we are displaced — Blog • NOVL

YA Biographies to Inspire You

There’s something uniquely inspiring and captivating about reading true stories. If you’re looking for a new perspective, a powerful story, or simply your next great read, look no further than the list below.

Keeping YA Real: Memoirs

Memoirs provide valuable insight into the actual lived experiences of other people. So, if you're also looking to expand your reading (and your mind), check out these YA memoirs!

listicleBill GraceSeptember 8, 2021we are not broken, george m. johnson, passport, sophia glock, fierce, aly raisman, trans mission, alex bertie, we should hang out sometime, josh sundquist, we are displaced, malala yousafzaiComment

YA nonfiction/Fiction Buddy Pairs

If you’re like me and could stand to have a few more nonfiction reads in your life, we have a great way for you to find some new favorites: BUDDY BOOK PAIRS! We’ve paired a nonfiction book with a fiction book that have similar themes and would be great to read, one after the other, in whatever order you choose.

Books that cover some hard-hitting but necessary topics

Often the books that stick with us are the ones that make us think. The ones that don’t take us outside of our world, but instead hold a mirror to our lives to make us re-think on our outlook on society.

listicleSavannah KennellyMarch 5, 2020stamped, jason reynolds, ibram x. kendi, internment, samira ahmed, we are displaced, malala yousafzai, the astonishing color of after, emily x.r. pan, trans mission, alex bertie, little & lion, brandy colbert, they went left, monica hesseComment

5 Nonfiction to Fiction Pairings

One portion of my reading diet that needs some boosting in particular is non-fiction. So, in the spirit of switching things up and developing a well-paired tbr, I bring you my favorite pairs of fiction and non-fiction books to read back to back!

listicleSavannah KennellyOctober 16, 2019fierce, aly raisman, throw like a girl, sarah henning, the geography of you and me, jennifer e smith, jennifer e. smith, we are displaced, malala yousafzai, read spies, spies, marc favreau, assassin's guide, virginia boecker, we rule the night, claire eliza bartlettComment

Must-Read Stories to Inspire You on World Refugee Day

Each individual has a story of strength and perseverance, and our support of their courage shouldn’t be limited to just this one day. One of the most effective ways we can build empathy in the world is through reading—in particular, through reading the stories of those who differ from you. Here are just a few of the many stories from refugee voices to read on this day.

listicleEmily ZhuJune 20, 2019we are displaced, malala yousafzaiComment

6 Books that Inspire Activism

Raising your voice is hard, but the simple act of one person speaking out is activism. And sometimes, one voice breaking the silence makes all the difference. If you don’t necessarily know where to begin your activist journey, take my advice: read to resist.

listicleBill GraceMay 16, 2019internment, read internment, samira ahmed, we are displaced, malala yousafzai, trans mission, alex bertieComment

Badass Women Who Changed History and Empower Us

We all need a good BAMF lady to look up to. Whether they’re your friend, your family (hi mama), or a historical figure, a strong female role-model can make all the difference. So here are some real-life badass women who have changed history to help inspire you and prove that women are hard-core, strong, and make the world a better place!

listicleSavannah KennellyMarch 8, 2019we are displaced, malala yousafzai, aly raisman, fierce, ibtihaj muhammad, vashti harrisonComment

5 Nonfiction Books to Keep It Real

We talk about fiction a lot here on NOVL, because fiction is fun and can be an escape from the real world. But, there’s nothing like a good non-fiction book to really ground yourself and learn more about a topic or a person. Here are five of our favorite non-fiction titles!

listicleSavannah KennellyJanuary 9, 2019we are displaced, malala yousafzai, fierce, aly raisman, how to write good, ryan higa, we should hang out sometime, josh sundquist, trans mission, alex bertie, my quest to a beardComment