With so many challenges facing the world today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. However, knowledge is the first step toward making a difference. This season’s selections empower young readers by showing them how they can take action and create positive change. From understanding climate change and discovering ways individuals can help, to learning about the struggles marginalized communities face and how to stand up for your rights or in solidarity, these books encourage awareness and activism. By exploring these important topics, young readers will gain the tools to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens ready to shape a better future.

Elementary

Eboch, Chris. Fostering Animals. ISBN 9798892601948.
––––. Fundraising: Raising Money for Important Causes. ISBN 9798892601900.
––––. Getting Involved in School Government. ISBN 9798892601917.
––––. Getting Smart About Recycling. ISBN 9798892601924.
––––. Mentoring: Guiding Young People on Their Path to Greatness. ISBN 9798892601931.
––––. Volunteering: Donating Your Time for Important Causes. ISBN 9798892602006
ea vol: 48p. (Making a Difference). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr $40.
Gr 3-4–This community-oriented series introduces children to various forms of engagement through relatable narratives. Each book begins with a story, like a family preparing to foster a cat or a group of teens brainstorming fundraising ideas. These narratives set the stage for exploring why the highlighted activity is important and how it creates value. Readers also learn what to expect when participating in the featured activity, including practical details like the training required to foster animals, how to serve as a peer mentor, or how to run for student government. The series also spotlights celebrities who are involved in these activities. The books conclude with additional resources, a glossary, works cited, and an index. VERDICT An easy-to-read introduction to community service that offers valuable ideas.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Anthony, William. The Environment. ISBN 9798893592597
––––. LGBTQIA+. ISBN 9798893592603
ea vol: 32p. (My Name Is Brave). North Star/Maple Bay. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 4-6–This engaging series inspires young activists by showcasing the transformative power of meaningful change. It highlights individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have made a difference in the areas of LGBTQIA+ rights and environmental justice. The books skillfully explain the concept of bravery and illustrate what activism looks like in action, such as organizing protests, crafting social media content, founding charities, writing influential speeches, and serving as role models. Each activity is accompanied by simple three-step guides that empower young readers to take their first steps as an activist. The vibrant layout features striking images of protests and community gatherings, creating a visually appealing reading experience. The back matter includes a glossary and an index. VERDICT Informative, visually dynamic, and inspiring.

Birmingham, Maria. Can We Talk?: How Humans Stay in Touch. illus. by Xulin. Mar. 2025. ISBN 9781459838727.
Nelson, Colleen. Making a Splash: How Humans Consume, Control and Care for Water. illus. by Sophie Dubé. May 2025. ISBN 9781459838697.
Wishinsky,Frieda. Keep Our World Green: Why Humans Need Gardens, Parks and Public Green Spaces. illus. by Sara Theuerkauf. May 2025. ISBN 9781459838383.
ea vol: 96p. (Orca Timeline). Orca. Tr $29.95.
Gr 4-7–This illustrated series provides a big-picture examination of topics. The books cover developments from the ancient world to the present, and speculate about future developments. While reading about human communication, students will learn about current research into the earliest forms of communication and the development of brain-to-brain communication. They will learn about the physical processes that produce speech and why we have unique voices. They will also read about endangered languages and the historical injustices that threatened to kill Native languages. While learning about green space they will read about famous gardens in history, the creation of inclusive green spaces in urban areas, and how gardens can help solve food insecurity. While learning about water they will read about droughts, how water promoted increased trade, and how water is used by farmers. Each book includes high-interest photographic and illustrated time lines. The books conclude with a glossary, a resource list, and an index. VERDICT An epic cross-curricular journey for curious minds.

Cunningham, Kevin. Disappearing Sea Ice and Glaciers. ISBN 9798892603911.
––––. Drought: The Quiet Disaster. ISBN 9798892603928.
––––. Extreme Climate, Extreme Storms. ISBN 9798892603935.
––––. The Impact of Public Health. ISBN 9798892603959.
––––. Loss of Biodiversity. ISBN 9798892603942.
––––. The Threat of Wildfires. ISBN 9798892603966.
ea vol: 32p. (Planet in Danger). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr $34.28.
Gr 4-6–This series explores various environmental phenomena resulting from climate change, addressing disasters such as wildfires, rising sea levels, and droughts. It explains the links between human activities to the conditions driving these crises. Each chapter features harrowing stories of communities affected by climate change and insights from scientists working to mitigate its impacts. “Fast facts” interspersed throughout the text expand on key points, while vivid photos of destruction bring a sense of urgency. The books conclude with examples of adaptation and efforts to combat the crisis, along with a map highlighting areas at greatest risk. The series effectively blends storytelling with science. Back matter includes a detailed timeline, a works consulted list, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT A well-organized and informative resource. Recommended for collections needing up-to-date books on natural disasters and climate change.

DeGroat, Cayla Bellanger. Native Lands and Sacred Places. ISBN 9798765646922.
Phillips, Katrina M. Indigenous Language Revitalization. ISBN 9798765646915.
––––. Native Hunting and Fishing. ISBN 9798765646908.
––––. Water Is Life. ISBN 9798765661727.
ea vol: 32p. (Native Rights). Lerner/Alternator. Jan. 2025. Tr $30.65.
Gr 4-6–This series introduces students to the ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities. While addressing historical atrocities and injustices, the focus is placed on the efforts to address these issues in the present day, emphasizing their ongoing relevance rather than treating them as events of the past. Readers will learn about forced assimilation through boarding schools, with the narrative connecting this historical fact to modern initiatives aimed at reclaiming Native languages lost to generations of children. The series also examines how relocation to reservations and the breaking of treaties has led to current battles to protect land, water, and sacred sites. Each book highlights key historical events and influential activists, encouraging readers to reflect on topics such as treaties, languages, and cultural preservation through thought-provoking questions. Additional features include a glossary, an index, and further resources for exploration. VERDICT A compelling series that sheds light on the modern-day consequences of historical injustices.

Upper Middle School to High School

Clay-Murray, Denise. To Arm or Disarm? ISBN 9798765627211.
Gerson, Emily Starbuck. From Silence to Solidarity. ISBN 9798765627198.
Olson,Elsie. Crossing Borders. ISBN 9798765627204.
Smith,Nareissa. Fighting for Equality. ISBN 9798765627181.
ea vol: 64p. (Spotlight on Social Justice). Lerner/Twenty-First Century. Jan. 2025. Tr $34.65.
Gr 8 Up–Thought-provoking and unsettling, this series explores major social justice issues in North America, with a focus on the U.S. Crossing Borders examines immigration history, from Indigenous migration to modern policies, highlighting the effects of war, legislation, and public perception. Fighting for Equality addresses systemic racial discrimination, past and present. From Silence to Solidarity traces the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, covering key activists, legal battles, and landmark moments. To Arm or Disarm tackles America’s gun violence crisis, presenting opposing viewpoints, advocacy efforts, and the impact of mass shootings. Throughout, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own perspectives, while sidebars challenge stereotypes with eye-opening insights. The back matter includes a glossary, source notes, print and online resources, a selected bibliography, and an index. VERDICT A strong research resource for school libraries.

Gitlin, Martin. Identity Politics. ISBN 9781534509962.
Hurt, Avery Elizabeth. Climate Change and Mitigation. ISBN 9781534509948.
––––. Systemic Oppression. ISBN 9781534510029.
Idzikowski,Lisa. Antisemitism and Islamophobia. ISBN 9781534509924.
Karpan,Andrew. The Politics of Gender and Sexuality. ISBN 9781534510005.
Wiener,Gary. Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence. ISBN 9781534509986.
ea vol: 176p. (Opposing Viewpoints). Greenhaven. Jan. 2025. Tr $50.43.
Gr 9 Up–Students will find well-sourced viewpoints on many of today’s hottest topics in this series, whether for research or expanding their own understanding. Each book examines a broad topic and divides it into more manageable chunks. In Climate Change and Mitigation, the chapters are divided into topics such as global cooperation and mitigation vs adaptation. The Politics of Gender and Sexuality examines banned books as well as abortion. Identity Politics examines identity and the American Revolution and the views on identity politics today. Each chapter has an overview of the topic as well as introductions to various viewpoints. A bibliography follows each article. The books conclude with questions from each chapter, a list of relevant organizations, a bibliography, and an index. VERDICT Well laid out and filled with useful information that allows students to form their own opinions.

“Native Rights” (Lerner) sheds light on the ongoing challenges Native communities face today, drawing clear connections to historical injustices and exposing the systemic racism that persists. “Opposing Viewpoints” (Greenhaven) remains an essential series for research assignments, offering a well-organized layout that makes information easy to navigate. Its nuanced perspectives provide a refreshing contrast to the oversimplified debates often seen on TV and social media. “Orca Timeline” (Orca) excels as a cross-curricular resource, exploring the broader scope of human development. “My Name Is Brave” (North Star) is beautifully illustrated, celebrating often-overlooked activists while inspiring young readers to find their own path to activism.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS