Books About Reformers

The Best Reformers Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about reformers? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Reformers

100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
Sale price
$3325
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2022

100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

By Jess Harriton, Maithy Vu, Bindi Irwin, Rebel Girls · Book #5 in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series

Discover young women changing the world with passion and innovation.

240 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 303 ratings
$35.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet young trailblazers like Greta Thunberg and Zendaya, alongside rising stars like inventor Vinisha Umashankar and activist Helena Gualinga. From diverse backgrounds, these changemakers redefine possibilities, inspiring readers with their groundbreaking achievements and dreams. Dive into their stories and explore how they are shaping the future.
I am Malala Yousafzai
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2022

I am Malala Yousafzai

By Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator) · Ordinary People Change the World series

A young girl defies danger to fight for education and women's rights worldwide.

40 pages· 1,508 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 186 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Malala Yousafzai, a courageous girl who stood up for her right to education in Pakistan, even when faced with grave danger. At just 17, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, inspiring millions with her bravery. This engaging biography for young readers explores Malala's journey from an ordinary girl to a global advocate for women's rights and education. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped her, illustrated with charming comic-book-style art and real-life photos. Will her story inspire the next generation to dream big and stand up for justice? Dive into her world and find out.
Who Is Malala Yousafzai?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Who Is Malala Yousafzai?

By Dinah Brown, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A young girl fights for her right to an education in a war-torn country.

112 pages· 7,354 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,659 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where girls are banned from school, Malala Yousafzai dares to speak out. Her blog becomes a beacon of hope, challenging oppression in Pakistan. As her words echo worldwide, she fights for every child's right to learn, ultimately earning the Nobel Peace Prize. Can one voice truly change the world?
Kids at Work
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1994

Kids at Work

By Russell Freedman

A photographer's lens exposes child labor horrors, sparking change.

Golden Kite Award (1995)Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1995)Orbis Pictus Honor (1995)
112 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 577 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Lewis Hine, a pioneering photographer, captures haunting images of child labor in early 1900s America. His powerful photographs ignite a movement, challenging the nation to confront and reform its labor laws. How did one man's vision alter the course of history? Discover the story behind the images that changed a nation.
Sojourner Truth
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1992

Sojourner Truth

By Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick McKissack

Discover the powerful journey of a preacher and activist fighting for freedom and equality.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1993)Coretta Scott King Honor (1993)
192 pages· 27,623 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 891 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the life of Sojourner Truth, a fearless preacher and abolitionist. As she battles for African-American and women's rights, her unwavering spirit challenges a divided nation. What sacrifices will she make for justice?
Emma's Poem
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2010

Emma's Poem

By Linda Glaser, Claire A. Nivola (Illustrator)

Discover how a poet's words transformed the Statue of Liberty's meaning.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2011)
32 pages· 1,316 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 510 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1883, Emma Lazarus penned a sonnet that redefined the Statue of Liberty as a beacon for immigrants. Her words, "Give me your tired, your poor," gave voice to the voiceless and reshaped a national symbol. This illustrated biography captures the power of poetry to change perceptions and celebrates the welcoming spirit of a nation.
Only Passing Through
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2000

Only Passing Through

By Anne Rockwell, R Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

A former slave becomes a powerful voice against slavery, revealing harsh truths.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2000)Coretta Scott King Honor (2001)
40 pages· 2,724 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 292 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth was sold three times by age 13. She endured beatings and witnessed her parents' suffering. Yet, she transformed into a formidable abolitionist, traveling the country to expose the brutal realities of slavery. Her compelling speeches and personal story challenged a nation to confront its conscience. Discover how one woman's courage and words ignited change in 'Only Passing Through.'
My Name Is Truth
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

My Name Is Truth

By Ann Turner, James Ransome (Illustrator)

A former slave becomes a powerful voice for abolition and women's rights.

40 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 442 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Isabella Baumfree, once a slave, transforms into Sojourner Truth, a fiery preacher and orator. Her journey from bondage to becoming a leading voice in the abolitionist and women's rights movements is both inspiring and transformative. As she captivates audiences with her passionate speeches, Sojourner challenges societal norms and fights for equality. This beautifully illustrated biography invites readers to explore her remarkable life and legacy, raising questions about freedom, identity, and justice. What drove her transformation, and how did her words ignite change? Discover the story of a woman who spoke truth to power and left an indelible mark on history.
Channel Kindness
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2020

Channel Kindness

By Born This Way Foundation Reporters, Lady Gaga

Discover how kindness transforms lives and communities.

304 pages
3.9 Goodreads · 667 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore stories of young changemakers who, inspired by Lady Gaga's mission, overcome adversity with kindness. From battling bullies to breaking mental health stigma, these tales reveal the power of compassion.
Finding Providence
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

Finding Providence

By Avi, James Watling (Illustrator) · I Can Read series

A father flees into the wilderness, leaving his daughter to wonder if she'll ever see him again.

48 pages· 1,671 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 146 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1635 Massachusetts, young Mary Williams faces uncertainty as her father, Roger, is condemned for his radical beliefs. Forced to flee into the harsh wilderness, Roger's survival depends on the mercy of the Narragansett Indians. As Mary clings to hope and faith, she grapples with the fear of never seeing her father again. Will Roger find safety, or will Mary's trust in providence be tested beyond endurance? The stakes are high in this gripping tale of faith, freedom, and family.
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