Best books for budding young activists

101 Small Ways to Change the World (Lonely Planet Kids)

(£9.99, Lonely Planet)

Packed with practical, achievable ideas, this book will inspire your child to make small but meaningful changes to help family members, friends and the planet – and show them no one is too young to make a big difference.

Activists Assemble - Save Your Planet by Ben Hoare

(£8.99, Macmillan Children's Books)

A really hopeful book which explains how and why the world is getting hotter, the consequences of deforestation and the impact of too many vehicles, but also offers solutions and actions we can all decide to take responsibility for in order to protect the environment. Lots of information about the inspiring activists who are leading the way in the worldwide crusade to save the planet is included.

Generation Brave: The Gen Z Kids Who Are Changing the World by Kate Alexander

(£14.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing)

A celebratory, illustrated showcase of the Gen Z activists who are fighting for change and progress in every country. From human rights to climate change, LGBTQ rights, awareness and treatment of mental illness, gun control, gender equality and corruption, these young people are working to make our world a better place.

Be Green! by Mandy Archer, illustrated by Katie Abey

(£9.99, Studio Press)

Encourage your child to engage with the climate emergency by colouring, doodling and scapbooking their way to living a more responsible, sustainable life. Packed with projects, ideas and insights, this activity book helps kids use their creativity to explore the environmental issues facing our planet.

This Book is Cruelty-Free by Linda Newbery

(£7.99, Pavilion Children's)

Thought-provoking but not preachy, this guide to living a cruelty-free life includes advice on fashion and beauty, vegetarian and vegan diets, the exploitation of animals for entertainment and how to campaign and influence other people. An informative guide to helping animals and the environment in every area of life.

Protest!: How people have come together to change the world by Alice Haworth-Booth

(£14.99, Pavilion Children's)

Ordinary people have always had the courage to stand up for what they believe in and campaign to make the world a better place. Protest! covers the global history of protest from Ancient Egyptian times, when workers on the pyramids went on strike for more food, to the present day, with the school strikes for climate.

Activists Assemble: We Are All Equal! by Shannon Weber

(£8.99, Macmillan Children's Books)

In Activists Assemble children discover what it is to means to be a citizen, how important it is for us all to be treated and treat others as equal within society and how we can use our voice to make a difference and challenge inequality. Disabilities, gender, religion, and race are discussed, giving young readers the information and practical advice they need to get their voices heard.

How to Raise a Global Citizen by Anna Davidson

(£12.99, DK)

Offering practical advice on how to talk to kids, the vocabulary to use and the activities to undertake as a family, this cheerful, optimistic handbook for parents suggests ways to support the next generation of emotionally intelligent, politically ethical world citizens. Responsible and kind use of social media, respect, open mindedness and empathy are all covered.

Sofia Valdez's Big Project Book for Awesome Activists by Andrea Beaty

(£10.99, Abrams Books) 

Be inspired to help effect change with this project book from the team behind the best-selling Questioneers series. Activities about activism, politics and the governmental process will help young change makers and leaders of tomorrow understand what it takes to make a difference in their community.

Dreams of Freedom by Amnesty International

(£12.99, Lincoln Children's Books) 

An inspirational picture book with quotations about different aspects of freedom, from activists including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai. All the quotations, about the freedoms to have an education, not to be hurt or tortured, to have a home and to be yourself, are in simple language children will understand.

This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell  

(£8.99, Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

This New York Times best-seller explores racism for parents and older children. Where does it come from? Why does it exist? What can each of us do to disrupt it? An accessible introduction to social identities, the history of racism and resistance against it, with practical strategies to help us use our voices to move the world toward equity.
 

Little Book for Big Changes: Activities and tips to make the world a better place by Kirsten Liepmann 

(£8.99, Studio Press) 

Packed with over 100 puzzles, games, craft activities, experiments and tips for children aged 7+, this innovative activity book encourages young people to develop understanding, empathy and a sense of responsibility, empowering them to protect the environment and to make the world a fairer and better place. 

What is Right and Wrong? Who Decides? Where Do Values Come From? And Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young

(£9.99, Wayland) 

How do decisions about what is right and wrong play out on an individual, local, national and global scale? Readers are encouraged to think about the values people hold about democracy, justice, fairness, prejudice, discrimination and war and examine their own ideas of right and wrong to decide what is important to them.

Guardians of the Planet by Clive Gifford

(£9.99, Buster Books)

An environmentally positive book which contains everything children need to become keepers of the coasts, friends of the forests and home heroes through a mix of key environmental facts, creative activities and proactive tips. Engaging illustrations and text make this a must-read for the future guardians of our planet.
 

How to Make a Better World by Keilly Swift

(£10.99, DK Kids) 

An inspiring, practical guide to making a difference, from learning how to be a great friend to building a neighbourhood lending library, how to stand up to bullies and even how to spot fake news! Just one person can make big, significant changes, if you know what to do!