10 Must-Read Books About Activists and Their Efforts to Change the World

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Books about activists and their activism can help inspire you to fight for changes that matter to you. From gripping biographies that unveil the intimate struggles of iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, and Nelson Mandela to insightful explorations of collective movements like the suffragettes and civil rights crusaders, these 10 books about activists illuminate the courage, determination, and sacrifices that activists across the globe have made to champion human rights, environmental stewardship, and social change.

Each book on our carefully curated list serves as a powerful reminder that a single voice can spark a revolution.

'The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.' by Peniel E. Joseph

Many Americans have been taught to view Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. as symbolizing opposing ideals. This captivating dual biography upends that misconception, eloquently reevaluating their respective roles in the civil rights movement.

Historian Peniel E. Joseph offers a nuanced revision of the story of two African-American trailblazers who, despite only meeting in person once, mutually ignited and propelled each other's journeys.

'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban' by Malala Yousafzai

When Malala Yousafzai’s homeland came under the control of the Taliban, she became an outspoken defender of girls’ education and women’s rights. She rose to international prominence when, at just 15 years old, she survived a harrowing assassination attempt.

Far from silenced, Malala used her platform to expand her activism work. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17.

'Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag' by Rob Sanders

Billed as the first children’s book to focus on the history of the rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag, this beautifully illustrated story uses accessible, engaging language to introduce kids to social activism.

The book traces the rainbow flag from its creation by Gilbert Baker through the groundbreaking political work of Harvey Milk that popularized it, all the way to its use today. It also includes a list of resources for further learning.

'Ida: A Sword Among Lions' by Paula J. Giddings

Journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells was born into slavery and became one of the most impactful activists of the 20th century.

While her first foray into activism was an attempt to segregate a railway car in Memphis — a protest that ended with Wells being tossed from a train — she is best known for fighting to end the practice of lynching in America. This sweeping biography brings the vibrant crusader to life.

'Love, Anarchy, & Emma Goldman' by Candace Falk

After arriving in America as a Jewish immigrant at the age of 17, Emma Goldman found her way from working as a seamstress to speaking internationally on politics, economics, and oppression. Her essays remain relevant today, with prescient views on incarceration, feminism, political violence, sexuality, religion, nationalism, and more.

This biography combines Goldman’s public discourse with her “sometimes sappy, often moving, ever scandalous love letters” to paint an unprecedented picture of the radical activist’s life.

'Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela' by Nelson Mandela

Few names are more synonymous with activism than that of Nelson Mandela. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela dedicated his life to fighting racial apartheid.

Mandela wrote much of this critically acclaimed autobiography in secret during his 27 years in prison. The text inspired the 2013 movie of the same name, starring Idris Elba.

'Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman' by Leslie Feinberg

Although this book was originally published in 1996, it remains gripping, relevant, and necessary today. Activist and author Leslie Feinberg passionately recounts the history of gender norms, gender diversity, and transphobia while highlighting the work of activists like Marsha P. Johnson and others.

Feinberg’s depth of historical research and cultural criticism interweaves with deftly written memoir passages to uplift and inspire readers.

'Angela Davis: An Autobiography' by Angela Y. Davis

First published in 1974 under the editorial guidance of Tori Morrison, the 2022 rerelease of Angela Davis’s autobiography includes modern reflections from the activist and scholar herself.

In addition to addressing aspects of her original text that no longer align with her views, Davis connects the dots for modern readers, hoping to apply lessons from her 20th-century activism to modern-day efforts.

Ali: A Life

The New York Times called this book about Muhammad Ali “an epic of a biography” that “reads like a novel—a suspenseful novel with a cast of vivid characters.” With unprecedented access to the heavyweight boxer’s life and inner circle — as well as previously unreleased FBI and Justice Department files — this bestseller recounts the religious, political, and personal life of the athlete.

This book about activists includes Muhammad Ali's bold opposition to America’s war in Vietnam, befriending Malcolm X, and nearly losing his career.

'A Burst of Light and Other Essays' by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s contributions to the world would be weighty enough if her acclaimed poetry and essays were evaluated by artistic merit alone. But Lorde’s use of the written word to unapologetically explore her identity as a Black lesbian — and to advocate for racial, social, and sexual justice for all — has kept her work relevant and poignant in the years since her death.

This essay collection, in particular, is a call to action for advocates and activists everywhere.

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