Books about politics, freedom of choice, and the big issues - for secondary school aged children

Omar doesn’t know much about politics, nor does he care, however, when his older brother, Musa, throws his lot in with the student opposition to the government, everything changes.

Inspired by the tragic true story of the youngest American ever to be executed, this ambitious novel weaves together family drama with an unflinching look at racism and prejudice in 1940s South Carolina.

This heartbreaking tale of a group of children living in a refugee camp is based on real events, and will make readers both young and old reflect on those less fortunate than them.

It’s increasingly important for young people to learn about politics and how they can get involved. This engaging book introduces different political systems, ideologies and big questions – and explains how its readers can make a difference.

Illegal tells the story of Ebo, a 12-year-old boy who flees grinding poverty, zero opportunities and a drunken uncle in his small village in Africa. An absolute must-read, this graphic novel is thought-provoking, profound, sensitive and totally gripping.

Shifa and her brother Themba live in a world destroyed by climate change, but when they’re sent away to work, they’re horrified to discover a cruel and corrupt system. Will they be able to escape and make the world a better place?

The family knew that Papa’s journalism might put them at risk. But now Mama is dead, their passports are seized and Papa must try to get the children to safety – illegally. A story of terror, loss, love and humanity. This novel wholly deserves its classic status. 

Nothing ever happens in Littlehaven… at least, that is, until Izzy’s Dad comes out as trans. A gentle, timely and warm story about identity, friendship and standing up for what’s right.

An internationally acclaimed performance poet and YouTube phenomenon, Thakur writes with passion and conviction about everyday life alongside wider social issues, reminding us that they are intricately linked: the personal is political, after all.

These short stories by writers such as Sita Brahmachari, Matt Haig and Frances Harding, with illustration by Chris Riddell, put current and continuing political situations in context for young people. Not an easy read, but a necessary one.

The Hate U Give is rightly named by many critics as one of the most important books of 2017. It’s a profound, deeply compelling modern-day classic that explores race in America.

It’s the summer of 1939. Germany’s troops have gathered near Poland’s borders and their air force is making increasingly daring forays into Polish air space. Inspired by a real Polish pilot, this is a war story with a difference. 

This dyslexia friendly book looks at feminism and friendship, set against the looming backdrop of the First World War. Lizzy is a fantastic character, full of passion and wonderfully unafraid to stand up for herself after joining the Suffragettes.

This must-have anthology featuring stories and poems from 12 black, Asian and minority ethnic authors deals with the subject of change with wit, emotion and moments that will make you stop in your tracks.

Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross – the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.

Jasmine and her friends are fed up with casual discrimination and being pigeonholed as stereotypes. So they start a school blog addressing contemporary social and personal issues of sexism, racism and other forms of prejudice. A timely teen novel. 

A powerful, accessible and revelatory novel with its finger firmly on the pulse of contemporary social and political issues.

As a newly-independent Singapore struggles to establish its own identity and economic stability, a single father in the Punjabi Sikh community tries his hardest to keep his family intact. An astonishing novel.

A powerful, terrible and essential story, Alpha should be required reading for everyone. The graphic novel highlights the terror and hopelessness experienced by someone forced to leave their own country in search of a future.