10 books about making a difference

Published on: 26 October 2024

Author Alex Strick shares a selection of books that inspire children to explore how we can all make a difference.

I wrote We Can! with real children's messages about how we can help make our world a better place, and illustrations showing 15 child characters planning and delivering a festival. It's a peaceful call to action about the change they want to see in the world, brilliantly illustrated by Steve Antony.

Here are some of my favourite books that show children how to make a difference, no matter how small.

1. The Smallest Girl in the Class by Justin Roberts and Christian Robinson

When just one little girl notices the mean and hurtful little things people do and say to each other, she finds the courage to say "enough" – and everything starts to change for the better.

2. The Boy Who Loved Everyone by Jane Porter, illustrated by Maisie Paradise Shearring 

A touching tale to help children understand that the way others react and feel may not be the same as they might do, but that there are as many ways of expressing love as there are people.

3. Heroes: How To Turn Inspiration into Action by Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka

Featuring profiles of 10 inspirational people from around the world who have inspired Marcus Rashford, this book is full of brilliant advice and top tips to empower you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.

4. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

Sofia Valdez isn't just a do-gooder, she's a do-better! This is a brilliant rhyming story about kindness, community, landfill – and how change can start with just one (small) person.

5. Errol's Garden by Gillian Hibbs

A keen little gardener brings the community together to transform a disused area at the top of his apartment block. Simple, engaging, heart-warming and with highly inclusive imagery.

6. The Fights that Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt

An unputdownable read about LGBTQ+ history and standing up for what you believe in.

7. Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra

The author, a social activist, visited schools and asked them what they wanted to know about racism and how to fight for racial justice. Here she aims to provide the answers.

8. My Story: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh by Sufiya Ahmed

The true story of a 19th-century princess who fought for women's rights. She joined the Suffragette movement and stood up for Indian soldiers, despite lifelong attempts by the British government to suppress her actions and words.

9. The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

An adventure set in the Arctic Circle with danger, excitement, and a thought-provoking exploration of the climate emergency. A reminder of the difference that one person can make.

10. We've Got This! by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Juliana Eigner

Written in partnership with Empathy Lab, this great book aims to help build an generation inspired to create a kinder and less divided world.

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We Can! by Alex Stick, illustrated by Steve Antony, is out now.