Must-Read YA Books If You Want to Change the World
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Let’s face it—the world is going through a lot right now, and it needs you. If you dream about changing the world and making it a better place, there are many things you can do. Whether you’re interested in environmentalism, feminism, anti-racism, or political activism, these YA books to change the world should be on your TBR.
Worried about climate change, rising sea levels, and superstorms? This book will show you how modern inventions have helped and hurt the earth and how we can improve things in the future. Instead of focusing on the doom and gloom of global warming, this book offers a hopeful outlook and ideas to create a robust environment.
Do you want to start your own business one day? You’ll love this book about female entrepreneurs who started eco-friendly companies. These women are intelligent, fierce, and make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
This novel is a mashup of a rom-com and a thriller, and it explores #metoo topics like sexual assault and privilege. It’s about a girl named Josie who gets the chance to write an article for a magazine. She travels and meets celebrities, but she also learns a disturbing secret and must decide whether to stay quiet or speak up.
Sex isn’t shameful, and Phoebe is out to prove it, one viral social media post at a time. But when a local politician threatens to dox her, Phoebe has to decide if she wants to stay anonymous or go public and fight back. If you’ve ever thought about using social media to promote a cause or share information, add this to your TBR!
Feel like girls get unfair treatment at school due to sexist dress code policies? This novel is for you. Two Florida teens take on their school administration for shaming one of them for not wearing a bra. Together, these friends fight against the outdated rules that govern their school.
If anti-racism and social justice are your passions, you should read this sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Martin. Not only is it a gripping page-turner, but it will also give you a peek into the shortcomings of the criminal justice system.
Often, it’s easier to keep your convictions to yourself than to fight for what you believe in. But if nobody speaks up, nothing changes. This novel is about social change, artistic expression, and the cost of activism. It’s a must-read if you’ve ever thought about joining a movement.
Teachers can sometimes get things wrong. This YA novel is based on actual events in which a teacher gave an inappropriate classroom assignment, and two students dared to confront him. Because of their actions, the curriculum changed and the harmful assignment was removed.
Gentrification is where a traditionally low-income area gets “improved” by wealthy people or corporations, often making it too expensive for the people who live there. It’s becoming a concern for an increasing number of residents in urban and rural areas. This novel addresses this complex issue and the need for affordable housing for everyone.
It takes a lot of work and persistence to change the world. You’ll love reading this collection of stories and essays from people who overcame massive challenges on their way to success. From Holocaust survivors to actresses, the stories in this book will inspire you to keep fighting for the future you deserve.
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