“It IS time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and strength.” – Maya Angelou
Changemakers take action. They help others, they help the natural world, and they help by inspiring hope…
These books show that big actions and small actions, repeated over time, can make a powerful impact. Their characters and plots can provide a vision and voice for future changemakers. How will your family make a difference?
Below you’ll find books, conversation launchers and activities that are appropriate for High Schoolers around the concept of “Changemakers”.
GREAT BOOKS & CONVOS
African Town
By Irene Latham & Charles Waters
Why We LOVE This Book
In 1860, 100+ men, women, and children were captured from Benin and Nigeria and shipped on a ship, Clotilda, to Mobile, Alabama. Their journey was horrendous and they were forced into slavery once they arrived in America. At the end of the Civil War, they decided to make a change and founded African Town. This historical novel-in-verse tells a story of courage, perseverance, and the desire to make positive changes for their futures.
Conversation Launchers
Super Adjacent
By Crystal Cestari
Why We LOVE This Book
Claire has always wanted to work with superheroes and will do almost anything to get the internship at one of the Warrior Nation branches in Chicago, in order to make a change. At the same time, Bridgette wants out of Warrior Nation because she believes some of the superheroes are losing sight of making changes for the good of humanity, because of branding and wanting to become more popular, such as her boyfriend, Matt aka Vaporizer. At times, there is a fine line between wanting to make positive changes and wanting to be noticed by society.
Conversation Launchers
Keep the Conversation Going!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
MORE GREAT READS
Glimmer of Hope: How Tragedy Sparked A Movement
The March for Our Lives Founders
This Side of Home
Renée Watson
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): The True Story of the Fight for Justice
Bryan Stevenson
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Resources for OTHER AGE GROUPS
Below you’ll find books and activities that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Changemakers.”
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
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– Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founder