Books About Protests

The Best Protests Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about protests? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

#2 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Protests

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas · Book #1 in the The Hate U Give series

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Michael L. Printz Honor (2018)Odyssey Award (2018)

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 1,048,367 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

A Ride to Remember

By Sharon Langley, Amy Nathan, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

A carousel ride becomes a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement.

40 pages· 1,745 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 415 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1963, young Sharon Langley made history as the first African American child to ride a desegregated carousel at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. On the same day as Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic March on Washington, her ride symbolized a community's triumph over segregation. As protests and unity opened the park to all, Sharon's experience became a beacon of hope and change. Discover how one ride echoed the dreams of a nation striving for equality. What possibilities did this moment unlock for future generations?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–10 · 2021

Chairs on Strike

By Jennifer Jones · Book #1 in the On Strike series

A group of chairs go on strike to protest their poor treatment by students.

33 pages· 524 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 1,196 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In a classroom where chairs have had enough of smelly feet and odd sitting styles, chaos ensues. This rhyming tale invites laughter and teaches kindness, as the chairs demand respect. Will the students learn to treat their seats with care, or will the chairs take matters into their own hands? Perfect for a school day read, this story promises giggles and a gentle lesson in empathy. Beware, it might just contain a 'fart' or two!

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$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2004

Freedom on the Menu

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Jerome Lagarrigue Lagarrigue (Illustrator)

A young girl witnesses a pivotal stand for equality, sparking hope for change.

32 pages· 1,342 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.4 Goodreads · 1,076 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eight-year-old Connie sees four men defy segregation at a Woolworth's lunch counter, igniting a movement in her town. Though too young to march, she supports the cause by making signs with her siblings. As the fight for equal rights unfolds, Connie dreams of enjoying a simple banana split at the counter, just like everyone else. Will her town embrace change, or will Connie's dream remain out of reach?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

Class Action

By Steven B. Frank

A sixth grader challenges homework's constitutionality in the Supreme Court.

288 pages· 47,620 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 545 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Sam Warren, a determined sixth grader, is fed up with endless homework. With his sister, friends, and retired lawyer neighbor, he files a lawsuit claiming homework is unconstitutional. As the case reaches the Supreme Court, Sam must prove his point or risk being labeled the laziest kid in America. Will he succeed in freeing kids from homework's grip?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2015

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

By Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock, Susan Buckley, PJ Loughran (Illustrator)

A young activist defies fear and fights for equality in a historic march.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2016)

128 pages· 6,815 words· Est. 46 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 4,054 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Lynda, a fearless young activist jailed nine times before turning fifteen. As the youngest marcher in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march, she stands against injustice, determined to change history. Her journey through terror and triumph reveals the power of youth in the Civil Rights Movement. Can one young voice ignite a revolution for equality? Discover the inspiring true story of courage and resilience that proves young people can be heroes in the fight for justice.

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$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Sometimes People March

By Tessa Allen

People unite to march against injustice, standing together for change and hope.

32 pages· 238 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 680 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where injustice persists, people come together to march, their unity a powerful force for change. This picture book captures the spirit of solidarity and hope, illustrating how collective action can inspire and transform. Through history, the reasons for marching may vary, but the strength lies in marching together. What drives these individuals to step forward, and how does their unity shape the future? Discover the timeless power of standing together in this beautifully illustrated journey.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

We March

By Shane W. Evans

Experience the historic March on Washington and the dream of racial harmony.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2013)

32 pages· 121 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,289 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Join the historic March on Washington, where over 250,000 people gathered for jobs and freedom. Witness the power of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, advocating for racial harmony. Through simple yet compelling illustrations, this story brings the thrill of that pivotal day to life, capturing the essence of the African American civil rights movement for young readers. What dreams were born that day, and how do they resonate today?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2024

The Big Protest

By Christine Platt, Alea Marley (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Frankie and Friends series

A young reporter sets out to learn what a protest is and why people join one.

80 pages

4.4 Goodreads · 32 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: When a protest for justice makes the news, Frankie's journalist mama goes to cover it, and Frankie wants to report too. With her news crew of toys, she researches what a protest is, interviews her family, and helps the toys plan a protest of their own.

Sale price

$392

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2000

Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Frances E. Ruffin

A historic gathering in 1963 demands equality and hears a legendary speech.

1,084 words· Est. 13 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 77 ratings

$4.13Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1963, over 250,000 people converged on Washington, DC, seeking justice and equality. Amidst the crowd, a powerful voice rose—Martin Luther King, Jr. His iconic speech would echo through history, igniting hope and change. Discover the spirit of this pivotal day and the dream that inspired a nation.

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