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KIDS

BOOKLISTS

Ages 9-12

Stand Up, Speak Out

Find these books and more online at https://catalog.coolcat.org

Count Me In by  Varsha Bajaj
Told from two viewpoints, sixth-graders Karina and Chris use social media to stand up to racism in Houston, Texas, after an attack puts Karina's Indian American grandfather in the hospital.
Enough!: 20 Protesters Who Changed America by  Emily Easton
From Samuel Adams to the students from Parkland, march through history with the heroic revolutionary protesters who changed America. These heroic protesters were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in. They are among the twenty change-makers in this book who used peaceful protests and brave actions to rewrite American history.
Generation Brave : The Gen Z Kids Who Are Changing the World by  Kate Alexander
Gen Z is populated--and defined--by activists. From the March for Our Lives to the fight for human rights and climate change awareness, this generation is leading the way toward truth and hope. Generation Brave showcases Gen Z activists who are fighting for change on many fronts: climate change, LGBTQ rights, awareness and treatment of mental illness, gun control, gender equality, and corruption in business and government at the highest levels. Illustrated throughout, this book will offer a celebration of what might be the most influential generation of the century.
How to Fight Racism : A Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice by  Jemar Tisby
In this adaptation of How to Fight Racism for young readers ages 8-12, Dr. Jemar Tisby helps kids understand how everyday prejudice affects them and what they can do to create social change. Inside, he explains the history of racism in America and why it is so prevalent, as well as uses Christian principles to provide practical tools and advice kids can use to develop and maintain an anti-racist mindset and make a positive difference in the world. In a format that provides kids with a handbook for pursuing racial justice, readers will discover hands-on suggestions and real-world examples of change they can put into action; practical ideas for confronting racism in their everyday lives, and how they can use Christian values to change the narrative around race, and ways to evaluate their actions and promote biblical principles. Throughout, kids will learn how to ask questions of themselves and their communities as they stand up to racism in all its forms.
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood From Champions of Change by  Robin Stevenson
Across history, activists have worked, marched, and spoken out for equality and justice--and many had moving, relatable childhood stories. Kid activists tells these stories and more through engaging biographies and full-color illustrations on nearly every page. Learn about Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, Malala Yousafzai and more.
Nikhil Out Loud by  Maulik Pancholy
Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is the beloved voice actor for Raj Reddy on the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space. But being a star on TV doesn't mean you have everything figured out behind the scenes. When his mom temporarily moves them to the small town in Ohio where she grew up to take care of Nikhil's sick grandfather, Nikhil feels as out of orbit as his character. Nikhil's fame lands him the lead in the school musical, but he's terrified that everyone will realize he's a fraud once they find out he can't sing. And when a group of conservative parents start to protest, making it clear they're not happy with an openly gay TV star being in the starring role, Nikhil feels like his life would be easier if only he could be Raj Reddy full-time. Then Nikhil wakes up one morning and hears a crack in his voice, which means his job playing Raj will have to come to an end. Life on Earth is way more complicated than life on television. And some mysteries--like new friendships or a sick grandparent or finding the courage to speak out about what's right--don't wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.
Resist : 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by  Veronica Chambers
Before they were activists, they were just like you and me. From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, and Susan B. Anthony to Janet Mock, these thirty-five profiles of remarkable figures show us what it means to take a stand and say no to injustice. This inspiring collection profiles men and women who resisted tyranny, fought the odds, and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities. Along with their portraits and most memorable quotes, their stories will inspire you--every single day--to speak out and rise up.
Stand Up! : 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change / by Brittney Cooper ; Illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. by  Brittney C. Cooper
Stand Up! tells the stories of ten historic female figures who changed the world by standing up for what's right, including legendary Civil Rights activists like Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks and spanning to contemporary role models like Bree Newsome, who removed the confederate flag from the South Carolina state house grounds, and Mari Copeny, a youth activist who fought for clean water in Flint, Michigan. Each heroic figure is interconnected by a united quest for equity, and offers young readers a call to action, reminding them that they are mighty too, and can be forces for change when they stand up!
Thanks a Lot, Universe by  Chad Lucas
Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself, and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed into foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn't know if things will ever be 'normal' again ... Ezra's always been popular. He's friends with most of the kids on his basketball team--even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he's too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him... But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. Both boys have to decide if they're willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they'd rather hide. but if they can be brave, the might just find the best in themselves--and each other.
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by  Wade Hudson and Cheryl Wells Hudson
What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art and prose, fifty diverse creators lend voice to young activists.
We Were the Fire : Birmingham 1963 by  Shelia P Moses
Determined to stand up for their rights, eleven-year-old Rufus, a Black boy, and his friends participate in the 1963 civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama.
Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice
A collection of poems to inspire kids to stay woke and become a new generation of activists.
Updated 07/05/2023