6 Books that Inspire Activism
Activism (noun): the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. Now that I’ve gotten the high school valedictorian speech bit out the way, I feel I should say that “activism” intimidates me. I look around every day and I see all of the horrible things happening in our world. It all feels unspeakably overwhelming. And standing up to say something? That terrifies me. The one thing that quiets this fear is reading. By turning to the lives and actions of other people, both real and imagined, I can find the answers I’m looking for. I can be inspired by their bravery in the face of adversity. Raising your voice is hard, but the simple act of one person speaking out is activism. And sometimes, one voice breaking the silence makes all the difference. If you don’t necessarily know where to begin your activist journey, take my advice: read to resist.
After her father was murdered, María escaped in the middle of the night with her mother.
Zaynab was out of school for two years as she fled war before landing in America. Her sister, Sabreen, survived a harrowing journey to Italy.
Ajida escaped horrific violence, but then found herself battling the elements to keep her family safe.
Malala's experiences visiting refugee camps caused her to reconsider her own displacement—first as an Internally Displaced Person when she was a young child in Pakistan, and then as an international activist who could travel anywhere in the world except to the home she loved. In We Are Displaced, Malala not only explores her own story, but she also shares the personal stories of some of the incredible girls she has met on her journeys—girls who have lost their community, relatives, and often the only world they've ever known.
In a time of immigration crises, war, and border conflicts, We Are Displaced is an important reminder from one of the world's most prominent activists that every single one of the 68.5 million currently displaced is a person—often a young person—with hopes and dreams.
"A stirring and timely book." —New York Times
It can be hard for questioning teens to believe in a brighter future, let alone find any sense of community. Here, with clarity and compassion, Alex writes as a supportive older brother for transitioning teens, their allies, their parents, and anyone looking to better understand others -- and themselves.