Multicultural Children’s Book Day, Jan. 31, 2020
#ReadYourWorld
Our Future: How Kids are Taking Action
Janet Wilson, Author and Illustrator
Second Story Press, Nonfiction, Sep. 10, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Child Activists, Making a Difference, Climate Action, Cyberbullying, Gun Violence, Social Justice
Opening: “As anyone will admit, listening to the news can be scary — hurricanes, school shootings, forest fires, wars. What are we to make of a world that seems ever more troubled and fragile?… And so kids are taking action, rising to question the sanity of common practices.”
Book Synopsis:
From climate action to cyberbullying, from gun violence to animal protection, these young activists have brought about real change.
Young people from across the globe are raising awareness about what issues matter to them most and working to protect the future of the worlds we all share.
American Jaelun Parkerson kneels with his football teammates during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, Canadian Autumn Peltier spoke in front of the United Nations to raise awareness about water pollution; and Tiassa Mutunkei from Kenya started a club for young people to stop elephants from being killed for their ivory tusks. All of them are making a difference for the future of our plaent — and you can too!
Why I like this book:
Janet Wilson writes empowering and timely nonfiction books about ordinary young people who see injustice around them and take action — no matter how small or large — and make a contribution in their communities, countries and world.
Wilson’s books are my favorite kind of books to share because there is an urgency in our world and kids are concerned that adults aren’t doing enough. We hear it in the plea from 15-year-old Greta Thunberg of Sweden who is leading worldwide protests for climate change and speaking before the United Nations because she feels leaders are failing her generation. Meet Melati and Isabel Wijsen of Indonesia, who saw firsthand the negative impacts of plastic pollution and petitioned their government to ban plastic bags in Bali.
These children and teens are bold and brave and are working for the rights of children in a peaceful way. Wilson captures their engaging stories in a double-page spread which features a warm and beautifully painted illustration of the featured child on the left and text and photographs about the child’s contribution on the right, along with a colorful sidebar of other kids doing similar projects globally. Read their stories and you will be inspired! This multiculatural book belongs in school libraries.
Resources: The book is a resource. At the end there is a section for students on “What YOUth Can Do,” that will spark many lively discussions and encourage kids to think about what they may do alone or together to make the world a better place. What will you do? Visit Janet Wilson at her website.
Quote:
“Young people are a part of the largest generation in history — two billion strong. Around the globe young people are coming together to build a movement for success…Yes we face a lot of big problems, but we can start fixing them through a lot of small actions…If each one of you takes action, you will create a wave of action like this world has never, ever seen. Be a part of two billion acts for good. Because, step by step, little by little, we will get to a better world. Together let’s get the job done.” Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
Janet Wilson is an artist and author of many picture books on child activism including Our Earth: How Kids are Saving the Planet, and Our Rights: How Kids are Changing the World, and Our Heroes: How Kids are Making a Difference, which are popular with educators and students. She also wrote Shannen and the Dream for a School and Severn and the Day She Silenced the World. Winter’s books have won many awards.
*Review copy provided by publisher.
What an empowering resource for kids! I appreciate that she highlights specific kids from all over the globe on all kinds of issues. Thanks for pointing this book out.
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It is an empowering resource for kids and perfect for classroom discussions and projects. I love Janet Wilson’s four books, because they all have a similar style and motivate kids.
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You know I generally read picture books only, but I think I’ll venture into middle grade for this one. Thanks for sharing!
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This is the size of a picture book and looks like one — except that it has more information for older kids. I have shared her other books on PPF. This nonfiction is meant for kids 8-12, but an enthusiastic 7-year-old may find it interesting.
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This looks like a wonderful resource!
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It is because it shows kids taking action globally! Thanks for visiting!
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I love books about kids taking action! They really inspire adults to see the world in a fresh way and the things worth fighting for.
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They are my favorite books to share because there are so many young people who really care and want to be involved. I love Wilson’s series!
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What a great book and review, Patricia. It is really important for kids, and their adults, to read.
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Thank you Maria. Kids making a difference in their communities – big and small – will always be my favorites. We have some very compassionate young people who want to be involved.
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I have a fiction story I’ve been rewriting for a few years with a similar theme. Kids have a powerful voice if given the chance to use it. Thanks for featuring this special book on MMGM. I’ll be looking to add it to my library.
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Greg, Janet Wilson has written three other books I mentioned in her bio that are very similar. They follow the same format, but different topic! They are easy read and books to inspire kids.
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Young people can make a huge difference. Great to see a book about the far-reaching effects young people can have on our world and its future.
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I agree. And it is exciting to hear stories about what ordianry young people are doing globally. They are the future.
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This sounds like a great book for kids. So glad you shared it.
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Thanks, Natalie. I love to share these stories.
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As a former middle-grade teacher for thirty-one years, I applaud Janet Wilson for writing this book. I know if I were still teaching, it would go on my bookshelf. The leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms waiting to be empowered and armed with the knowledge that they can make real and critical changes.
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Thank you for visiting and commenting! I love Janet Wilson’s books — they all follow similar themes. There are so many kids who want to be inspired but don’t know what to being. There are others who are inspired and doing unbelievable service in their communities and world. It gives me hope!
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This sounds like an important book for our times, Patricia. I think this younger generation is going to be remembered for its action.
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I think you are spot on! They are begging for adults to do the right things and calling them out when they don’t. They want to live on a sustainable planet. Janet Wilson might make a good interview for your website. I don’t know how assessible she is.
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Thanks, Patricia. Great idea. 🙂
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This sounds like a wonderful resource for kids and their parents. Let’s hope that more and more kids start to take an activist role in things they feel are important. I’m definitely going to buy a copy of this for using with young readers. Thanks for letting us know about it.
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I’m glad you enjoyed my review. Janet Wilson has written four books in this series, and many other books for older teens.
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What a stunning cover. This is a great multicultural inspiration.
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Janet Wilson’s artwork is stunning, as are the stories she shares. She travels the globe.
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What an inspirational book for young people. I will have to check this one out. Thanks for the heads up.
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You are welcome. Janet Wilson’s books are my favorite books to share. This series is for 8-12 and is a inspiring resource. But she also has written many books I’ve reviewed for older teens.
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I’m going to look for a copy of this book to share with my son. Thanks for your review!
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You can probably find the entire series of Janet Wilson’s books in your library. This is her latest.
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