How to Become an Accidental Activist

April 1, 2021

Gr 5-8-This collection spotlights a variety of activists from around the world, including high-profile figures such as Greta Thunberg and lesser-known individuals such as Pushpa Basnet, a Nepali social worker who advocates and cares for the children of imprisoned women in Nepal. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of activism, from finding one's passion to being flexible. Brief profiles of those who are working on initiatives such as climate change and human rights provide basic information about the individuals or groups, their work, and their motivations. Although a few historical activists are covered, the majority of the movements described are still in progress. This book details the endeavors of young people and incorporates information about events as recent as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Boldface words and phrases are interwoven throughout. Colorful sidebars highlight quotations and explanations that support the narrative, and large, clear photographs appear on each spread. Chapters start with a whimsical digital collage illustration. Back matter includes a glossary, a list of resources, and an index. VERDICT This volume will inspire readers to conduct further investigation into the movements that excite them, and they might be spurred to stand up and make their voices heard.-Sarah Reid, Four County Lib. Syst., NY

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2019
Grades 4-7 Accidental geniuses are people whose mishaps and failures have led to useful innovations, inventions, and scientific breakthroughs. This colorful book profiles dozens of individuals within thematic chapters with titles such as Don't Make Assumptions and Be Persistent. The Pay Attention chapter introduces Mary Anderson as the inventor of the windshield wiper, George Washington Carver as the innovative biologist now remembered for recognizing the peanut's potential, and Alexander Fleming, whose development of penicillin began when he noticed that mold had accidentally fallen into a dish of bacteria. Women and minorities are well represented, from Grace Hopper (COBOL) to Patricia Bath (laser cataract treatment) to Narinder Singh Kapany (fiber optics), and several young, contemporary innovators are introduced as well. Sidebars carry related information and sometimes spotlight kids as inventors. The book's glossy pages present an inviting combination of color photos, archival photos, and original art. With many geniuses included and a good deal of space devoted to illustrations, each introduction is limited in length but usefully concise. An informative overview with an upbeat look and a lively text.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)