In 2017, the world we live in fundamentally changed. Women and men of all colors, shapes and sizes decided to speak out. They needed to have their voices heard. For me, it wasn’t until the shocking #MeToo movement, the TimesUp response, and the building of a Rose Army that I decided to regain my voice. Today, we live in a world where being equal is something many of us have to fight for. As with a number of things in my life, I have started my path to becoming more ‘awake’ and speak out through books. Here are five books that helped me discover my inner activist.

A Girl’s Guide to Joining the Resistance: A Feminist Handbook on Fighting for Good by Emma Gray

This book is the beginner’s guide to discovering your path in activism. For some, you may go full-on Suffragette, but for others, you might decide to slowly ease yourself into taking a stand. This book is where you should start. I found it easy to read and a valuable tool for finding my way to speaking out.

Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace by Jessica Bennett

Bennett’s book sets a pace for how to react to sexism in the workplace. It gives the reader suggestions and tips on how to deal with situations many women face on a daily basis. What I love about the book is the humor mixed in with usable strategies. Feminists, this is the book to have on your shelf.

DIY Rules for a WTF World: How to Speak Up, Get Creative, and Change the World by Krista Suh

From the creator of the Pussyhat Project, Krista Suh has put together a book to spark change. Part manifesto, part how-to and part stories, this book lays it all out there to help you get on your path to making an impact. Added bonus… there are knitting patterns for those of you who are so inclined to get creative with your activism.

Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist by Franchesca Ramsey

In this book, Ramsey shares her path to becoming an accidental activist. Through humor, honesty and an intelligent analysis of her mistakes and the ones many of us make, the author enlightens her readers on social issues. I can tell you that I came away seeing things in a new light after I read this book.

Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard Around the World by Jamia Wilson

There are a lot of books out there chronicling marches and protests and many of them are amazing. However, Together We Rise is the book that perfectly combines images from protests all over the world, documentation of the marches and essays from activists. It is a celebration of what took place after Donald J. Trump’s inauguration as well as the year that followed. Women reacted with passionate voices and protests to take their stance.

Bonus Reads for Raising Feminists:

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls I & II by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

The Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series gives history lessons in a fun and interesting way. Not to mention they are packed with colorful illustrations.

Gloria’s Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem – Feminist, Activist, Leader (People Who Shaped Our World) by Aura Lewis

Gloria’s Voice opens the door and plants the seed of what a little girl can be. Steinem started a movement that changed our world, so maybe her story can change the world again for the next generation.

Note from contributor: There are many amazing books out there to open your mind, help you check your privilege, and get you started on a path to resistance on any level. If you want to find out more, join the conversation at I Have A Voice on my blog. And yes… there is an ever-growing booklist over there too.