Picture Books
Books: Fiction
Aani and the Tree Huggers
Book – Fiction. By Jeannine Atkins. Illustrated by Venantius J. Pinto. 2000. 32 pages.
Based on an event that took place in India in the 1970s, children and women in the village hug the trees to save them from being logged.
The Bobbin Girl
Book – Fiction. By Emily Arnold McCully. 1996. 36 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary based on a true story about the Lowell textile workers.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Book – Fiction. By Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2000. 32 pages.
A barnyard struggle where the cows go on strike and the farmer is forced to negotiate.
Dzání Yázhí Naazbaa’: Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home
Book – Fiction. By Evangeline Parsons Yazzie. Illustrated by Irving Toddy. 2005. 32 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary about the Navajo Long Walk (forced removal by U.S. soldiers) of 1863-1864.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
Book – Fiction. By Carole Boston Weatherford. 2007. 32 pages.
Historical fiction in an upper elementary picture book about the Greensboro sit-ins.
Freedom School, Yes!
Book – Fiction. By Amy Littlesugar. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2001. 40 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary about the 1964 Freedom Schools.
African American, Civil Rights Movements, Education, Organizing, Racism & Racial Identity
Hip Hop Speaks to Children: a celebration of poetry with a beat
Book – Fiction. Edited by Nikki Giovanni. 2008. 80 pages and CD.
A celebration of poetry with a beat. Includes CD with selected recordings of poems and historical background.
Kid Blink Beats the World
Book – Fiction. By Don Brown. 2004. 32 pages.
The story of the 1899 strike by the children who sold newspapers on the street.
Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam
Book – Fiction. By Walter Dean Myers. 2005. 40 pages. Upper elementary.
Sophisticated picture book on one soldier’s patrol in Vietnam.
Pink and Say
Book – Fiction. By Patricia Polacco. 1994. Upper elementary.
The narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War.
Ruth and the Green Book
Book – Fiction. By Calvin Alexander Ramsey. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2010. 32 pages.
Historical fiction for children about travels through the South during Jim Crow and the networks of support and services listed in The Green Book.
¡Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.
Book – Fiction. By Diana Cohn and illustrated by Francisco Delgado. 2008. 31 pages.
A children’s book based on the true story of the Justice for Janitors strike.
The Streets are Free
Book – Fiction. By Karusa. Illustrated by Monica Doppert. 1985 (reissued 2008). 48 pages.
A group of children organize to convince the mayor that they need a playground and when they do not get it they organize the neighbors to help them build one.
Swimmy
Book – Fiction. By Leo Lionni. 1973. 32 pages.
A classic tale for young children about the power of organizing.
Books: Non-Fiction
Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman’s Race for the Presidency
Book – Non-fiction. By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. Illustrated by Courtney E. Martin. 2008. 32 pages.
Biography of Belva Lockwood who ran for President in 1884.
I and I: Bob Marley
Book – Non-fiction. By Tony Medina. Illustrations by Jesse Joshua Watson. 48 pages. 2009.
The life of Bob Marley told through poems and illustrations.
I See the Rhythm
Book – Non-fiction. By Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood. 2005. 32 pages. Ages 6+.
A lyrical voyage through 500 years of African American music, from its roots in Africa to contemporary hip-hop.
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement
Book – Non-fiction. By Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson. Illustrated by Benny Andrews. 2006. 32 pages.
The life of Civil Rights Movement activist and now Congressman, John Lewis.
African American, Civil Rights Movements, Individuals in US History
Murals: Walls That Sing
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ancona. 2003. 48 pages.
Beautiful photo-essay of murals from all over the United States, primarily in Latino communities.
No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance
Book – Non-fiction. By Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. 2005. 64 pages.
Picture book for upper elementary/middle school on the many forms of resistance to slavery.
Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round: Stories and Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Book – Non-fiction. By Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. 2008. 64 pages.
Stories and songs for upper elementary from the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1965.
African American, Art & Music, Civil Rights Movements, Labor, Organizing
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder
Book – Non-fiction. By Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac. 2004. 32 pages.
The life of environmental activist Rachel Carson for upper elementary.
Environment & Food, Individuals in US History, Women's History
Rosa
Book – Non-fiction. By Nikki Giovanni. 2005. 40 pages.
A beautifully illustrated book for children about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Side by Side/Lado a lado
Book – Non-fiction. By Monica Brown, translation by Carolina Valencia, illus. by Joe Cepeda. 2010. 32 pages.
The life stories and activism of the two founders of the United Farmworkers (UFW), written and illustrated for young children.
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s struggle for justice/¡No Es Justo!: La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia
Book – Non-fiction. By Carmen Tafolla, Sharyll Tenayuca, Celina Marroquin. 2008. 40 pages. Bilingual (Spanish and English).
Biography for upper elementary of labor activist Emma Tenayuca.
This Land is Your Land
Book – Non-fiction. By Woody Guthrie. 2008. 42 pages.
The full version of Woody Guthrie’s famous song, illustrated for young children.
We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin
Book – Non-fiction. By Larry Dane Brimner. 2007. 48 pages.
A sophisticated picture book on a key civil rights leader.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Book – Non-fiction. By Kadir Nelson. 2008. 96 pages.
The story of Negro League baseball, in text and stunning imagery.
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
Picture Books
Aani and the Tree Huggers
Book – Fiction. By Jeannine Atkins. Illustrated by Venantius J. Pinto. 2000. 32 pages.
Based on an event that took place in India in the 1970s, children and women in the village hug the trees to save them from being logged.
Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman’s Race for the Presidency
Book – Non-fiction. By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. Illustrated by Courtney E. Martin. 2008. 32 pages.
Biography of Belva Lockwood who ran for President in 1884.
The Bobbin Girl
Book – Fiction. By Emily Arnold McCully. 1996. 36 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary based on a true story about the Lowell textile workers.
Clic, Clac, Muu Vacas Escritoras
Book – Fiction. By Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2001. 32 pages.
A barnyard struggle where the cows go on strike and the farmer is forced to negotiate.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Book – Fiction. By Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2000. 32 pages.
A barnyard struggle where the cows go on strike and the farmer is forced to negotiate.
Dzání Yázhí Naazbaa’: Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home
Book – Fiction. By Evangeline Parsons Yazzie. Illustrated by Irving Toddy. 2005. 32 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary about the Navajo Long Walk (forced removal by U.S. soldiers) of 1863-1864.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
Book – Fiction. By Carole Boston Weatherford. 2007. 32 pages.
Historical fiction in an upper elementary picture book about the Greensboro sit-ins.
Freedom School, Yes!
Book – Fiction. By Amy Littlesugar. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2001. 40 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary about the 1964 Freedom Schools.
African American, Civil Rights Movements, Education, Organizing, Racism & Racial Identity
Grandpa’s Corner Store
Book – Fiction. By DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. 2000. 40 pages.
A children’s book about the benefits of a neighborhood store vs. a big box store and how a community can rally to support a local business.
Hip Hop Speaks to Children: a celebration of poetry with a beat
Book – Fiction. Edited by Nikki Giovanni. 2008. 80 pages and CD.
A celebration of poetry with a beat. Includes CD with selected recordings of poems and historical background.
I and I: Bob Marley
Book – Non-fiction. By Tony Medina. Illustrations by Jesse Joshua Watson. 48 pages. 2009.
The life of Bob Marley told through poems and illustrations.
I See the Rhythm
Book – Non-fiction. By Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood. 2005. 32 pages. Ages 6+.
A lyrical voyage through 500 years of African American music, from its roots in Africa to contemporary hip-hop.
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement
Book – Non-fiction. By Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson. Illustrated by Benny Andrews. 2006. 32 pages.
The life of Civil Rights Movement activist and now Congressman, John Lewis.
African American, Civil Rights Movements, Individuals in US History
Kid Blink Beats the World
Book – Fiction. By Don Brown. 2004. 32 pages.
The story of the 1899 strike by the children who sold newspapers on the street.
Mississippi Morning
Book – Fiction. By Ruth Vander Zee. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2004. 32 pages.
A thought-provoking story of one boy’s loss of naivete in the face of racism and harsh historical realities.
Murals: Walls That Sing
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ancona. 2003. 48 pages.
Beautiful photo-essay of murals from all over the United States, primarily in Latino communities.
Nadarín
Book – Fiction. By Leo Lionni. 1973 (Spanish translation 2005). 24 pages.
A classic tale for young children about the power of organizing. (In Spanish.)
No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance
Book – Non-fiction. By Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. 2005. 64 pages.
Picture book for upper elementary/middle school on the many forms of resistance to slavery.
Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round: Stories and Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Book – Non-fiction. By Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. 2008. 64 pages.
Stories and songs for upper elementary from the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1965.
African American, Art & Music, Civil Rights Movements, Labor, Organizing
Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam
Book – Fiction. By Walter Dean Myers. 2005. 40 pages. Upper elementary.
Sophisticated picture book on one soldier’s patrol in Vietnam.
Pink and Say
Book – Fiction. By Patricia Polacco. 1994. Upper elementary.
The narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War.
Pink y Say
Book – Fiction. By Patricia Polacco. 2003. Upper elementary.
The narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War. (In Spanish.)
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder
Book – Non-fiction. By Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac. 2004. 32 pages.
The life of environmental activist Rachel Carson for upper elementary.
Environment & Food, Individuals in US History, Women's History
Rosa
Book – Non-fiction. By Nikki Giovanni. 2005. 40 pages.
A beautifully illustrated book for children about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Ruth and the Green Book
Book – Fiction. By Calvin Alexander Ramsey. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2010. 32 pages.
Historical fiction for children about travels through the South during Jim Crow and the networks of support and services listed in The Green Book.
¡Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.
Book – Fiction. By Diana Cohn and illustrated by Francisco Delgado. 2008. 31 pages.
A children’s book based on the true story of the Justice for Janitors strike.
Side by Side/Lado a lado
Book – Non-fiction. By Monica Brown, translation by Carolina Valencia, illus. by Joe Cepeda. 2010. 32 pages.
The life stories and activism of the two founders of the United Farmworkers (UFW), written and illustrated for young children.
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
Book – Non-fiction. By Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. 2010. 40 pages.
A picture book about the 1960 Woolworth sit-ins.
The Streets are Free
Book – Fiction. By Karusa. Illustrated by Monica Doppert. 1985 (reissued 2008). 48 pages.
A group of children organize to convince the mayor that they need a playground and when they do not get it they organize the neighbors to help them build one.
Swimmy
Book – Fiction. By Leo Lionni. 1973. 32 pages.
A classic tale for young children about the power of organizing.
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s struggle for justice/¡No Es Justo!: La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia
Book – Non-fiction. By Carmen Tafolla, Sharyll Tenayuca, Celina Marroquin. 2008. 40 pages. Bilingual (Spanish and English).
Biography for upper elementary of labor activist Emma Tenayuca.
This Land is Your Land
Book – Non-fiction. By Woody Guthrie. 2008. 42 pages.
The full version of Woody Guthrie’s famous song, illustrated for young children.
We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin
Book – Non-fiction. By Larry Dane Brimner. 2007. 48 pages.
A sophisticated picture book on a key civil rights leader.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Book – Non-fiction. By Kadir Nelson. 2008. 96 pages.
The story of Negro League baseball, in text and stunning imagery.
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
Songs and Poems
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
Spanish/Bilingual
Clic, Clac, Muu Vacas Escritoras
Book – Fiction. By Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2001. 32 pages.
A barnyard struggle where the cows go on strike and the farmer is forced to negotiate.
Nadarín
Book – Fiction. By Leo Lionni. 1973 (Spanish translation 2005). 24 pages.
A classic tale for young children about the power of organizing. (In Spanish.)
Pink y Say
Book – Fiction. By Patricia Polacco. 2003. Upper elementary.
The narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War. (In Spanish.)
¡Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.
Book – Fiction. By Diana Cohn and illustrated by Francisco Delgado. 2008. 31 pages.
A children’s book based on the true story of the Justice for Janitors strike.
Side by Side/Lado a lado
Book – Non-fiction. By Monica Brown, translation by Carolina Valencia, illus. by Joe Cepeda. 2010. 32 pages.
The life stories and activism of the two founders of the United Farmworkers (UFW), written and illustrated for young children.
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s struggle for justice/¡No Es Justo!: La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia
Book – Non-fiction. By Carmen Tafolla, Sharyll Tenayuca, Celina Marroquin. 2008. 40 pages. Bilingual (Spanish and English).
Biography for upper elementary of labor activist Emma Tenayuca.
List of Resources
- Articles
- Audio
- Books: Fiction
- Books: Non-Fiction
- Films
- Picture Books
- Posters
- Profiles
- Songs and Poems
- Spanish/Bilingual
- Teaching Activity PDFs
- Teaching Guides
- Websites
