9 Books to Encourage Your Baby to Be an Activist
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Every night as I reflect on the wondrous developments my son has achieved in a single day—first steps, new words, sleeping through the night (ha! mostly)—I’m in awe of the limitless potential brewing in his sensitive mind. But then I hit the usual roadblocks forming in this current political climate, which leave me a wreck of anxiety. Will he be safe in school? Will he have access to healthcare? Will we be in internment camps? Extreme you might say, but can you really blame me?
I would like my child to be intellectually and emotionally prepared to confront obstacles that we face now or that lie ahead, so I’m looking at the books we read together to help make him an activist. Reading is a political act. Any form of seeking knowledge is a punch against the dominant forces that would rather we be silent, submissive, uninformed. If I want to instill a thirst for justice in my son—so he can grow up with an allegiance to hope, knowledge, and truth common in current youth activists—I’m going to use literature. The following books are now part of my child’s reading material, books that answer the call to activism.
Bold, vibrant colors reflect the equally bold messages that comprise this board book. It is a baby’s comprehensive introduction to the call for justice and action, locally and internationally. Beware, it also teaches the basics of resistance, so don’t be surprised if your activist baby starts marching the house with fist raised high, chanting “No!”
As a Pakistani American, I want my son to be as world-minded as possible, and aware of his cultural roots. That includes having adept knowledge and pride in Pakistani people who are positively impacting their countries and the world. Progressive politician Imran Khan just had huge victories in elections in Pakistan, and Malala Yousafzai continues to advocate for children’s education. This debut picture book by the youth activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner describes her childhood wish for a magic pencil, and the truth that wishes are fulfilled through hard work and determination.
I want my child to know that there does exist justice within the Supreme Court justices, no matter what direction the Court takes following the resignation of Justice Kennedy. This picture book highlights one of the fiercest and most resilient judges, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In this biography, readers encounter the bravery required to face off against injustice, and the power gained as a result.
What better way to expose your child to the concepts of collective bargaining, unions, and teamwork, than with farm animals? This book does such an excellent job of drawing readers into the plight of the freezing cows and the simple but effective ways they affect systemic change with only a typewriter. Children learn the importance of believing in their voice and making it heard. This is the way to leave their mark on the world as young activists.
Love is an essential theme in my child’s bookshelf, and I want him to understand that love means many things and can manifest in many ways. No matter the form it takes, we should try to ensure that those around us have some comfort of love. This book is both rapturous and ruminative; it creates a tether for us to navigate all arenas of life to see how love takes shape. With that comfort embedded in their mind, children may feel more dedicated to embark on a meaningful course of activism, supported by their loved ones.
