Bear and his friend, Ben, two Indigenous boys with long braids. At school, Bear is bullied because of his hair, but when he confides in his grandmother, she relates to him the important role of hair in their culture and history. Together, Bear and Ben come up with a culture-sharing project that will help their classmates understand why they take pride in their cultural traditions. I also really loved all the photographs of real-life people sporting their braids in the end note! If this book is not at your library, I hope you put in a request that that obtain a copy!

COWLICK! by Christin Ditchfield, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Find it: Your library | Amazon

As someone who has one large cowlick at the very front of my forehead and one equally large on on the back of my head, I could not resist this short, whimsical bedtime story. At night, while two brothers sleep soundly, a cow sneaks into their room and licks their hair. When they awake, their "once flat hair" is now "standing tall!"

MY RAINBOW by Trinity and Deshanna Nea, illustrated by Art Twink

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Trinity is autistic and although she wants to have long hair, she hates the way it feels when it touches her neck. Fortunately, she has a supportive mom who works with Trinity's older sibling to create a beautiful, rainbow wig for Trinity. The story also addresses gender expression and is based on the relationship and experiences of the mother-daughter authors.

MAGIC LIKE THAT by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Geneva Bowers

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As a girl waits for her mother to style her hair, she describes all the different hairstyles she sometimes sports. She likens each one to natural phenomenon, expressing wonder and how marvelous her hair transformations are.

STELLA'S STELLAR HAIR by Yesenia Moises

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This book is so fun! Stella has aunties all over the galaxy and when it's time to style her hair for the Big Star Little Gala, she goes to visit each one in search of the perfect hairstyle. An author's note describes the best hairstyle for the environment on each of the planetary locations Stella visited.

THE HAIR OF ZOE FLEEFENBACHER GOES TO SCHOOL by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Ard Hoyt

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Zoe's hair has a mind of its own. It can perform amazing tasks like petting the cat, pouring a glass of juice, or turning on the TV. This year, Zoe's teacher has declared that unruly hair is not to be tolerated, but taming Zoe's hair is easier said than done. When Zoe's hair interferes with a school science lesson, it's the teacher who learns a thing or two. Great fun and wonderful illustrations!

MORE: Best Diverse Back-to-School Picture Books

STEPHANIE'S PONYTALE by Robet Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Stephanie is a trendsetter whether she wants to be or not. Stephanie notices that none of her peers wears their hair in a ponytail so she decides that will be her hairstyle of choice. But the very next day, all the other kids have their hair pulled back in the same fashion. So Stephanie changes her look... and so do all the other kids. You can see where this is going. Things get a little out of hand, but Stephanie finds a way to fool them all. It's a surprise ending that will have your kids either giggling or gasping–perhaps both!

BAGHEAD Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Giving oneself a bad haircut is a universal experience. We've all done it, even if it's just our bangs. Krosoczka's funny tale of a boy who decides that a bag over the head is the only solution to his botched handiwork. No one at home or school thinks this is a good idea, but he persists. When he finally reveals why he is wearing a bag on his head, his sister comes up with the perfect (or at least, the most "doable") solution.

MELISSA PARKINGTON’S BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL HAIR by Pat Brisson, illustrated by Suzanne Bloom

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Melissa is tired of everyone admiring her hair. She wants to be appreciated for more than just her long, black locks. She tries out new activities that she hopes will win her more meaningful praise like art, sports, and helping others. Then, when she sees a hair salon asking for donations to make wigs for children who have trouble growing their own hair, Melissa knows just what to do.

HAIR FOR MAMA by Kelly Tinkham, illustrated Amy Bates

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Sometimes hair takes on an emotional resonance we aren't expecting. In Hair for Mama, Marcus' mama has lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatments and she wants to skip the annual family portrait. Marcus hopes to find a solution, yet it isn't so easy. His mama, however, recognizes her son's love and instead of letting him down, wraps her head in a gele for the photo.

Nonfiction

Many of the picture books on this list give some historical and cultural context about hair. Add in these nonfiction books about hair to your reading for further learning!

HAIR!: ANIMAL FUR, WOOL, AND MORE by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Julie Colombet

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

For kids who love to learn about nature and biology, Singer's book will show them how to place their human hair in the grand scheme of the natural world. Photographs, speech bubbles, direct questions and "Trivial Fursuit," make this an engaging and interactive read.

MORE: Children's Books about the Human Body

WONDERFUL HAIR: THE BEAUTY OF ANNIE MALONE by Eve Nadel Catarevas, illustrated by Felicia Marshall

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This picture book biography introduces readers to, Annie Turnbo Malone who ran her own hair products business. Malone was the first self-made African-American female millionaire. Malone saw that Black women were suffering harm to their scalps from beauty products that weren't designed for Black hair and so she started a line of hair products, beginning with the fabulously named, "Wonderful Hair Grower." Readers will be inspired by Malone's perseverance and her insistence of the dignity of Black women.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Lesser Known Black Heroes

Middle Grade

Tween readers of middle grade books can enjoy these books where the protagonists learn to control (literally and figuratively) their hair!

FRIZZY by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Marlene hates going to the hair salon to have her hair straightened. Her mother insists that Marlene tame her frizzy hair into "good hair." Marlene resents how others judge her natural hair, but she doesn't know how to style it. Enter her Tía Ruby, who also has a head full of boisterous curls. Tía Ruby empowers Marlene with instructions and products to help her wear her hair the way she wants. This revelation is followed by another which helps bring Marlene and her mother closer together. This wonderful graphic novel isn't just about one girl's battle with society's beauty standards, it's a window into how kids can learn to speak up for themselves.

ONYEKA AND THE ACADEMY OF THE SUN (series) by Tọlá Okogwu

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The Onyeka series is excellent for readers who are fans of Percy Jackson. Onyeka has always had big hair that seems to have a mind of its own, but one day when her friend is in trouble, her hair reveals its true power. Onyeka's mother tells her that, like her father, she is actually a Solari and she must leave England to attend the Academy of the Sun in Nigeria, where Solari are trained how to use their powers.

The post 32 Children's Books about Hair appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

The current emphasis on inclusion and diversity in books means that today's middle grade readers have a much wider selection of books featuring disabled protagonists than did readers in the past. This is great news, although more books are welcome!

Our list of children's novels featuring physically disabled characters is a mix of contemporary stories, historical fiction and graphic novels that give voice to a wide range of experiences as characters journey towards harnessing their strengths and standing up for themselves in their communities. Many of the books (but not all) are by authors who have lived experience as a disabled person.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

WINK by Rob Harrell

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Harrell's tender story about a boy dealing with a rare eye cancer is peppered with fantastic illustrations. Seventh grader, Ross, is worried about how cancer will change his body, as well as the way others see him. He wears a cowboy hat to disguise the permanent wink the cancer has caused. He also feels anger at his condition and at the friend who abandoned him. But Ross's story isn't depressing, Harrell's writing is amusing and readers, no matter what their medical history, will relate to Ross. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Anti-Bias Middle Grade Books

INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS (series) by Dusti Bowling

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This funny and moving book is fantastic. Aven Green and her family move from Kansas to Arizona, where her dad has taken a job as the manager of a western theme park. Aven was born without any arms but that hasn't stopped her from accomplishing anything–she just does it with her feet! Aven narrates her own tale with a humorous, clever and truth-telling eye. With the help of her new friends, she sets out to solve a mystery and learn the secrets of Stagecoach Park. Ages 9 and up.

ROLL WITH IT (series) by Jamie Sumner

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Ellie loves to bake! Her cerebral palsy means her mom is a bit overprotective, and that she has to spend more time than she would like with doctors. Ellie's grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease and so Ellie and her mom move in with her grandparents to help out. Starting a new school means Ellie finally finds some good friends and feels like she fits in somewhere. Roll With It is a marvelous book, tackling important themes, with good humor and likable characters. Ages 9 and up.

HANDBOOK FOR DRAGON SLAYERS by Merrie Haskell

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Aspiring author Princess Tilda is an independent-minded princess who has never even considered slaying dragons because of her disfigured foot. However, her cousin, Ivo, wishes to steal her kingdom and she ends up fleeing her home.  The ensuing adventure involves magic, capture, a menacing Blue-beard character, and (of course) dragon slaying. Ages 9 and up.

OUT OF MY MIND (series) by Sharon Draper

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Melody is an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy. She has never spoken and can perform almost no physical movement. The school and doctors claim she is also mentally disabled but her mother insists Melody is intelligent. Her mother is right. Melody has a photographic memory and is smarter than any of the other kids. Melody narrates her story, sharing her frustrations and triumphs, and when she gets a communication device, others can finally appreciate her for who she is, not for who she is not. Ages 9 and up

MORE: Books with Characters Who Have Medical Challenges

DOG DRIVEN by Terry Lynn Johnson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

14-year-old McKenna has Stargardt disease (a juvenile form of macular degeneration) but she's kept this hidden from her family because her sister has already lost her sight to the disease and McKenna doesn't want to lose her autonomy. She's hoping to keep her secret long enough to compete in a days-long dog sled race that raises awareness for Stargardt disease. Needless to say, this is a risky endeavor and Johnson's fast-paced, suspenseful book highlights the challenges McKenna faces, not just in the race, but as a teen learning how to identify as someone with a disability. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Banned Books Your Kids Should Read

THE CHANCE TO FLY by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Nat's passion is musical theater. Now that her family has moved to New Jersey, she finally has the chance to audition for the musical, Wicked. Neither of her parents are totally behind this–her father wants her to keep up with wheelchair racing. Nat gets a part in the show, makes new friends and learns what it's like to finally be on the stage. Author and Tony-award winning actress, Ali Stroker was the first actor in a wheelchair on Broadway. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books about Theater

THE WINDEBY PUZZLE: HISTORY AND STORY by Lois Lowry

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Lowry introduces her book with facts around the discovery of a 2,000-year-old bog body in Northern Germany that inspired her book. She gives historical, scientific and archaeological background to set the context for her two intersecting narratives. In the first part of the book, Lowry imagines the life of an Iron-Age girl and how her life's journey may have led her to the same end as the bog body. After the bog body was DNA tested and revealed to be a boy, Lowry wrote the second narrative from the disabled boy's perspective. A fascinating and unique reading experience. Lowry also includes photographs. Ages 10 and up.

HUMMINGBIRD by Natalie Lloyd

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Olive has osteogenesis imperfecta, "fragile bone disease," (as does author Natalie Lloyd) and is happy that she has finally convinced her protective parents to let her attend public school, rather than continue homeschooling. She and her new friends learn of a legendary magic hummingbird that grants wishes and Olive is determined to find it. However, as her journey continues she learns more about what she would actually wish for, should she find the elusive bird. Ages 8 and up.

MY AUNT IS A MONSTER by Reimena Yee

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this fun graphic novel, legally blind Safia Haziz goes to live with her aunt, Lady Whimsy, "the World’s Greatest Adventurer." When Lady Whimsy's rival comes back on to the scene, Whimsy and Safia head out on an exciting adventure of their own. Delightful! Ages 8 and up.

AIR by Monica Roe

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Emmie is a WCMX athlete, who can do amazing tricks in her wheelchair. She is saving up to purchase a new wheelchair by running an online store. She hits a snag when she has an accident at school and the principal assigns an aide to help her get around school. Emmie starts to feel like her agency is being taken from her and she is determined to assert herself. Ages 10 and up.

YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING, JILLY P. by Alex Gino

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Jilly P. is learning about how society doesn't treat individuals equally and how she can be part of the solution. She befriends a fellow fantasy book fan, Profound, who is deaf and Black. When Jilly's sister is born deaf she starts to learn about Deaf culture and how her sister's whiteness makes her different that Profound. Her Black aunt encourages her to confront racism, even though her parents want to ignore racial tensions, both in the family and in society. Jilly is an eager student and is a positive role model for kids to learn how to support marginalized people. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: D/deaf Characters in Children's Books

BRACED by Alyson Gerber

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Braced is based on Gerber's own experience growing up with scoliosis. Seventh grader, Rachel, is an enthusiastic soccer player, but this year her doctor tells her she must wear a corrective brace for her scoliosis for 23 hours a day. Understandably, she is devastated by this. Rachel's journey to acceptance of her condition is touching and relatable as she works through relationships with her classmates and mother. An excellent read. Ages 9 and up.

SHOW ME A SIGN (series) by Ann Clare LeZotte

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In 1805, Mary Lambert lives in a community where everyone speaks sign language and a quarter of the population is deaf. One day, a young man arrives in the village hoping to research the reason for the high rate of deafness. Mary narrates the story and her observations of the interactions between the English, Black, Irish, and Wampanoag peoples, as well as on racism, prejudice and ableism are perceptive and thought-provoking. The author's endnote gives historical background on the town of Chilmark and Martha's Vineyard are fascinating. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books that Tackle Mental Health

EL DEAFO by Cece Bell

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This graphic novel memoir is narrated by Cece, who loses her hearing due to spinal meningitis. A very funny and charming book about the experiences, imaginings and wishes of a Deaf girl. Although the story will help hearing kids to see challenges of the Deaf, they will also see similarities with their own experiences growing up. Ages 8 and up.

ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN by Karen Cushman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This historical fiction tale set 16th century England, follows the fortunes of Meggy Swann who has come to London to meet her father, an alchemist. However, her father doesn't want her because she's a girl and uses crutches to walk. Like Karen Cushman's more famous heroine in Catherine, Called Birdy, Meggy won't accept her fate willingly and instead uses her inner resources to survive the dirty, rough and rowdy streets of London. Excellent. Ages 10 and up.

SWAN LAKE: QUEST FOR THE KINGDOMS by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Megan Kearney

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In Bloom Kingdom, Princess Odette longs to study ballet, but she is cursed to take the form of a swan during the day. When she meets Princess Dillie (who has a prosthetic leg) of Rotbart Kingdom, the new friends decide to find a way to break the curse. During their adventure they are joined by Prince Siegfried of Montrose Kingdom, who is on his own quest to prove that despite not living up to traditional masculine virtues, he is good enough to rule. Ages 9 and up.

The post Physical Disability and Difference in Middle Grade Books appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Voting

These books about voting help middle schoolers understand how voting rights have historically been granted unequally, how marginalized groups fought for the right to vote, and how the election system in the United States operates.

BECAUSE THEY MARCHED: THE PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN FOR VOTING RIGHTS THAT CHANGED AMERICA by Russell Freedman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The combination of Freedman's readable prose, meticulous research and documentary photographs make his book about the events surrounding the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery essential reading material. Some people level the criticism that children shouldn't know about or have to see photographic evidence of the brutality inflicted on people fighting for voting rights. I say, "Respect your children enough to tell them the truth." Ages 11 and up.

YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRACY? by Elizabeth Rusch

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here's a wonderful book about elections, democracy and the importance of advocacy, perfect for middle and high schoolers (and adults, as well, considering the sorry state of civics literacy). Rusch clearly explains the current electoral process in the United States and details its many challenges. She covers the electoral college, money in politics, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and more. But this is ultimately an encouraging book. Rusch explains the impact activism can have, and shares ways young people can be part of progress and change. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Books about Voting and Elections

FINISH THE FIGHT by Veronica Chambers

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Finish the Fight is a collection of biographical sketches of women of color and queer women activists compiled by the staff of The New York Times. Missing from many history books, but not from this one, are women across the spectrum, from Native American, Latinx, Asian and African-American backgrounds. Readers will come away with a fuller picture of the fight for voting equality than they might have gotten otherwise. Essential reading. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books for Women's History Month

Civil Rights

The fight for civil rights is never over, middle school students can use these books to learn about specific groups of people who have had to protest their unequal treatment by the government. Readers will be inspired to keep working to make sure all people are treated equally, justly and humanely.

WE ARE STILL HERE! NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTHS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is a great follow up book to Sorell and Lessac's marvelous We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (read it first, if you haven't already! –Ages 4 and up) . The text is structured around 12 Native American students sharing presentations for Indigenous Peoples' Day about the past, present and future of Native lives. The students' presentation cover a wide range of subjects from how the US government treated the indigenous population, to environmental, enrollment and language concerns. As the book continues, we learn about the resiliences of Native citizens and their dedication to protect their heritage and build strong economies and institutions. A glossary, timeline and more information are found in the end notes. Ages 7 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books by Indigenous Authors

HEAR MY VOICE/ESCHUCHA MI VOZ: THE THE TESTIMONIES OF CHILDREN DETAINED AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES, compiled by Warren Binford, various illustrators

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This collection of interviews from 61 migrant children, ages 5-17, makes it impossible to argue that non-citizens shouldn't have the same human rights as citizens. The first person narratives are written in the original Spanish and translated into English. Although this book is appropriate for a middle school audience, I recommend reading it along with your students and children. Seventeen Latino illustrators bring the children's words to life in imaginative and thought-provoking ways. The forward and end notes add context and history to the children's experiences. Ages 8 and up.

PRIDE: AN INSPIRATIONAL HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT by Stella Caldwell

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is not just an introductory history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in the United States, but an acknowledgement that queer people have always existed. Its easy-to-read and colorful format includes personal narratives, side notes, timelines, quotes and photographs that introduce readers to important events and significant individuals throughout history. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: LGBTQ History Books

WE'VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S MARCH by Cynthia Levinson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In May 1963, four thousand Black children and teens marched in order to end segregation in the South. Today's middle schoolers will be provoked to wonder if they would have been willing to endure the hardships of the march, and if they would have been willing to go to jail as many of the children did. Levinson grounds her narrative in the stories of four unique participants, a nine-year-old and three teenagers. As most adults are unfamiliar with the events detailed in the book, I suggest every parent read it, too. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: African-American History Books

Citizenship

These books share with students that citizenship is more than residency in a particular country, it is a privilege that allows them to take care of their community in a way that protects and lifts everyone up.

THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST: 20 LESSONS ON HOW TO WAKE UP, TAKE ACTION, AND DO THE WORK by Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by Aurélia Durand

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Instead of lecturing children, Jewell inspires readers to think about their own identity in the context of society. She poses questions to readers to inspire them to think critically about how their identity plays a role in how they perceive and treat others and how others might perceive and treat them. Sections of the book are punctuated with activities which can be prompts for discussion or journal writing. Jewell's book is uplifting and readers come away with a deeper understanding of what it means to build a community where everyone is valued. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Anti-Bias Middle Grade Books

HOW TO CHANGE EVERYTHING: THE YOUNG HUMAN'S GUIDE TO PROTECTING THE PLANET AND EACH OTHER by Naomi Klein, with Rebecca Stefoff

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Citizenship is more than voting in elections, it's working for positive change both in your neighborhood and on a global scale. Klein and Stefoff have written an informative book about how the climate is changing and how young citizens can take meaningful action to protect it. But this book doesn't just cover rising temperatures and climate science, middle schoolers (and high schoolers!) will learn about environmental justice issues, the impact of economic issues on climate health, and read about real teens and young adults affecting change. Ages 11 and up.

BREAKING THE NEWS: WHAT'S REAL, WHAT'S NOT AND WHY THE DIFFERENCE MATTERS by Robin Brown

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Published by National Geographic, this volume aims to illuminate journalism, the dissemination of news through the media and how kids can be proactive in spotting bias and propaganda. With loads of illustrations, photographs, sidebars, call out boxes filled with digestible and sometimes amusing facts, examples from ancient to contemporary history as well as tips to make smart choices, the book is easy to read and full of an incredible amount of information. Highly recommended! Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Books to Help Kids Spot Misinformation and "Fake News"

Documents of Democracy

The books on this list are focused on the United States and the following two books are excellent introduction for children to learn about the two most important founding documents of U.S. democracy.

THE SIDE-BY-SIDE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE by David Miles

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is one of the best books about the Declaration of Independence I have ever read. Miles is exceptionally talented at decoding the archaic text of the 200+ years old document for both kids and grown-ups. I learned more about the document from this book than I ever did in civics class, AND it was entertaining, even humorous! Collage style illustrations present the original text, amusing narrators/explainers, give contemporary context and invite the reader to think critically about the document. Superb. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Best Books about the Presidents for Middle School

FAULT LINES IN THE CONSTITUTION by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This book is written for middle school and high school students but frankly I learned just as much as they will. This fearless look at the Constitution is so fascinating. This text will teach kids not just to see and discuss its imperfections and think critically about its role as a governing document, but to be thoughtful and active citizens. Ages 10 and up.

The post Civics and Government Books for Middle School appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

If your child is cisgender, it may not occur to you to give them LGBTQ-themed books to read. However, we know that reading books fosters and anti-bias attitude, a worthy goal indeed. So if you have a young reader who loves graphic novels, these fantastic books will surprise and delight!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

OTHER BOYS by Damian Alexander

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Author Damian Alexander's graphic novel memoir will speak to every middle schooler who has tried to figure out how to navigate school while managing complicated emotions. Damian is entering seventh grade and to deal with his trauma over past bullying, he decides to stop talking. After the death of his mother, he now lives with his grandparents and is beginning to confront new feelings he has towards other boys. Damian's history is revealed through flashbacks. His conversations with a therapist and a few new friendships help him cope. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Graphic Novels about Tough Topics

LILLA THE ACCIDENTAL WITCH by Eleanor Crewes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a lovely graphic novel. Lilla and her older sister, Dani, visit their aunt in Italy. While Dani is definitely into boys, Lilla finds her sister's interest a mystery. While in Italy, the shy Lilla discovers she comes from a long line of witches and studies a magical book to learn how to use her powers. She encounters Stregamama, a malevolent ancient witch, and in order to avoid disaster, Lilla must look within herself and claim her identity. Also, there is an adorable cat! Ages 8 and up.

THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In Paris, Prince Sebastian's parents are looking for a bride for their son. In another part of the city, aspiring designer Frances sews marvelous dresses for Lady Crystallia. Prince Sebastian's secret is the connection between the two story threads (See what I did there? Ha ha). This is a story of secrets and identities, friendships and family, being true to yourself and being accepted by others. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: LGBTQ Middle Grade Books for Tweens

SWAN LAKE: QUEST FOR THE KINGDOMS by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Megan Kearney

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In Bloom Kingdom, Princess Odette longs to study ballet, but she is cursed to take the form of a swan during the day. When she meets Princess Dillie (who has a prosthetic leg) of Rotbart Kingdom, the new friends decide to find a way to break the curse. During their adventure they are joined by Prince Siegfried of Montrose Kingdom, who is on his own quest to prove that despite not living up to traditional masculine virtues, he is good enough to rule. Ages 9 and up.

PRINCESS PRINCESS EVER AFTER by Katie O'Neill

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Princess Sadie is locked in a tower and the offers of rescues by princes is getting tedious. Enter Princess Amira and her unicorn! The two become fast friends and set out on a rollicking adventure full of ogres, wicked sisters, and yet another prince. By the end, Sadie and Amira have grown in self-confidence and come a decision about what they want their own happily-ever-after to look like. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Fairy Tale Inspired Graphic Novels

BEETLE AND THE HOLLOWBONES by Aliza Layne

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Beetle is a young goblin and aspiring witch who is reunited with her friend Kat Hollowbone. Their friendship has Beetle questioning her feelings about her relationship with Kat as well as with her friend Blob Ghost. But it turns out Kat's aunt is evil and has plans to destroy the mall where Blob Ghost lives. I loved this unique and fantastical graphic novel. Ages 10 and up.

THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM (series) by Chad Sell

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is a joyous tale of neighborhood kids who transform mere cardboard into the most marvelous imaginative world. Sixteen characters transform their world and learn about their own identities, making this book a wonderful tour de force! Ages 8 and up.

THE DEEP & DARK BLUE by Niki Smith

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In a magical world, Hawke, a cisgender boy, and his twin, Grayson, are on the run. Their cousin has usurped power from their grandfather and the twins hope to right this wrong. They enter a mysterious group of women called the Communion of Blue who work to bind the world together with mystical threads. One twin wants to leave the Communion, but the other wants to stay, and other longs for a different identity and life as a transgender girl. Ages 10 and up.

DRAMA by Raina Telgemeier

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Callie wants to be in her school's latest production but she doesn't think she can sing so instead she helps out as the set designer and is determined to create a Broadway-worthy show. The "drama" of the book's title could easily refer to the friendship and romantic entanglements of the middle school crew (when is middle school not melodramatic?) as well what happens on the stage. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books about Theater for Tweens, ages 8-12

THE BREAKAWAYS by Cathy G. Johnson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In her search for a place to fit in at her new middle school, Faith joins the girls' soccer team. Faith loves to draw and has a vivid imagination. Her fellow C-team players are an eclectic group of kids who are navigating a host of social and personal circumstances, as well as exploring their identities. However, the friendships that develop allow them to support each other, and even though they never quite become good soccer players, they develop as people and as friends. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Sports-Themed Graphic Novels

SNAPDRAGON by Kat Leyh

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The town "witch," Jacks, agrees to help Snap with her rescued opossums if Snap will help her with her work collecting skeletons. It turns out that Jacks' work also involves helping release souls back into the natural world. During the course of the book, Snap is curious if she can work magic, learns about Jacks' past connection with her grandmother, and makes a new best friend who is transitioning. Ages 9 and up.

THE WITCH BOY (trilogy) by Molly Knox Ostertag

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The Witch Boy is a parable about the risks of forcing others to conform to traditional gender roles. Aster, a boy, doesn't want to be a shape-shifter. He want to work magic and be a witch. However, only girls are allowed to study witchery and Aster studies in secret. His secret studies are observed by Charlie, a girl from the non-magical neighborhood and the two become friends. It's a good thing he was studying witchery, because his skills are required when another boy is in danger. I love the incredibly diverse cast of characters. Ages 8 and up.

THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY (series) by Katie O'Neill

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

For kids who like fantasy but without all the potentially scary action, this oversized graphic novel series is a great start. Greta, a blacksmith's apprentice, meets Hesekiel and Erik, tea shop owners who teach her about the ancient art of tea dragons. At the end of the book there is a super fun guide to all the tea dragons and their care. Ages 7 and up.

THE ACCURSED VAMPIRE (series) by Madeline McGrane

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

For readers who like a bit of playful mischief, McGrane's graphic novel series may be just the thing. An evil witch forces Dragoslava the vampire to run errands and now Dragoslava must fetch a powerful grimoire. Two other young vampires join Drago on their quest. McGraine incorporates themes of belonging, prejudice and kindness into this funny tale which would be great fun to read around Halloween. Ages 8 and up.

MEG, JO, BETH AND AMY by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Bre Indigo

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This modern day retelling of Lousia May Alcott's Little Women is set in New York City. The story follows the lives of four sisters in a blended, multi-racial family, and will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier. The sisters' father is stationed in the Middle East, their mother works double shifts and the girls take care of one another. The narrative follows the sisters as they cope with school work, chores and relationships, as well as interactions with their wealthy neighbor, Laurie. Ages 10 and up.

THE GOLDEN HOUR by Niki Smith

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Manuel witnesses an attack on his art teacher, which leaves him with trauma-induced anxiety. He loves taking photos and uses photography as a way to help him cope with panic attacks and flashbacks. His friendship with Sebastian and Caysha, with whom he works on a school project, furthers the healing process, especially when he spends time on Sebastian's family's cattle ranch. I like the positive message about the importance of connecting with friends and finding solace in art and the outdoors. Ages 9 and up.

HISTORY COMICS: THE STONEWALL RIOTS by Archie Bongiovanni, illustrated A. Andrews

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Using oral history, and documentary evidence, Bongiovanni and Andrews creatively tell the history of the Stonewall Riots. Three friends, Natalie, Jax and Rashad, time travel back to 1969 after Natalie's abuela tells them that she and her girlfriend were at Stonewall. Curious readers will want to use the end notes to discover material for further reading. Ages 10 and up.

The post 17 Best LGBTQ Graphic Novels appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.