Books can encourage kids of all ages to enact change in their communities. Because it’s never too early to make a difference, we’ll be sharing a list of social activism books for each grade level. Check out our social activism book roundup for third grade below and for more social activism titles, check out our full printable Social Activism Diverse Reading List!
Prairie Dog Song: The Key to Saving North America’s Grasslands
by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, illus. by Susan L. Roth
Focusing on the role of prairie dogs as a keystone species, this book tells the connected histories of the North American grassland prairies and current efforts to preserve and recover the Janos grasslands in northern Mexico.
Find the Teacher’s Guide here.
Aani and the Tree Huggers
by Jeannine Atkins, illus. by Venantius J. Pinto
In this enduring story of environmental action based on a true event in northern India, Aani and other women in her village save their forest from destruction.
Find the Teacher’s Guide here.
The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos
by Lucía González, illus. by Lulu Delacre
Cousins Hildamar and Santiago long for their home in Puerto Rico–until they discover the library thanks to Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Latina librarian.
Find the Teacher’s Guide here.
The Can Man
by Laura E. Williams, illus. by Craig Orback
To earn money, a young boy decides to collect and redeem empty cans, but ends up giving his money away to a homeless man.
Find the Teacher’s Guide here.
Friends From the Other Side/Amigos del otro lado
by Gloria Anzaldúa, illus. by Consuelo Méndez
This poignant immigration story captures not only the hardship of daily life on the border, but also the beauty of the landscape and the dignity and generosity of spirit that Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants share.
More in this series:
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Social Activism Books for Kindergarten
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Social Activism Books for First Grade
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Social Activism Books for Second Grade
Additional Resources:
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Social Activism Book Collection for Grades PreK-2
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Social Activism Book Collection for Grades 3-5
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Social Activism Book Collection for Grades 6-8
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Social Activism Collection
Additional resources about Social Activism work with students:
