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SJPL Picks: YA Activism and Social Justice in Fiction

By:

sjpl_teenhq

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Social justice is recognizing and acting upon the power that we have for making positive changes. See how these fictional characters tackle real issues in their world.

By:

sjpl_teenhq

San José Public Library

21 items

21 items

We Don't Have Time for This

We Don't Have Time for This

by Craft, Brianna

Book - 2024

Available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Lemonade Mouth meets climate change activism in this enemies-to-lovers YA romance. A tied election throws two rival ...Show more Available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Lemonade Mouth meets climate change activism in this enemies-to-lovers YA romance. A tied election throws two rival teen activists together to lead their school’s environmental justice club, and they are taken by surprise when their clashes reveal deeper feelings hidden beneath their antagonism. Show less

Available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Lemonade Mouth meets climate change activism in this enemies-to-lovers YA romance. A tied election throws two rival ...Show more Available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Lemonade Mouth meets climate change activism in this enemies-to-lovers YA romance. A tied election throws two rival teen activists together to lead their school’s environmental justice club, and they are taken by surprise when their clashes reveal deeper feelings hidden beneath their antagonism. Show less

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Warrior Girl Unearthed

Warrior Girl Unearthed

by Boulley, Angeline

Book - 2023

Also available as an eBook. Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her...Show more Also available as an eBook. Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won't ever take her far from home, and she wouldn't have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything. In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot - will not - stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever. Show less

Also available as an eBook. Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her...Show more Also available as an eBook. Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won't ever take her far from home, and she wouldn't have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything. In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot - will not - stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever. Show less

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Does My Body Offend You?

Does My Body Offend You?

by Cuevas, Mayra

Book - 2022

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. When outspoken feminist rebel Ruby McAllister stands up for a girl being humiliated into covering up, they beco...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. When outspoken feminist rebel Ruby McAllister stands up for a girl being humiliated into covering up, they become the leaders of the school's dress code rebellion, which forces them to face their own insecurities, biases, privileges and the ups-and-downs of newfound friendship. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. When outspoken feminist rebel Ruby McAllister stands up for a girl being humiliated into covering up, they beco...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. When outspoken feminist rebel Ruby McAllister stands up for a girl being humiliated into covering up, they become the leaders of the school's dress code rebellion, which forces them to face their own insecurities, biases, privileges and the ups-and-downs of newfound friendship. Show less

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Can't Take That Away

Can't Take That Away

by Salvatore, Steven

Book - 2021

Also available as an eBook. When Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey, is cast as the female lead in t...Show more Also available as an eBook. When Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey, is cast as the female lead in the school musical, they must fight against discrimination and injustice from their closed-minded school administration. Show less

Also available as an eBook. When Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey, is cast as the female lead in t...Show more Also available as an eBook. When Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey, is cast as the female lead in the school musical, they must fight against discrimination and injustice from their closed-minded school administration. Show less

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This Is My America

This Is My America

by Johnson, Kim

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Every week, Tracy writes letters trying to get his father's case retried - he is on death row for a crime she i...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Every week, Tracy writes letters trying to get his father's case retried - he is on death row for a crime she is sure he didn't commit. Things get even worse when her brother is similarly arrested for something Tracy is sure he didn't do. As she digs to uncover the truth, she'll face racism and secrets at every turn. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Every week, Tracy writes letters trying to get his father's case retried - he is on death row for a crime she i...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Every week, Tracy writes letters trying to get his father's case retried - he is on death row for a crime she is sure he didn't commit. Things get even worse when her brother is similarly arrested for something Tracy is sure he didn't do. As she digs to uncover the truth, she'll face racism and secrets at every turn. Show less

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Yes No Maybe So

Yes No Maybe So

by Albertalli, Becky

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate. Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate. Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate. Show less

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The Black Kids

The Black Kids

by Hammonds Reed, Christina

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Ashley has always lived a charmed life: she's rich, she's popular, and she's happy. Then, 4 police offices are ...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Ashley has always lived a charmed life: she's rich, she's popular, and she's happy. Then, 4 police offices are acquitted after viciously beating a Black man and protests rise up across LA. Now Ashley has to figure out what being Black means to her, and what her place is in the ongoing rebellion. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Ashley has always lived a charmed life: she's rich, she's popular, and she's happy. Then, 4 police offices are ...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Ashley has always lived a charmed life: she's rich, she's popular, and she's happy. Then, 4 police offices are acquitted after viciously beating a Black man and protests rise up across LA. Now Ashley has to figure out what being Black means to her, and what her place is in the ongoing rebellion. Show less

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The Voting Booth

The Voting Booth

by Colbert, Brandy

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of on...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of one crazy day, fall in love.-- Marva Sheridan has always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election; he just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. Soon it's clear that there is more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of on...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of one crazy day, fall in love.-- Marva Sheridan has always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election; he just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. Soon it's clear that there is more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy. Show less

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Before the Ever After

Before the Ever After

by Woodson, Jacqueline

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook. For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone's hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he's as beloved t...Show more Also available as an eBook. For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone's hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he's as beloved to the neighborhood kids he plays with as he is to his millions of adoring sports fans. But lately life at ZJ's house is anything but charming. His dad is having trouble remembering things and seems to be angry all the time. ZJ's mom explains it's because of all the head injuries his dad sustained during his career. ZJ can understand that--but it doesn't make the sting any less real when his own father forgets his name. As ZJ contemplates his new reality, he has to figure out how to hold on tight to family traditions and recollections of the glory days, all the while wondering what their past amounts to if his father can't remember it. And most importantly, can those happy feelings ever be reclaimed when they are all so busy aching for the past? Show less

Also available as an eBook. For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone's hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he's as beloved t...Show more Also available as an eBook. For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been everyone's hero. As a charming, talented pro football star, he's as beloved to the neighborhood kids he plays with as he is to his millions of adoring sports fans. But lately life at ZJ's house is anything but charming. His dad is having trouble remembering things and seems to be angry all the time. ZJ's mom explains it's because of all the head injuries his dad sustained during his career. ZJ can understand that--but it doesn't make the sting any less real when his own father forgets his name. As ZJ contemplates his new reality, he has to figure out how to hold on tight to family traditions and recollections of the glory days, all the while wondering what their past amounts to if his father can't remember it. And most importantly, can those happy feelings ever be reclaimed when they are all so busy aching for the past? Show less

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We Are Not From Here

We Are Not From Here

by Torres Sanchez, Jenny

Book - 2020

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, ...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home. Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life -- if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, ...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home. Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life -- if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go. Show less

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We Didn't Ask for This

We Didn't Ask for This

by Alsaid, Adi

Book - 2020

Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, when a group of students stages an eco-protest, it might just change the world. Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, when a group of students stages an eco-protest, it might just change the world. Show less

Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, when a group of students stages an eco-protest, it might just change the world. Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, when a group of students stages an eco-protest, it might just change the world. Show less

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Kent State

Kent State

by Wiles, Deborah

Book - 2020

Told from different points of view--protesters, students, National Guardsmen, and "townies"--recounts the story of what happened at Kent State i...Show more Told from different points of view--protesters, students, National Guardsmen, and "townies"--recounts the story of what happened at Kent State in May 1970, when four college students were killed by National Guardsmen, and a student protest was turned into a bloody battlefield. Show less

Told from different points of view--protesters, students, National Guardsmen, and "townies"--recounts the story of what happened at Kent State i...Show more Told from different points of view--protesters, students, National Guardsmen, and "townies"--recounts the story of what happened at Kent State in May 1970, when four college students were killed by National Guardsmen, and a student protest was turned into a bloody battlefield. Show less

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Take the Mic

Take the Mic

Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance

by Morrow, Bethany C.

Book - 2019

An anthology of young adult stories and poems conveys acts of resistance by people marginalized by racism, discrimination, and hatred, offering contributi...Show more An anthology of young adult stories and poems conveys acts of resistance by people marginalized by racism, discrimination, and hatred, offering contributions by diverse literary masters ranging from Jason Reynolds and Samira Ahmed to Laura Silverman and Sofia Quintero. Show less

An anthology of young adult stories and poems conveys acts of resistance by people marginalized by racism, discrimination, and hatred, offering contributi...Show more An anthology of young adult stories and poems conveys acts of resistance by people marginalized by racism, discrimination, and hatred, offering contributions by diverse literary masters ranging from Jason Reynolds and Samira Ahmed to Laura Silverman and Sofia Quintero. Show less

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The Downstairs Girl

The Downstairs Girl

by Lee, Stacey

Book - 2019

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. 1890, Atlanta. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, the daug...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. 1890, Atlanta. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for 'the genteel Southern lady. Show less

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. 1890, Atlanta. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, the daug...Show more Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook. 1890, Atlanta. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for 'the genteel Southern lady. Show less

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Tyler Johnson Was Here

Tyler Johnson Was Here

by Coles, Jay

Book - 2018

Also available as an eBook. After Marvin's twin brother is killed by a police officer, Marvin has to figure out how to come to terms with his own grief while his brother's death becomes a trending topic and a hashtag. Also available as an eBook. After Marvin's twin brother is killed by a police officer, Marvin has to figure out how to come to terms with his own grief while his brother's death becomes a trending topic and a hashtag. Show less

Also available as an eBook. After Marvin's twin brother is killed by a police officer, Marvin has to figure out how to come to terms with his own grief while his brother's death becomes a trending topic and a hashtag. Also available as an eBook. After Marvin's twin brother is killed by a police officer, Marvin has to figure out how to come to terms with his own grief while his brother's death becomes a trending topic and a hashtag. Show less

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Watch Us Rise

Watch Us Rise

by Watson, Renee

Book - 2019

Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Right's Club. One problem - no one shows up. That won't stop them though! Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Right's Club. One problem - no one shows up. That won't stop them though! Show less

Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Right's Club. One problem - no one shows up. That won't stop them though! Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Right's Club. One problem - no one shows up. That won't stop them though! Show less

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Anger Is A Gift

Anger Is A Gift

by Oshiro, Mark

Book - 2018

A young adult debut by the popular social media personality and critic reflects the racial and economic struggles of today's teens in the story of high sc...Show more A young adult debut by the popular social media personality and critic reflects the racial and economic struggles of today's teens in the story of high school junior Moss, who in the face of a racist school administration decides to organize a protest that escalates into violence. Show less

A young adult debut by the popular social media personality and critic reflects the racial and economic struggles of today's teens in the story of high sc...Show more A young adult debut by the popular social media personality and critic reflects the racial and economic struggles of today's teens in the story of high school junior Moss, who in the face of a racist school administration decides to organize a protest that escalates into violence. Show less

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Moxie

Moxie

A Novel

by Mathieu, Jennifer

Book - 2018

In a small Texas town where high school football reigns supreme, Viv, sixteen, starts a feminist revolution using anonymously-written zines. In a small Texas town where high school football reigns supreme, Viv, sixteen, starts a feminist revolution using anonymously-written zines. Show less

In a small Texas town where high school football reigns supreme, Viv, sixteen, starts a feminist revolution using anonymously-written zines. In a small Texas town where high school football reigns supreme, Viv, sixteen, starts a feminist revolution using anonymously-written zines. Show less

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A Heart in A Body in the World

A Heart in A Body in the World

by Caletti, Deb

Book - 2018

Followed by Grandpa Ed in his RV and backed by her brother and friends, Annabelle, runs from Seattle to Washington, D.C., becoming a reluctant activist as people connect her journey to her recent trauma. Followed by Grandpa Ed in his RV and backed by her brother and friends, Annabelle, runs from Seattle to Washington, D.C., becoming a reluctant activist as people connect her journey to her recent trauma. Show less

Followed by Grandpa Ed in his RV and backed by her brother and friends, Annabelle, runs from Seattle to Washington, D.C., becoming a reluctant activist as people connect her journey to her recent trauma. Followed by Grandpa Ed in his RV and backed by her brother and friends, Annabelle, runs from Seattle to Washington, D.C., becoming a reluctant activist as people connect her journey to her recent trauma. Show less

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The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give

by Thomas, Angie

Book - 2017

After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died. After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died. Show less

After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died. After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died. Show less

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You Bring the Distant Near

You Bring the Distant Near

by Perkins, Mitali

Book - 2017

From 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions. From 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions. Show less

From 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions. From 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions. Show less

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