7 Highly Recommended Books That Will Spark Powerful Conversations

Growing Readers: Learning to Love Reading and Writing Column 33

This editorial article was written by Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.
Read Highly Recommended Books That Inspire Action, Allyship, Community, and Powerful Conversations
The Children’s Book Review

Inspiring our own children to learn about the world around them—including the good, the bad, the sad, and the ugly—is difficult, but essential. Our schools are embracing more expansive topics, and including perspectives around citizenship, diversity, and equality. Throughout these units of study, students will reflect on ways people provide inspiration, support, and allyship in the pursuit of change. They will learn that they too can use their unique talents to take steps toward equality and justice. Such lessons will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions—but they require hard work on the part of our educators. 

There are many age-appropriate books on heavy topics, written by brilliant authors to help readers learn, reflect, and hopefully, be inspired to take action. No matter their age, children of all ages can make positive impacts in their communities, and beyond, every single day.

Whether it’s a social issue that you care strongly about and are sharing with your children, one you are learning about together, or one they have shown passion for—books can help foster and support these efforts.

If you are a fan of this column, you know that I don’t think there is any age that is too old to enjoy the power of a picture book. You also know that I strongly believe in asking your local bookstores and librarians for their advice on the topics you are searching for. Following are just a few of the books that have come highly recommended and will help spark powerful conversations with the young and old readers in your lives.

Picture Books That Inspire Action, Allyship, Community, and Powerful Conversations

Our House is On Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet

Written and Illustrated by Jeanette Winter

Ages 3-8 | 40 Pages

Publisher: Beach Lane Books | ISBN-13: 9781534467781

Buy the Book

Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles

Written by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson

Illustrated by Meilo So

Ages 6-10 | 48 Pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books | ISBN-13: 9781452112411

Buy the Book

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Written by Laurie Ann Thompson

Illustrated by Sean Qualls

Ages 5-9 | 40 Pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade | ISBN-13: 9780449817445

Buy the Book

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

Written by Chelsea Clinton

Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Philomel Books | ISBN-13: 9780593114544

Buy the Book

What Can a Citizen Do?

Written by Dave Eggers

Illustrated by Shawn Harris

Ages 3-5 | 40 Pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books | ISBN-13: 9781452173139

Buy the Book

Love Is Powerful

Written by Heather Dean Brewer

Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Ages 3-6 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Walker Books | ISBN-13: 9781406397437

Buy the Book

If You’re Going to a March

Written by Martha Freeman

Illustrated by Violet Kim

Ages 5+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Union Square Kids | ISBN-13: 9781454929932

Buy the Book

Thank you for reading the Growing Readers: Learning to Love Reading and Writing column. Bookmark this Growing Readers Column link or subscribe to our e-newsletter so you do not miss out on the monthly reading tips. 7 Highly Recommended Books That Will Spark Powerful Conversations was written by Lizzie Mussoline, M. Ed.—follow her on Instagram: @wildflower_learning_denver.