Right Now!

August 1, 2021
Who says you need to be a grown-up to help make a change in the world? There are kids around the world making a difference, right now! Paul profiles children notable for their bravery, leadership, intelligence, commitment to creatively solving problems, and willingness to speak to matters facing the world--especially on behalf of other children. Readers will be inspired by the blend of familiar kid activists such as Jazz Jennings, Greta Thunberg, and Malala Yousafzai with lesser-known young people like scientist Angela Zhang and community worker Jonas Corona. Also included is a two-page spread featuring 18 young people who are committed to helping animals. The profiles are short and conveyed in free-verse odes paired with prose paragraphs of facts, together briefly outlining the young person's challenge and resolution on a full-bleed, double-page spread. Jackson's dreamy, doe-eyed illustrations embody the optimism and hope of each profiled youngster but also often fail to convey their ferocity. Greta Thunberg sits next to a sunflower looking into the middle distance rather than facing down the U.N. General Assembly, for instance. The backmatter includes a section headed "You Can Speak Up Too! Actions Make a Difference" that answers questions about ways young people can lend their voices and efforts to help others. There's also an author's note, glossary, and bibliography with quote sources. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Inspirational if a little airbrushed. (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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November 1, 2021

Gr 1-5-Kids can make a change! That's the theme of this colorful collective biography. Paul profiles 10 contemporary young people who have tried to make a difference. The subjects include Malala Yousafzai, Jazz Jennings, and Greta Thunberg, who have become international celebrities, and Robby Novak, the YouTube sensation. The volume also features kids who are less well known, such as Sophie Cruz, who spoke to Pope Francis about her concerns with immigration, and Jaylen Arnold, who advocates against bullying and in support of kids with disabilities. Each spread shows a warmly illustrated image of the child speaking out and gives a short paragraph about the cause that that child champions. A variety of issues are covered, including homelessness, climate change, animal rights, and gender issues. An extensive glossary includes notes on how readers can speak up for the causes that are important to them. This is a wonderful collection to show young people that they can make a change, no matter how big the issue. The role models introduced here will inspire kids for years to come. VERDICT A well-done compilation of young people who have made a difference, focusing on current social issues.-Debbie Tanner, S. D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2021
Grades 1-3 Forget waiting to grow up! This upbeat compilation introduces young activists ranging from Kid President and Greta Thunberg to Jazz Jennings and Malala. Subjects each get their own two-page spread featuring a cheery illustration, highlighted quote, brief (one-paragraph) summary of accomplishments, and personalized passage--sometimes directed to readers, sometimes to the individual advocate. The entry on Jaylen Arnold, an antibullying champion, begins: ""Jaylen went to school. Like you, like me."" The message to Syrian peace activist Bana Alabed starts out: ""What's it like to run for your life, barefoot, down pitch-black streets that you once laughed and played in?"" There are 10 individual profiles and a single group spread about young crusaders for animal rights. Back matter includes an author's note, glossary, bibliography, quote sources, and lists of actions that young audiences can take right now to get involved (get educated, volunteer, speak up). These minibiographies pack in a surprising amount of information and work equally well as places to start research and as short, satisfying read-alouds.

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