Best Political Biographies Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Young Readers Edition of "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and an international symbol of peaceful protest. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala fought for her right to be educated and was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. This edition, reimagined specifically for a younger audience, includes exclusive photos and material. Malala's powerful story will inspire young readers and make them believe in hope, truth, miracles, and the possibility that one person can inspire change in her community and beyond.

"Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea" is a memoir that presents a horrifying real-life dystopia of contemporary North Korea. Sungju, a North Korean boy, was forced to live on the streets at the age of twelve. He creates a gang and lives by thieving, fighting, begging, and stealing rides on cargo trains. The book depicts his four years of danger and desperation after being abandoned by his parents. Sungju richly recreates his scabrous story, allowing young readers to learn about another culture where the freedoms they take for granted do not exist. Overall, it is a true story of survival and determination that provides a unique perspective on the modern state of North Korea."

"Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" tells the story of twelve-year-old Ji-li Jiang during China's Cultural Revolution. With brains, popularity, and a bright future, Ji-li's world begins to fall apart when Mao Ze-dong launches the revolution. Her friends and neighbors turn on her family, forcing them to live in constant terror of arrest. Ji-li faces the most difficult dilemma of her life when her father is finally imprisoned. This page-turning autobiography appeals to readers of all ages and is a powerful reminder of the courage and love that can be found in even the most difficult of circumstances."

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming is a captivating and heartrending account of Russia's last royal family. The author deftly combines the imperial family's extravagant lives with the plight of Russia's poor masses, making it an utterly mesmerizing read. The book provides an intimate portrait of the Romanovs and a gripping account of their undoing. With captivating photos and compelling first-person accounts, this book is a perfect resource for meeting Common Core standards. Overall, this book is an exceptional narrative nonfiction that appeals to the imagination as much as the intellect.

"Lincoln: A Newbery Award Winner" by Russell Freedman is a gripping biography that covers the boyhood, marriage, and young professional life of Abraham Lincoln, as well as his presidential years and scholarly thoughts during the Civil War. The book is warm, appealing, and illustrated with carefully chosen photographs and prints. The author skillfully explains the many complex issues Lincoln grappled with as he led a deeply divided nation through the Civil War. Additionally, the book includes a sampling of Lincoln's writings and a detailed list of Lincoln historical sites. Overall, this book is a superb and highly readable account of one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, and it's perfect for teens and young adults interested in political biographies.

Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor is a photobiography of Lewis Hine, an early twentieth-century photographer and schoolteacher who used his own work as illustrations. The book documents Hine's development as a crusader against child labor and the abuses of the times. The use of historical photographs with meticulously researched and highly readable prose makes this book outstanding. The impact of Hine's groundbreaking work and how one man dedicated and developed his skill and talents to bring about social reform are well-documented. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical biographies and social reform.

The Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution is a practical and inspiring guide that shows readers how to effect change in today's world. Sanders shares his decades of insider knowledge and experience to help readers navigate the current system of policy and government, work to change it, and organize for the causes they care about most. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to build a more equitable future for all Americans. The lack of condescension in Sanders' writing is refreshing, making this book a valuable addition to any collection.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) is a must-read for those interested in the life and philosophy of one of the most influential African American leaders in history. The book provides a detailed account of Malcolm X's personal experiences, including his transformation from a troubled youth to a political leader. It sheds light on the ideas that helped him gain the support of the black population and his political philosophy. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Civil Rights Movement. Overall, it is a well-written and informative book that offers a unique perspective on the life and legacy of Malcolm X.

Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon is a National Book Award Finalist that provides an honest and much-needed corrective to the traditional portrayal of the Black Panthers. Magoon offers a sympathetic portrait of the Panthers as a revolutionary socialist movement that drew thousands of members, mostly women, and became the target of one of the most sustained repression efforts ever made by the U.S. government against its own citizens. The book puts the Panthers in the proper context of Black American history and invites a new generation to learn from their history and courage.

Girls Who Green the World: Thirty-Four Rebel Women Out to Save Our Planet is an inspiring and informative book that features the stories of 34 women who are revolutionizing the environmental movement. Journalist Diana Kapp has compiled an excellent collection of profiles of environmental changemakers, social entrepreneurs, visionaries, and activists, making it a perfect gift for future and current activists. The book is a celebration of women who are dedicated to reducing the impact of climate change in creative ways. Overall, Girls Who Green the World is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about saving our planet.