Social justice issues have been at the forefront of many conversations and movements in recent years. As young adults become more aware and engaged in these issues, it’s important for them to have access to literature that reflects and addresses these topics. That’s where young adult novels about social justice issues come in.

These novels cover a wide range of topics, from racism and police brutality to LGBTQ+ rights and immigration. They provide a space for young adults to explore and understand complex issues in a relatable and engaging way.

When choosing a young adult novel about social justice issues, it’s important to consider the author’s perspective and background, as well as the accuracy and sensitivity with which the issues are portrayed. We’ve spent hours researching and reading to identify the best young adult novels about social justice issues that not only address important topics, but also provide compelling and well-written stories.

In this article, we’ll highlight our top picks for young adult novels about social justice issues, providing a brief summary of each book and why we think it’s worth reading.

Best Young Adult Novels About Social Justice Issues

We believe that young adult novels can be a powerful tool for introducing important social justice issues to young readers. These novels can help readers develop empathy, understanding, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best young adult novels about social justice issues. From racial inequality to gender identity, these books explore a range of important topics in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young adult yourself, we hope you’ll find something inspiring and thought-provoking in our list.

Break Through The Noise: Build Lit Social Skills, Discover How To Stop Doubting Yourself, Tackle Social Anxiety And Find Your Voice (Teens Mental Health, Social Confidence & Life Skills Accelerator)

If you are looking for a book that can help you overcome social anxiety and build self-confidence, then Break Through The Noise by Mia Reyes is a great choice.

Pros

• Provides practical tips and strategies for overcoming social anxiety.
• Easy to read and understand.
• Contains relatable real-life examples.

Cons

• Some readers may find the book too basic.
• The book does not provide in-depth analysis of social anxiety.
• Some readers may not like the author’s writing style.

Break Through The Noise is a well-written book that provides practical tips and strategies for overcoming social anxiety. The author uses relatable real-life examples to help readers understand the concepts and apply them to their own lives. The book is easy to read and understand, making it a great choice for teens and young adults who are struggling with social anxiety.

One of the strengths of this book is that it provides a step-by-step approach to overcoming social anxiety. The author breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it easier for readers to follow along and make progress. The book also includes practical exercises and activities that readers can use to practice the skills they are learning.

However, some readers may find the book too basic. The author does not provide in-depth analysis of social anxiety, and some readers may be looking for more detailed information. Additionally, some readers may not like the author’s writing style, which can be a bit repetitive at times.

Overall, if you are looking for a practical guide to overcoming social anxiety, then Break Through The Noise is a great choice. The book provides easy-to-follow tips and strategies, and is written in a relatable and engaging style.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

We highly recommend purchasing Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. This audiobook is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and social justice issues.

Pros

• The audiobook is well-narrated by Will Patton, Ann Marie Lee, and Danny Campbell, making it easy to follow along with the story.
• David Grann masterfully tells the true story of the numerous murders of members of the Osage Native American tribe during the early 1920s, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history.
• The book is well-researched and provides a detailed account of the Reign of Terror, a period of time when members of the Osage tribe were systematically murdered for their oil wealth.

Cons

• The book can be difficult to listen to at times due to the graphic descriptions of violence and racism.
• The large cast of characters can be confusing at times, making it difficult to keep track of who is who.
• Some readers may find the book to be slow-paced at times.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a powerful and thought-provoking audiobook that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history. David Grann’s research is meticulous and his writing is engaging, making this audiobook a must-read for anyone interested in social justice issues. Will Patton, Ann Marie Lee, and Danny Campbell’s narration is excellent, making it easy to follow along with the story. However, the book can be difficult to listen to at times due to the graphic descriptions of violence and racism. Additionally, the large cast of characters can be confusing at times, making it difficult to keep track of who is who. Despite these drawbacks, we highly recommend purchasing Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives

If you’re looking for a gripping young adult novel that tackles social justice issues, then The 57 Bus is a must-read.

Pros

• Powerful and thought-provoking story that explores themes of identity, empathy, and justice
• Engaging and well-written narrative that draws you in from the first page
• Provides a unique perspective on a real-life crime and its aftermath

Cons

• Some readers may find the subject matter disturbing or triggering
• The book may not be suitable for younger readers due to its mature themes and language
• The author’s use of multiple perspectives and timelines can be confusing at times

At its core, The 57 Bus is a true story about two teenagers from very different backgrounds who are connected by a single act of violence. The book explores the circumstances that led up to the incident, as well as its aftermath and the impact it had on the lives of everyone involved.

One of the things that makes this book so compelling is its exploration of complex social issues, such as gender identity, race, and class. The author does an excellent job of presenting multiple perspectives and challenging readers to think critically about their own beliefs and biases.

Overall, we highly recommend The 57 Bus to anyone who is interested in reading a powerful and thought-provoking young adult novel about social justice issues. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

The Teen Girl’s Survival Guide

If you’re a parent of a teen girl, we highly recommend purchasing The Teen Girl’s Survival Guide. It’s a great resource to help your daughter navigate through the social stress of adolescence.

Pros

• Provides practical tips for making friends and avoiding drama
• Written in a way that is easy for teens to understand
• Offers guidance on coping with social stress

Cons

• May not be as helpful for girls who are already socially confident
• Some of the advice may not be applicable to all situations
• Could benefit from more visual aids to help illustrate the concepts

The book covers a range of topics, including how to deal with cliques, bullies, and gossip, as well as how to handle social media and romantic relationships. It’s written in a friendly and relatable tone that helps teens feel like they’re talking to a trusted friend.

One of the things we appreciated about The Teen Girl’s Survival Guide is that it doesn’t talk down to its audience. Instead, it acknowledges the challenges of being a teenager and offers practical advice for navigating those challenges.

Overall, we think this is a great resource for both parents and teens. It’s a quick and easy read that offers valuable insights into the social stress of adolescence. If you’re looking for a practical guide to help your teen daughter navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, we highly recommend The Teen Girl’s Survival Guide.

We Deserve Monuments

We highly recommend purchasing We Deserve Monuments for anyone looking for a thought-provoking young adult novel about social justice issues.

Pros

• The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging and emotional.
• The book addresses important social justice issues, including generational trauma and racial inequality, in a nuanced and impactful way.
• The writing style is beautiful and poetic, making the book a pleasure to read.

Cons

• Some readers may find the pacing slow at times.
• The book deals with heavy themes and may be triggering for some readers.
• The ending may leave some readers wanting more closure.

We Deserve Monuments tells the story of Avery, a teenage girl who moves to a small town to live with her terminally ill grandmother. Through Avery’s experiences, the book explores themes of generational trauma, racial inequality, and the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters.

One of the strengths of the book is its well-developed characters. Avery and her grandmother, Mama Letty, are both complex and relatable, and their struggles feel real and emotional. The book also deals with important social justice issues in a nuanced and impactful way, making it a great choice for readers interested in exploring these topics.

However, some readers may find the pacing slow at times, and the heavy themes may be triggering for some. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure. Overall, though, we highly recommend We Deserve Monuments for anyone looking for a powerful young adult novel about social justice issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some young adult novels that explore social justice themes?

There are many young adult novels that explore social justice themes. Some examples include “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone, and “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez.

What are some popular young adult books with social justice themes?

Some popular young adult books with social justice themes include “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, and “Eleanor and Park” by Rainbow Rowell.

Can you recommend any young adult novels that address social issues?

Yes, we can recommend several young adult novels that address social issues. Some of our favorites include “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson, “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo, “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon, and “The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater.

What are some of the best young adult novels that tackle social issues?

Some of the best young adult novels that tackle social issues include “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, and “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone.

Which young adult books are recommended for readers interested in social justice themes?

Readers interested in social justice themes may want to check out “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, and “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone.