A protest anthem can’t pass legislation—but it can spark the fire that makes someone try. In Rise Up and Sing! Power, Protest, and Activism in Music, author Andrea Warner and illustrations by Louise Reimer turns up the volume on that idea, weaving together decades of artists who have used their platforms, lyrics, and lives to push for justice. This is more than a history book—it’s a call to action for young readers, a playlist for the heart, and a crash course in how to sing truth to power.
From Beyoncé’s feminist anthems to Lil Nas X’s unapologetic queerness, from the protest legacy of Nina Simone to the righteous rage of Neil Young, Warner curates a journey through the movements that shaped—and are still shaping—our world. Each chapter focuses on a different front in the fight for justice—climate action, gender equality, peace, human rights, and more—with a custom playlist that connects readers directly to the music that moves movements.
Whether you’re marching, dancing, or crying in your room, Rise Up and Sing! reminds us that music doesn’t sit on the sidelines. It marches, it chants, it protests, and most importantly—it brings people together. This book belongs in classrooms, community centers, and the hands of every young person ready to change the world, one beat at a time.
