You Are Mighty

March 1, 2018

Gr 6 Up-A guide to changing the world might seem intimidating, but Paul breaks down activism for teens in an easily digestible way. Organized on a scale of least intimidating to the most, topics include creating protest signs and letter-writing campaigns, shooting videos, and organizing marches. Tamaki's sketched illustrations complement and enhance the writing. Paul is a realist; she does not shy away from discussing privilege and the court system in her approach to how a teen might change the world. And with a series of questions at the end of each chapter, readers are spurred to action by verbalizing their cause. The book is well executed and tidy in a utilitarian way. It is not looking for an argument but harnessing the power and voice of a newer generation based on the historical value placed on age-old approaches and how new ones have fared. Real-life examples punctuate each element in the guide; for instance, Tokata Iron Eyes and her friends use of hashtags to spread their petition about the Dakota Access Pipeline. Simply put, what once was straightforward petitioning can now be capitalized through social media. VERDICT Every public library should purchase a copy to plant the seed or empower teens already active in speaking up for injustice.-Alicia Abdul, Albany High School, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
The author of The Gutsy Girl (2016, illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton) addresses young would-be activists in this how-to manual for effecting change in the world.Paul opens her book with a letter addressed to young readers in which she connects children's determination to stand up for their personal likes and dislikes to their power to change the world. She then lists 18 actions people of all ages can take to stand up for causes they believe in, from the small ("Change Your Habits," "Make a Protest Sign," "Petition," "Volunteer," "Raise Money," "Write a Letter") to the large ("Perform Guerilla Theater," "Invent Something," "Take Them to Court," "March," "Walk Out," "Just Sit Down"). Each section features true stories of people as young as 6 who took these actions on issues they cared about and had their voices heard. Each section also includes a "workbook" section, with a list of steps to take in order to complete the action. Interspersed throughout are "Activist Tips" that explain terms such as "escalate," "privilege," "intersectionality" and "direct action." Paul makes a point of encouraging people with privilege to take the stance of an ally rather than speaking for disadvantaged groups. She also cautions readers to understand the potential repercussions of direct action, "especially if you are a kid of color." As clear and responsible as the author is, young readers may still need adult guidance to understand how these sections apply to their lives. Tamaki's loose black-and-white illustrations include children of many races and at least one woman wearing a hijab.For kids who are passionate about effecting change and for those who aren't aware of their potential impact, this book is a useful guide for brainstorming and inspiration. (further reading) (Nonfiction. 9-13)

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January 1, 2019
This informative and empowering guide encourages teens to improve the world by becoming activists. Paul explains eighteen direct actions teens can take for social change, ranging from petitioning and boycotting to legal action and protests; the point of view is distinctly progressive. Supplemented with Tamaki's sketchlike monochromatic drawings, each concise chapter also concludes with questions and suggestions.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)