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Progressive Books to Inspire Little Ones and Young People

Progressive Books to Inspire Little Ones and Young People Main Image

01 April 2020

We've brought our heads together to create a list of books to inspire little ones and young people. Our reading recommendations are books and stories that speak to the values that we stand and fight for; that recognise those who have broken down barriers and stood up to oppression and prejudice; and, teach kids about equality and diversity and how to question bias and injustice.

A collection of stories, histories, and illustrations that teach the next generation (and this one) about equality and diversity. Books that encourage us to question bias and injustice.

It’s a strange time for all of us through the COVID-19 pandemic. While our healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and carers are working overtime to look after our community, the rest of us have a responsibility to do just the opposite, stay home. 

While the idea of no commutes to work and some quiet time might sound quite appealing, finding yourself at home day after day can be tougher than you expected. Whether you’re sharing with housemates, friends, a partner, or your family, your home might start to feel a little small. We all have our own ways of escaping to get some space, whether it’s watching a movie, getting out in the garden, reading a book, or listening to a podcast on a walk. 

For those of us with kids, we’ve had to dig up those year 7 algebra skills, the year 10 history facts, or the dusty primary school reading books. Now more than ever do we understand the hard work, preparation, and passion that our teachers and educators put into raising, educating, inspiring and shaping our future generations.  

We’ve gathered some of our favourite resources books to inspire your little ones or help keep your new homeschool students engaged and learning while you dial into your next Zoom meeting. We have selected books that promote and speak to the values that we stand and fight for; that recognise those who have broken down barriers and stood up to oppression and prejudice; and, teach kids about equality and diversity and how to question bias and injustice.  

For the little ones (0-7 year olds)

  • Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara 
  • A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara  
  • The Seed of Compassion by His Holiness the Dalai Lama  
  • ABC's of Anarchy by Brian Heagney 
  • Sid Doesn't Feel Like a Boy or a Girl! By Dylan Greenberg 
  • Swimmy by Leo Lionni 
  • She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton 
  • If I was Prime Minister By Beck and Robin Feiner
  • Baby Feminists by Libby Babbott-Klein
  • GAYBCs: A Queers Alphabet by Rae Congdon
  • Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
  • We Say No! A Child’s Guide to Resistance by John Seven and Jana Christy
  • Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz
  • Our Bush Capital by Samantha Tidy
  • And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

Perfect for ages 7 and up

  • Amazing Australian Women: Twelve Women Who Shaped History by Pamela Freeman
  • Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted by Susan Wood
  • The Art of the Possible: An Everyday Guide to Politics by Edward Keenan
  • Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler
  • Amazing Babes: A Picture Book for Kids & Adults by Eliza Sarlos
  •  Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different: True Tales of Boys and Girls Who Stood Up and Stood Out by Ben Brooks
  • Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women's Suffrage by Claire Rudolf Murphy
  • Rebel Voices: The Rise of Votes for Women by Eve Lloyd Knight
  • When the War is Over by Jackie French

Great for teens and young adults 

  • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 
  • Dear Martin by Nic Stone 
  • The Inside of Out by Jenn Marie Thorne 
  • The Assignment by Liza M Wiemer 
  • Wake, Rise, Resist: The Progressive Teen's Guide to Fighting Tyrants and A*holes by Joanna Spathis and Kerri Kennedy
  • Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen

That list should keep you going for the next little while. We’d love to hear what your favourite children's books are. Let us know and we will add your suggestions below for others to enjoy!

Your Suggestions

  • I'm Australian Too by Mem Fox
  • The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (ages 4+)
  • Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole (ages 4+)
  • Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan (ages 4+)
  • The Little Refugee by Anh Do and Suzanne Do (ages 4+)
  • Amina's Voice by Hena Khan (ages 8+)
  • Whoever You Are by Mem Fox (ages 0-10)
  • Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe (Ages 10+)
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