Poetry has long been used as a form of protest, a way to express the needs of a hurting community, and a rallying cry to unite people for one cause. The resources below are meant as guidelines and supports for poets learning how to use their voices for activism in their communities. Scroll past the photo for links to three online collections of protest poetry that will help shore up the spirit and drive justice forward.

Graphic novels and comic books have long carried lessons of inclusion, fighting for what's right, and compassion for others hidden within their pages, but the books listed below make a point of teaching history, social justice, and activism to their readers. For more on this topic, visit last week's resource. In keeping with the theme, the resources below help you learn how to make your own comic book or graphic novel.

Graphic novels and comic books have long carried lessons of inclusion, fighting for what's right, and compassion for others hidden within their pages, but the books listed below make a point of teaching history, social justice, and activism to their readers. Next week's resource will be more of the same! In keeping with the theme, the resources below are infographics related to activism, protest, and social justice. Scroll down to view the list of twelve graphic novels and comic books that feature protest, activism, or social justice.

This week's resource is a continuation of the series on protest and activism. You'll find a short list of twelve works of fiction that either feature protest and activism or have been used to encourage political change. Directly below is a collection of resources connected to writing as activism. Writing has long been used as a tool in protests and movements for social change. The resources below provide guidance, context, and support for writers who seek to use their craft in this way. 

Activism for children may sound alarming, but it can be as simple as taking them with you to volunteer at the library or encouraging little ones help you pick out some food or toiletries that will be collected for community members who might need them. While not all parents will be ready to discuss protest and activism with their children, this list of books and other resources are for those who are preparing for these discussions. Below are some resources for parents and teachers. Scroll down for a list of sixteen books for children that center protest and activism.

Protesting seems to be here to stay for a while. Although we will, one day, have to move onto next steps, we are still in the middle of building momentum and getting the attention of those in power. Below the image, you'll find ten more works of nonfiction that center protest and activism, but first, here are a few links to some of the more creative protests in modern history as well as a few pointers on how to get creative with protests and activism of your own.

From street art and protest signs to posters and poetry, from chart-topping songs and well-known chants to novels and photography, art, both professional and amateur, has held an important place in protests and political movements through the generations. The ancillary resources in this post include information about the history and future of art and its role in protest as well as social media's current role in amplifying the message the artwork projects. If you're interested in creating your own political art, Matt Gabler and ArtSpace both offer useful tips for making your own political art or protest art, and Square Signs offers advice for creating an effective protest sign. To get to this week's reading list, scroll down!

A lot happened over the past weekend in the world of planned activism - such as in the events around Greta Thunberg and her fellow activists aboard the Madleen and the more spontaneous protests that grew in opposition to the Los Angeles ICE raids. Some of the books below seem to be well-timed primers on maintaining strength and resistance in difficult times. Others are reminders that quiet resistance, community support, and mutual aid are vital to the fight. If you are a quiet resister, or are, for any reason, unable to join the physical protests taking place across the world, below are a few ways that others have engaged in quiet protest.

As you well know, we are living through a time rife with political upheaval, ripe for protest, and deeply in need of real social change. Genocide in Gaza, ongoing war in Ukraine, modern-day slavery in Congo, waves of antisemitism, the Trump administration's actions against immigrants, free speech, transgender and other Queer folks, the list goes on and on and on. It's hard to know how best to focus your efforts during times as tumultuous as these. In this series of resources, I've collected works of nonfiction about the history and future of protest as well as a few other resources about activism and current issues that you might find useful in your activism today.

Our world is in a moment of political and societal upheaval and many people are stressed, tired, overwhelmed, scared. Others are in the midst of painfully dire situations. In this resource, I've assembled some fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and speeches that offer hope, comfort, encouragement, and energy -- It's up to you which of these you need right now. If you have any suggestions for materials that might belong on this list, please reach out to me at contact.undergroundbookshelf@gmail.com with your suggestion. 

While there are a great many poetry holidays, the month of April is considered National Poetry Month (in the U.S.,, at least), and Global Poetry Day is celebrated on April 25th. So, I encourage you to read (or write) a little poetry in honor of the occasion. Below are a few poetry-related organizations that might interest you followed by a long list of books of poetry.

With the failure of recent ceasefires, it's time to share some more resources for supporting civilians suffering the devastating effects of the Israel-Hamas War. If you're interested in supporting nonprofits working on the ground to provide aid, below is a list of organizations to consider. Scroll on to find a large assortment of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, anthologies, and cookbooks organized by age-groups to connect with the peoples, cultures, histories, and experiences of Palestinians as well as discussions of the conflicts between Israel and Palestine over the years.