A senior dog rests their head on an open book in a person's lap, looking up toward the camera.

5 must-read books to amplify your animal advocacy.

Want to help shape a kinder world? Become a powerful changemaker for animals, people, and the planet we share with these insightful reads.

Animals Australia

Animals Australia team

Last updated June 7, 2023

The list of transformative books on creating a better tomorrow for animals is ever-growing – a sign that the more compassionate world we dream of is not only possible but in the making. We’ve narrowed this list down to our top five picks!

Thought-provoking and insightful, these diverse titles offer valuable perspectives and guidance for anyone passionate about championing the rights and well-being of all animals.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Animal Liberation Now by Peter Singer, book cover.

1. Animal Liberation Now – Peter Singer

Delving into the philosophical and ethical aspects of animal rights, Animal Liberation Now is the rewritten version of Singer’s 1975 landmark book that opened the world’s eyes to the suffering of animals in factory farms and laboratories. Through updated research and interesting analysis, this book challenges societal ‘norms’, inspiring us to re-evaluate the human-animal relationship and respect the inherent value of all thinking, feeling beings.

Animal Liberation Now is currently available in the Animals Australia Shop.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows by Melanie Joy. book cover.
Image credit: Melanie Joy

2. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows – Melanie Joy

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows is an intriguing exploration of the psychological and social mechanisms that allow us to “love” certain animals, and at the same time disregard the suffering of others. By examining our cultural beliefs inherited from those before us, and the practices surrounding our treatment of animals, Joy challenges us to reconsider our everyday choices. This eye-opening book serves as a powerful catalyst for embracing a more compassionate lifestyle to forge a harmonious relationship with all living beings.

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows is currently available from the Animals Australia Shop.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor, book cover.
Image credit: Sunaura Taylor

3. Beasts of Burden – Sunaura Taylor

Taylor’s Beasts of Burden sheds a light on the intersectionality of social justice issues by intertwining art, disability studies, and animal advocacy. Taylor draws on her personal experiences and offers a beautifully written unique perspective, inspiring budding activists to challenge ableism and advocate for the rights of both humans and non-human animals.

Beasts of Burden is currently available in ebook format at Dymocks or you can backorder the hardcopy at Booktopia.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Aphro-ism: Essays on Pop Culture, Feminism, and Black Veganism from Two Sisters by Aph Ko and Syl Ko, book cover.
Image credit: Aph Ko & Syl Ko

4. Aphro-ism: Essays on Pop Culture, Feminism, and Black Veganism from Two Sisters – Aph Ko & Syl Ko

This compelling collection of essays explores the connections between veganism, feminism, and race. The Ko sisters’ personal narratives and insightful analysis provide a vital perspective on how these intersecting identities shape our understanding of animal rights and social justice, making it an empowering read for those seeking to foster inclusivity and intersectionality in their advocacy.

Aphro-ism is currently available atDymocks and Booktopia.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

An Immense World by Ed Yong, book cover.
Image credit: Ed Yong

5. An Immense World – Ed Yong

An unforgettable exploration of the diversity and complexity of the natural world, Yong combines engaging storytelling and scientific expertise, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living organisms. Highlighting the urgency of environmental conservation and the crucial role humans play in protecting and preserving our shared planetAn Immense World is a must-read for animal lovers and advocates alike.

An Immense World is currently available atDymocks and Booktopia.


Help animals – with books!

We hope you enjoy our curated list of books to enhance advocacy for animals. Once you’ve made your way through one (or all) of the above, you can continue to change the world for animals with the following actions:

  • Pass it on! Share this page with friends and family who love to read and want to help shape a kinder tomorrow for all animals.
  • For younger animal lovers, check out our list of children’s books here and consider animal-friendly books next time you are in search of kid’s gifts.
  • If you haven’t already, make sure you grab your copy of Animals Australia’s ‘Join the Evolution’ magazine. It’s your FREE guide to a more compassionate planet, jam-packed with inspiring stories, information, stunning animal photography and tasty plant-based recipes.
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