Books for Standing Up for Others for Ages 12–18

Explore our collection of children's books about standing up for others recommended for kids ages 12–18.

3,494 books

PeaceJam A Billion Simple Acts of Peace

Ivan Suvanjieff, Dawn Gifford Engle

For the teenager who feels overwhelmed by global problems and wants to know how one person can actually make a differenc

Ages 12–18

Ludie's Song

Dirlie Herlihy

For the child questioning the fairness of the world around them. Discover how a quiet friendship in the 1950s South spar

Ages 10–14

How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other

Naomi Klein, Rebecca Stefoff

For the young person feeling overwhelmed by the climate crisis and looking for a way to take meaningful action in their

Ages 10–15

Shiloh #1

Shiloh

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

For the child grappling with a difficult secret or wondering if it is ever okay to break the rules to protect someone vu

Ages 8–12

Protest Movements Then and Now

Eric Braun

For the student curious about how people power creates change, this guide compares the 1960s with today's movements to s

Ages 10–14

DK Life Stories

Gandhi

Diane Bailey

For the child curious about how one person can change the world without using force. Explore how peace and determination

Ages 8–12

Zom-B #6

Zom-B: Clans

Darren Shan

For the teen grappling with complex questions of legacy and morality. B must decide whether to follow a path of hate or

Ages 13–18

My Year in the Middle

Lila Quintero Weaver

For the child feeling caught between different social groups and looking for the courage to stand up for a new friend wh

Ages 8–12

Signature Lives

Cesar Chavez: Crusader for Social Change

Brenda Haugen

For the child curious about how one person can change the world, this biography explores the power of nonviolent protest

Ages 10–14

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy

Emmanuel Acho

For parents and educators seeking a way to discuss systemic racism and privilege with kids through clear, honest, and co

Ages 10–14

When Thunder Comes: Poems for Civil Rights Leaders

J. Patrick Lewis

For the child curious about why the world looks the way it does: these poems celebrate the brave people who stood up for

Ages 8–12

Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You

Marley Dias

For the young dreamer who wants to change the world but doesn't know where to start. Marley Dias offers a practical, rea

Ages 10–14

The Untold Story of John P. Parker Underground Railroad Conductor

Artika R. Tyner

For the child who asks how one person can change the world. This graphic biography follows a man who turned his pain int

Ages 8–12

My Friend the Enemy

J.B. Cheaney

For the child questioning what it means to be a 'patriot' when others are being treated unfairly. A girl protects a hidd

Ages 8–12

The Folk of the Air #3

The Queen of Nothing

Holly Black

For the teen finding their voice in a world of complex power dynamics, this finale explores how to claim your place when

Ages 14–18

The Outlaws of Sherwood Street #1

Stealing from the Rich

Peter Abrahams

For the child who is beginning to notice that the world isn't always fair and wants to know how a group of friends can a

Ages 10–14

Courage & Defiance Stories of Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark

Deborah Hopkinson

For the child who asks how one person can make a difference in a world of unfairness, this book shows how courage and te

Ages 10–14

The Truth About White Lies

Olivia A. Cole

For the teenager beginning to realize that staying silent is a choice. A powerful look at confronting family history and

Ages 14–18

The Jericho Trilogy #3

Just Another Hero

Sharon M. Draper

For teens grappling with the weight of adulthood and the terrifying reality of school violence, this intense story explo

Ages 14–18

Make Good Trouble Discover Movements That Sparked Change

Jamia Wilson

For the teenager who wants to make a difference: this guide explores historical social justice movements to inspire the

Ages 12–18

The Man from the Other Side

Uri Orlev

For the young reader processing the heavy weight of history and the bravery required to do what is right when everyone e

Ages 11–15

Cesar Chavez Champion and Voice of Farmworkers

Suzanne Slade

For the child grappling with ideas of fairness and justice, this graphic biography explores how one man's quiet courage

Ages 8–12

General Butterfingers

John Reynolds Gardiner

For the child who values fairness and intergenerational bonds. Eleven-year-old Walter rallies three WWII veterans to def

Ages 8–12

Graphic Novel Legends #1

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

Tony Lee

For the reader who thrives on action and moral clarity, this gritty reimagining follows a hero standing up against syste

Ages 10–14