Best Social Activist 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.

All Boys Aren't Blue is an inspiring memoir-manifesto by George M. Johnson that delves into the author's experiences as a Black queer boy growing up in New Jersey and Virginia. Johnson's personal essays touch on important topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, consent, and Black joy, making this a must-read for young adults looking to be allies or seeking reassurance as young queer men of color. The emotionally frank writing style appeals directly to the target audience, and the book has received numerous accolades, including being a New York Times bestseller and a Kids' Book Choice Award finalist. Overall, All Boys Aren't Blue is a powerful and unique addition to the social activist biographies genre and a must-read for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The memoir "I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives" tells the true story of Caitlin and Martin, who became pen pals when Caitlin's class wrote to an unknown student in a distant place. The correspondence spanned six years and changed both of their lives. The book is a compelling dual memoir that inspires readers to look beyond their own lives and wonder about the world at large and their place in it. The memoir is a strong and inspiring story that is an eye-opening look at life in another culture. It is highly recommended for young adults who are interested in social activism and biographies.

The young adult adaptation of the New York Times bestseller, Just Mercy, tells the story of Bryan Stevenson's fight for justice. Stevenson, a lawyer and social justice advocate, works to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of the wrongfully imprisoned and his efforts to fight for their freedom. This adaptation is a compelling and important read for young people today, calling them to action and compassion in the pursuit of justice. The proceeds of the book go to charity to help in Stevenson's important work to benefit the voiceless and the vulnerable as they navigate the broken U.S. justice system.

Winner of the 2021 In The Margins Award  "When reading this book, all I feel is kindness."-- Sam Smith, Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer and songwriter "Thank God we have Alok. And I'm learning a thing or two myself."--Billy Porter, Emmy award-winning actor, singer, and Broadway theater performer. "Beyond the Gender Binary will give readers everywhere the feeling that anything is possible within themselves"--Princess Nokia, musician and co-founder of the Smart Girl Club. "A fierce, penetrating, and empowering call for change."-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review. "An affirming, thoughtful read for all ages." -- School Library Journal, starred review. In Beyond the Gender Binary, poet, artist, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Alok Vaid-Menon deconstructs, demystifies, and reimagines the gender binary.. Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. In this installment, Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok Vaid-Menon challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression. The only limit is your imagination.

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist is a book for young adults based on the adult bestseller by Ibram X. Kendi, and co-authored by bestselling author Nic Stone. The book serves as a guide for teens seeking a way forward in acknowledging, identifying, and dismantling racism and injustice. Kendi and Stone have revised this work to provide anecdotes and data that speaks directly to the experiences and concerns of younger readers, encouraging them to think critically and build a more equitable world in doing so. This book is a must-read for young adults who want to help create a more just society.

Three Little Words: A Memoir is an inspiring true story of Ashley Rhodes-Courter's nine years in the foster care system. Despite facing real-life horrors and painful memories, Ashley triumphs over her past and finds her own voice. The book is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance. The author's ability to draw attention to the plight of children currently in the foster care system is remarkable. The book is highly recommended for anyone looking for an inspiring read about overcoming adversity.

Surviving the Angel of Death: The True Story of a Mengele Twin in Auschwitz is a gripping and inspiring historical biography for teens and young adults. The book follows the story of Eva Mozes Kor and her twin sister, who were subjected to sadistic medical experiments by Dr. Josef Mengele in Auschwitz. Despite unimaginable suffering, Eva's story is one of endurance and survival, as well as her work for peace, human rights, and Holocaust education. The new edition provides readers with additional information about Eva's life and legacy. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Holocaust and the triumph of the human spirit.

Rolling Warrior is a young readers’ edition of Judy Heumann’s acclaimed memoir, Being Heumann, which tells the story of one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history. Judy’s journey of fighting for equal access in an unequal world, from battling to attend grade school to leading a sit-in protest for the first civil rights legislation for disabled people, is a testament to her bravery, persistence, and rebellious streak. This social activist biography book for teens and young adults published by Beacon Press is a must-read for anyone fighting for social justice.

We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World is a powerful book that explores the personal stories of young girls who have been displaced from their homes due to war, violence, and persecution. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and international activist, shares her own experiences as a displaced person and the stories of the girls she has met on her journeys. In a time of immigration crises and border conflicts, this book serves as an important reminder that every displaced person is a person with hopes and dreams. We Are Displaced is a stirring and timely book that sheds light on the human impact of displacement and the resilience of the human spirit.