From Luvvie Ayaji Jones’s guide to how to become a Rising Troublemaker, to Gaby Melian’s Food-Related Stories, here are our top YA non-fiction reads of 2022!

Rising Troublemaker by Luvvie Ayaji Jones

In this young readers edition of her New York Times bestseller Professional Troublemaker, Luvvie Ajayi Jones uses her honesty and humor to inspire teens to be their bravest, boldest, truest selves, in order to create a world they would be proud to live in.

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (Young Readers Adaptation) by David Treuer

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is a story of Native American resilience and reinvention, adapted for young adults from the adult nonfiction book of the same name.

Food-Related Stories by Gaby Melian

In this moving, personal account, chef and activist Gaby Melian shares her journey with food and how creating a relationship with food — however simple or complicated — is a form of activism in its own right.

Black Internet Effect by Shavone Charles

With witty humor and a strong sense of self, musician, model, and technology executive Shavone Charles recounts her journey through Google, Twitter, and more – and outlines her mission to make space for herself and other young women of color both online and IRL.

And We Rise by Erica Martin

A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.

Respect the Mic edited by Peter Kahn

An expansive, moving poetry anthology, representing 20 years of poetry from students and alumni of Chicago’s Oak Park River Forest High School Spoken Word Club.

Cramm This Book by Olivia Seltzer

You can take a stand for justice. You can raise your voice to make a difference. You can find your way to make a mark and change the world.

You Are More Than Magic by Minda Harts

A guide for girls of color looking to find their voice and claim space as they prepare for high school, college, and their careers, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

Inaugural Ballers by Andrew Maraniss

From the New York Times bestselling author of Strong Inside comes the inspirational true story of the birth of women’s Olympic basketball at the 1976 Summer Games and the ragtag team that put US women’s basketball on the map. Perfect for fans of Steve Sheinkin and Daniel James Brown.