How To Become An Accidental Activist, written by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky. Illustrated by Jenn Playford. Orca Book Publishers, 2021. $24.95 ages 9 and up

 

"There are many ways to protest. Some people 
speak up. Some people use social media. Some 
write books and articles. And some, like Ai Weiwei, 
create art. Ai has combined his eye-catching art with
powerful words to stand up to the Chinese government's 
repression of free speech and its disregard for human 
rights."

As they have done countless times, Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky bring their formidable talent for doing excellent research to this book about activism and making a difference in a world that needs all the help it can get right now. Here, they have created profiles for nearly 100 people from around the world who has chosen to work in extraordinary ways to make their world, and ours, better. We are thankful to them for their dedication, and strength. 

All have worked to bring about change, and to keep up the fight throughout history for human rights, the environment, and so much more. This book would be a perfect fit in a middle years classroom. One or two entries read aloud each day would astound and encourage students to find out more, to look for others, and to get involved in making a difference where they live. 

An introduction is followed by ten chapters that divide the activists into separate themes: Find Your Passion, Don't Accept Things As They Are, Notice What's Needed, Just Get Started, Be An Expert, Stay Focused, Networking Works, Be Flexible, Be Unstoppable, and Dream Big. These chapters are followed by a glossary, a list of resources, and an index - all important features of excellent nonfiction books. 

Each chapter begins with a description of those events and problems that encourage people to become involved in acting for change. Some are historical; many are contemporary. What follows are three profiles of others who have stepped up to make a difference where they are and beyond. The design is appealing and easy to accesss. Archival and recent photos are placed with the entries to help readers with context. Pertinent quotes from a wide range of fellow activists are placed strategically to attract attention.     

Inspiring and uplifting, this is a book that can make an impact for children wanting to learn more, or who want to get out there and make their own small difference in their world. 

"Every day," says Song Kosal, "I will 
do one thing to make peace grow like 
a flower." 

(lost her leg at 5, when she stepped on a 
hidden landmine on the Thailand-Cambodian 
border)