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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Right Now!: Real Kids Speaking Up For Change. Written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Bea Jackson. Clarion Books, Raincoast. 2021. $23.99 ages 8 and up

 


"Mix one part childhood curiosity, 
one part Dad's encouragement, 
and a thousand questions. 
Let the potion steep for a few years
until it's got a steady voice bubbling up. 
Sprinkle in failure
(a few times over),
and pour in buckets of determination, 
until you cook up a good idea. 
Yield: A possible cure for cancer. 
Serves: Millions of patients worldwide.
"

Here are five names: Jonas Corona, Jazz Jennings, Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, and Bobby Novak. Are you familiar with each of them? I was not. Having read their inspiring profiles in this new book by Miranda Paul, I am much better informed than I was. Your kids at home and in school will be equally impressed to learn about the young activists whose stories are told here. 

"Has anyone ever asked you: 
What do you want to be when you grow up?

Here's a new question: 

What do you want 
to do right now?"

Ms. Paul encourages kids who want to make a difference to speak up, to make a change, to help someone. It's possible, and a worthy pursuit. 

Two-page spreads introduce young people who are brave, smart, persistent, articulate when speaking for other children, and creative. Sophie Cruz is first; she was only five when she handed Pope Francis a letter explaining the fear felt by immigrants who are separated from their families, or deported. A free verse poem, a factual paragraph, and a personal quote are accompanied by colorful digital illustrations that center of the child and the challenge faced. One of the spreads features 18 young people who are 'speaking up for voiceless animals'. 

These children live in places around the world; each has found a way to make a difference where they live, and beyond, with their actions. They are an inspiration. 

"The Animal Hero Kids

Lucia, Kimaya, Evan, Landon, 
Genesis, Josie, Ian, Rilee, 
Khendall, Hannah 

Helping farm and domesticated 
animals.
"

https://www.animalherokids.org/

Back matter includes an author's note, a section called You Can Speak Up Too! Actions to Make a Difference, a glossary, a bibliography and quote sources. 

Robby Novak 'speaks up for everyone', and encourages readers with this quote: 

"Treat everybody 
like it's their birthday." 

Wonderful words to live by! 

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