YA Books on Prejudice and Social Justice
YA Books that Encourage Teens to Talk about Prejudice and How to Seek Social Justice
Listed below is a collection of fiction novels that discusses issues of prejudice, racism, and the need for social justice. If any of these stories resonated anything in you to be more active within your community, listed next to those novels are nonfiction titles about doing just that; whether it is understanding the situation or taking steps to help.
IF YOU READ → | THEN READ THIS |
FICTION TITLE | NONFICTION |
Dear Martin by Nic Stone Justyce’s life changed in a blink of an eye after he witnesses a tragedy and later he is placed in handcuffs after being racially-profiled. He begins to write letters addressed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to try to make sense of his world. | Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi This book discusses the history of racism and how to combat racism in current situations. Reynolds and Kendi identify racism and “stamp out” these thoughts. This is intended for teen readers. |
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Starr Carter lives between two worlds: the privileged school she attends and the neighborhood she lives in. One night, Starr watches her childhood friend murdered at the hands of a police officer. Afterward there are protests in his name and Starr must make the decision whether she keep her anonymity or support the cause. | We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices Ed. by Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson Written short stories, letters, prose, poetry and art are in this anthology to strengthen the thoughts of social justice for a new generation. This is for a range of ages. |
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro Moss has been dealing with anxiety after the death of his father by the local police; his community still feels the loss and still seeks justice. When Moss begins to see changes in his school like new metal detectors, a terrible resource officer, and random locker checks that he does not agree with, Moss must decide to stand up for what he believes in. | You are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World by Caroline Paul, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki This is a guide provides tips, stories, and DIY activities to activism for all ages. With true stories of other teens that made a difference, this book teaches that no one person is too small to cause change. |
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham Two stories that are divided by time but are connected when Rowan, in current day Tulsa, finds a skeleton on her family’s property. A century earlier in 1921 Tulsa, William witnesses the violence against African Americans while in a town that is segregated by Jim Crow. His own prejudices are confronted while Rowan sees racism in an event she witnesses. | How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation Ed. by Maureen Johnson During a time in which young adults want to become more involved in making a difference, this nonfiction title combines essays, songs, and other writing forms from an array of authors and actors about activism and how to be hopeful in difficult times. |
I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Gilly Segal & Kimberly Jones Lena and Campbell, two girls that don’t have a lot in common, are at the wrong place at the wrong time during the night of their football game. When racist slurs lead to physical fights and gun shots begin, they have to find a way to safety. | Girls Resist!: A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution by KaeLyn Rich This book teaches steps how to pick a topic or cause, protesting tips, fundraiser guidelines, encouraging mindfulness in social media, and more! |
March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, & Nate Powell This award-winning series of graphic novels tells the story about John Lewis, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He shares his tale in this three-part series told through the beautiful images. Book One begins with Lewis’ youth. | #NeverAgain: A New Generation Draws the Line by David Hogg After the events of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the teens that were affected about that day’s events and decided to choose to become activists by speaking the truth and doing something to help the future generations. |
Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance This is a YA anthology that features stories about characters that resist daily conventions and discusses the seemingly unimportant acts of characters can be powerful and lead to change. This book contains poetry, art, and prose that add to the storytelling. | Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage Foreword by Sen. Amy Klobuchar From a variety of people (authors, actors, activists, athletes, and others) tell their own stories about a time when they were judged by their gender, race, and/or identity and how to overcome these prejudices. |
Other YA Fiction Titles that Feature Prejudice/Racism to Check Out:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely
All American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America Ed. Ibi Zoboi
How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan
Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson & Ellen Hagan
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Other Nonfiction Titles about Prejudice/Racism to Check Out:
I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World by Malala Yousafzai
Amy
Hello everyone! I’m Amy and I am a Youth Services Librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. When I’m not trying to reach my reading goal for the year, I like to talk about what I’m reading to my family, friends, and coworkers. You could say I am a little obsessed with reading Young Adult books. I enjoy most genres, but my favorites include: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy, and Mystery. I am always looking for the next great book that makes me connect to its characters and hits me in the feels.