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Saturday, March 16, 2024

SEE IT, DREAM IT, DO IT, written by Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Pajama Press, 2023. $24.95 ages 11 and up

 


"Community advocacy is about 
speaking up for people who can't do 
it themselves. Ryan supports and gives
a voice to those who have difficulty 
communicating their views and 
feelings to others.

Ryan Beardy is one of the 25 people, featured in this follow-up book to If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It (2022), who found their dream jobs. Ryan had a tough start in life which escalated into gang activity and time spent in juvenile detention. That was when he began to reconnect with traditional Indigenous healing, partnered with a new interest in writing. Much hard work led him to the work he does today as a community advocate/mentor and coordinator. His story will inspire others to 'turn negatives into positives' - to see value in helping young people find a better path. 

In two-page spreads, middle grade readers will meet dream makers, whose hard work and energetic inspiration has led them to find joy in their choices and work that gives meaning to their lives. The people are as diverse as the careers they have chosen to pursue. From fitness trainer to equine therapist, basketball coach to cave microbiologist, and ambassador to park ranger, readers will be intrigued to learn the many choices available to them as they think about their own future and how it might look. 

The design and the writing style are in keeping with the first book. Sidebars, titled Pro Tip, Why Not Try, Spin-Off Jobs, Living the Dream, and Inspiring Individuals attract attention and offer food for thought. Back matter introduces the team who made this book possible, employment experts who support career quests and give guidance to those seeking ideas, and Try It Out ideas for volunteering, questioning, inspiration, and finding a mentor.  An alphabetized glossary and an index are useful. 

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