Politics books for children and teens
Children’s, young adult and teen books about politics, elections, political ideas, nation building, information, intelligence, activism, protest, social movements, proper news and propaganda. This list contains 70+ titles, to inform, inspire and provoke children and teens interested in politics in the UK and worldwide. There’s a range of nonfiction, fiction, biographies, allegories, historical perspectives, diaries and thought provoking picture books suitable for classrooms, school libraries, independent reading and teaching in primary and secondary schools. This list features books by Michael Rosen, Alastair Campbell, Kamala Harris, Amanda Li, Tim Marshall, Malala Yousafzai, George Orwell, Axie Oh and many more.
Politics books for children and teens – our recommendations
Politics picture books for EYFS and KS1
Tusk Tusk by David McKee. 
The General by Janet Charters and Michael Foreman. 
The More Monster by Hayley Wells. 
War and Peas by Michael Foreman. 
Small Steps, Big Change by Annemarie Cool and James Jones. 
If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug, Ella Okstad and Rosie Hedger. 
Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers. 
Election by Eleanor Levenson and Marek Jagucki. 
If I Ran the Country by Richard Knight and Allan Sanders. Politics books for children in KS2
Why Politics Matters by Alastair Campbell. 
The Unstoppable Letty Pegg by Iszi Lawrence. 
A Quick History of Politics by Clive Gifford and Steve Gavan. 
The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin. 
The Accidental Prime Minister Returns by Tom McLaughlin. 
Spies by David Long and Terri Po. 
Top Secret by Soledad Romero and Julio Antonio Blasco. 
Inside Story: How the News Works by Jane Marlow and Terri Po. 
The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris. 
Politics for Beginners by Alex Frith, Rosie Hore and Louie Stowell. 
Migrants by Issa Watanabe. 
We Have a Dream by Mya-Rose Craig and Sabrena Khadija. Robin Hood: Ballots, Blasts & Betrayal by Robert Muchamore
In this latest instalment by Robert Muchamore, teen rebel Robin Hood faces off against corrupt forces bent on rigging an election in a battle to secure political justice. With high-profile elections around the world due in 2024, this is a great book to facilitate discussion. 10+ readers will love the accessible plot, fast action and gripping dialogue.
Dreamers and Thinkers by Jonnie Hughes and Colin Butfield. 
Rise Up by Amanda Li and Amy Blackwell. 
Who Are Refugees and Migrants? What Makes People Leave Their Homes? and Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young. 
The Truth Detective by Tim Harford. 
Suffragette by David Roberts. 
News: Fact or Fake? by Tom Jackson and Cristina Guitian. People Power by Rebecca June and Ximo Abadia
Highlighting 13 pivotal instances of peaceful protest in the past 100 years, this accessible and boldly illustrated nonfiction history book is perfect for upper KS2 classrooms and libraries. Including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Fall of the Berlin Wall and Fridays for Future, children will appreciate and empathise with the issues and non-violent approaches. Uplifting and inspiring, each page is filled with hope and positivity. Highly recommended and ideal for individual projects and home learning.
Breaking News by Nick Sheridan and David O’Connell. 
World Politics in 100 Words by Eleanor Levenson and Paul Boston. 
Effie the Rebel by Laura Wood. 
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, Grace Easton and Jessica Smith. 
All About Politics by Andrew Marr. 
What Is Politics? Why Should We Care? And Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young. Politics books for children and teens in KS3 and KS4
Raise Your Voice by Nadia Jae. 
Dear Rebel: Advice, Inspiration, and Sisterhood from Women Who Have Been There by Rebel Girls. 
Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick. A Cure Ever After by Angharad Walker
In this thrilling journey through an alternate London where emotions can make people ill, Kitt and Os race to save the city after a catastrophic incident. Ideal for KS3 readers, the narrative skillfully weaves money-soaked politics with mysterious supernatural elements. In the same universe as Once Upon a Fever, this novel forces readers to consider the consequences of feelings as well as actions in a convincing fantasy world. Highly recommended.
You Can Change the World! by Margaret Rooke. 
Things a Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls. 
Animal Farm by George Orwell and Chris Mould. 
Alastair Campbell Talks Politics by Alastair Campbell. 
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. 
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. 
The Bombs That Brought Us Together by Brian Conaghan. 
A Change Is Gonna Come by Marry Bello et al. 
Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday by Natalie C. Anderson. Fighting in a World on Fire by Andreas Malm
Explaining the history, context and development of climate change, this provocative and insightful book invites students to consider what actions might be effective to safeguard the future of the planet. Exploring the philosophy and practice of protest and radical action, this book will spark debate. Including a raft of writing prompts and discussion questions, Fight In A World On Fire is perfect for secondary school book clubs and is a useful primer for teens interested in climate justice, activism and environmental politics.
This Book Will (Help You) Change the World by Sue Turton. 
Art Matters by Neil Gaiman. 
Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju and Ryan Estrada. Art of Protest: What a Revolution Looks Like by De Nichols
Explore the visual language of protests, examining colour, symbolism, typography, and more. With chapters on the Rainbow Flag, young climate activists and the students of Parkland, young people will be exposed to art in history and art in real life. With tips and activities to create your own protest art, guided by activist De Nichols and illustrated by talented young artists, this book is practical, inspiring and empowering. This award winning book is highly recommended.
Spies by Marc Favreau. 
The Supreme Lie by Geraldine McCaughrean. 
The Politics Book by DK. Rise Up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music by Andrea Warner and Louise Reimer
This empowering and inspirational book takes a deep dive into musical expression as a force for protest. Chapters on gender equality, the anti-war movement, liberty and climate justice show us that artists such as Tracy Chapman, Lizzo and Bob Dylan really can change the world and effect positive change for disability rights, civil rights, gender equality, world peace and more. A valuable resource for KS3 libraries. Highly recommended.
You Can’t Say That! by Leonard S. Marcus. 
The Bomb by Didier Alcante, Laurent-édéric Bollée and Deni Rodier. 
Here I Stand by Amnesty International UK. Protest: How People Have Come Together to Change the World by Alice & Emily Haworth-Booth
This thorough history and exploration of the culture and practice of protest spans rebellions in the ancient world, medieval resistance, class struggles, civil rights, modern social media people power, grassroots movements, issue-based campaigns, and individuals who have inspired others to change the world. The refreshingly unbiased and cool factual approach will allow KS3 and KS4 to be both informed and in a position to formulate their own rational opinions. Highly recommended for secondary school libraries.
How Politics Works by DK. 
Politics Is… by Simon Adams. 
I Heart Politics by Phoenix Andrews. 
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. 
The Little Book of Politics by Rob Colson. 
British Politics by Tony Wright. ASAP by Axie Oh
In this companion novel to XOXO. Sori, a K-pop hopeful, is caught between her mother’s expectations and her father’s political dreams. And she faces pressure to maintain a squeaky-clean public image. So when she offers her scandal-hit ex-boyfriend refuge, Sori must decide if a second chance at love is worth sacrificing her future for. Exploring parental expectations and dreams of fame, through the lens of a swoon-worthy second chance love story, this YA romance is perfect for teen fans of K-Pop culture.
Northern Ireland by Marc Mulholland. 
The European Union by Simon Usherwood and John Pinder. 
The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction by Ashley Jackson. 
The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction by Martin Bunton. Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this politics book for children and teens list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
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Politics resources for teachers
- Politics Teaching is a website for teachers and students that includes revision guides, past papers, podcasts and video guides
- The Political Studies Association aims to “promote the development of political studies and to encourage education and the advancement of learning in the art and science of government and in other branches of the political sciences“.
- Young Citizens offers a range of free resources for primary and secondary schools covering assembly ideas, British Values, democracy and a mock G7 summit activity.
- First News is offering teachers a free 2024 UK Election resource, which includes school assembly ideas, a PowerPoint, debate activities, and instructions on how to participate in the First News’ Children’s Party.
- UK Parliament has a free downloadable booklet for teens explaining the UK democratic system, voting, registration and how to participate.
- Democracy Classroom has a fantastic range of video, slideshow and lesson plan resources covering all aspects of UK democracy. Highly recommended.
- Balliol College Oxford has a great set of links to useful KS4 and KS5 resources, covering UK, US and global politics,
- Scottish Parliament has a range of free resources for primary and secondary-aged students about democracy and government in Scotland, including comics, games, quizzes, interactive activities and posters.
- BBC Teach’s KS4 democracy minisite includes a comprehensive range of videos to explain UK democracy through a citizenship lens.
- The Electoral Commission features a range of unbiased resources for educators. These include lesson plans, activity resources and assembly ideas. There’s also a free newsletter and resources to support ‘Vote Week‘.
