Allyship as Action: 7 Ways to Advocate for Others

by Tanya Boteju, Bithi Sutradhar (illustrator)

★“A succinct, honest overview on allyship. Middle schoolers will appreciate the accessible text, which never feels preachy or patronizing. A strong first buy for its explanations and examples of how to become an ally, while clearly explaining that it is ongoing and personal work.” — School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review


Being an ally is about learning and action. It's a constant, ongoing willingness to engage in the hard, confronting work of standing alongside those who don't have the same privileges.


As a young person, it can be difficult to take a stand for others when the need to fit in is so strong. But everyone can be an ally. Learn to acknowledge the privileges you have based on your identity, the difference between allyship and being a performative ally and how to address mistakes when we make them. In this book, young readers will work through realistic scenarios that show allyship in action and develop tools to become the best allies they can be.


The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

TANYA BOTEJU lives on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, BC). Part-time, she teaches English to clever and sassy young people. The rest of her time, she uses writing as an excuse to eat pastries. Her debut novel, KINGS, QUEENS, AND IN-BETWEENS, was named a Top Ten Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association, as well as selected for the American Librarian Association 2020 Rainbow List. Her second novel, BRUISED, was selected as a Gold Standard book by the Junior Library Guild. Look for another YA novel, MESSY PERFECT, and a middle grade nonfiction book about allyship in 2025. In both her teaching and writing, Tanya hopes she’s bending the universe even the tiniest bit toward justice. Visit her at tanyaboteju.com.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an ally is hard work, no matter who a person happens to be. But with the right attitude and the willingness to embrace discomfort, people with privilege have an important role in supporting others in their vicinity. This informative picture book is a detailed and interactive guide for young people about what it means to be an ally. Several scenarios are presented within the pages of the book, offering readers true-to-life examples of both privilege and allyship in action. These longer narratives are the primary element of the book, and they are written in a way that is accessible to readers ranging in age from elementary school to high school. Accompanying the scenarios are word definitions, critical thinking questions, and illustrations, all of which support the learning taking place throughout the book. A content warning at the beginning alerts readers to potentially uncomfortable moments within the included examples, though readers are frequently celebrated for their courage in facing these scenarios throughout the text. Questions are also directed specifically to readers by the narrative itself, encouraging youth to consider their own actions and experiences every day. The scenarios included in the book range from physical access to gender and race issues, which helps to illustrate the fact that privilege and allyship can appear in many forms. And even though learning through this book is a good first step into becoming a good (or better) ally, the book reminds readers that the very best thing to do is to venture out into the world and engage in positive change directly. This important and informative nonfiction title is a notable addition to library collections for young readers and their families.