“Revolution is not a one time event.”
Political activism has shaped history, sparked movements and led to incredible social change. If you’re looking for the best activism books that ignite action, challenge perspectives and celebrate those who fought for justice, this list is for you. From memoirs of activists who changed the world to books on grassroots activism and organising, these must-read titles guarantee insights into resistance, advocacy and political change. Whether you’re interested in civil rights movement books, nonfiction books on activism, or stories of youth-led movements, these books provide a deep dive into the figures and ideas behind history’s most crucial fights. Perfect for those new to activism as well as seasoned advocates, join us today at What We Reading as we curate our favourite activism books that will motivate you to take action and understand the power of collective change!
Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic Of Nonviolent Conflict – Erica Chenoweth And Maria J. Stephan
First up on our list of the best activism books is Why Civil Resistance Works by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephen. Utilising an extensive analysis of over 300 resistance campaigns from 1990 to 2006, these authors showcase how nonviolent movements are not only more ethical but also far more successful than violent uprisings.
Through case studies encompassing civil rights movements, anti-colonial struggles and pro-democracy protests, Chenoweth and Stephan reveal that nonviolent resistance is twice as likely to succeed as their violent counterparts. The book explains how peaceful protests, strikes and civil disobedience attract wider public participation, undermine authoritarian regimes and increase the likelihood of democratisation. Perfect for readers looking for books on political activism, nonviolent resistance and social change, this is a must-read for understanding the strategic power of nonviolence.
Rules For Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer For Realistic Radicals – Saul D. Alinsky
Originally published in 1971, Saul D. Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals is a classic guide to grassroots activism that outlines practical strategies for challenging power structures, mobilising communities and driving social change. Alinsky, often dubbed the father of modern community organising, presents a tactical blueprint for activists looking to upend the status quo.
He emphasises the importance of understanding one’s opponents, using humour as a weapon and making activism accessible to everyday individuals. His famous ‘rules’ highlight strategies such as making them live up to their own rules, keeping the pressure on and personalising the issue to create a real impact. Whether you’re an activist, organiser or simply interested in how grassroots power works, this book offers timeless insights into effective resistance and political strategy.
Sister Outsider – Audre Lorde
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde is a powerful collection of essays and speeches that explore the intersections of race, gender, sexuality and activism. Penned between 1976 and 1984, Lorde’s work remains timely and relevant even today, providing a radical vision of justice, resistance and self-empowerment. Through essays like The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House and Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power, Lorde critiques systems of oppression and challenges readers to examine privilege and use anger as a force for transformation.
A Black lesbian feminist, poet and activist, Lorde’s writing is both deeply personal and profoundly political. Sister Outsider is essential reading for anyone interested in books about political activism, social justice and grassroots movements, advocating for intersectional feminism, solidarity and the need for speaking out.
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The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond The Non-Profit Industrial Complex – INCITE! Women Of Color Against Violence
The Revolution Will Not Be Funded is a bold and critical examination of how the non-profit system can limit radical activism and social change. This collection of essays, written by activists, scholars and organisations challenges the idea that non-profits are the best vehicle for political activism, arguing that reliance on foundation funding often weakens grassroots movements and shifts priorities away from transformative change.
The book lifts the lid on how the ‘non-profit industrial complex’ (NIPIC) co-opts social movements, making them more palatable to funders whilst simultaneously reducing their ability to confront systemic oppression. Through case studies and firsthand accounts, contributors illuminate alternatives to traditional non-profit models, urging activists to rethink funding structures and reclaim the power of grassroots movements.
How To Be An Antiracist – Ibram X. Kendi
Blending memoir, history and social analysis, How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi is a deeply personal exploration of racism, the role individuals play in shaping a just society and a defiant challenge to the idea of neutrality in discussions of race, cementing the argument that people are either reinforcing it or actively working against it.
Through candid meditations on his own journey, Kendi examines the ways racism works in policies, institutions and personal biases. He introduces a new framework for understanding racism, emphasising that being ‘not racist’ isn’t enough – one has to be actively antiracist by identifying and dismantling racist infrastructure. Covering topics like education, class, power and intersectionality, this activism book provides readers with the tools to both recognise and combat systemic inequality.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban – Malala Yousafzai
Co-authored along with journalist Christina Lamb, I Am Malala is the powerful story of Malala, a Pakistani girl who defied the Taliban’s oppression and became a global symbol of courage and resilience. Malala recounts her childhood in the Swat Valley, where she was brought up by a father who ran a school and encouraged her to pursue education. As the Taliban gained control, girls were soon banned from attending school, but Malala refused to be silenced.
Her activism made her a target, and, in 2012, she survived an assassination attempt that shocked the world. More than just a personal account, I Am Malala is a call to action for education rights, gender equality and political activism. Her journey from a young student to a Nobel Prize-winning advocate makes this book essential reading for anyone committed to global change.
The Democracy Project: A History, A Crisis, A Movement – David Graeber
The Democracy Project by David Graeber is a thought-provoking exploration of democracy, its history, and the evolving role it plays in contemporary society. Graeber, an anthropologist and acclaimed social theorist, delves into the global 2008 financial crisis, the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the wider struggle for political and economic justice.
In this book, Graeber argues that democracy has always been a contested and incomplete project, one moulded by popular movements that look to challenge power and inequality. He examines the crisis of representative democracy and how citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with the political establishment. Drawing on historical examples and the Occupy movement’s principles, Graeber presents fascinating insights into how we can reclaim democracy from the forces of corporate power and state repression.
This Is An Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping The Twenty-First Century – Mark Engler And Paul Engler
Another one of the best activism books that explores the power of nonviolent resistance in the modern world, Mark and Paul Engler use historical and contemporary examples to examine how peaceful uprisings have successfully challenged oppression and kickstarted real social change.
This Is an Uprising offers a detailed analysis of the strategies, tactics and dynamics behind nonviolent movements, demonstrating their ability to mobilise different groups, build solidarity and create a lasting impact. From the Arab Spring to the global climate strikes, the authors show how nonviolent resistance is capable of disrupting the status quo and leave an enduring imprint on societies.
Hope In The Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities – Rebecca Solnit
Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark is a poignant and reflective exploration of hope, activism and social change. Written in the wake of substantial political challenges, Solnit’s work urges readers to rethink the role of hope in times of crisis. She makes the case that hope is not just about optimism for the future, but also about the willingness to act in the present, even when the outcome is far from certain.
Solnit blends together untold histories of resistance and the enduring power of grassroots movements. From the collapse of authoritarian regimes to environmental activism, she illustrates how ordinary individuals, often from the shadows, have made incredible changes throughout history. Her writing encourages readers to find inspiration in these stories of struggle and possibility, reminding us that, even in the darkest times, change is always possible.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
