Amazing Activists Who Are Changing Our World

Rebecca Schiller, illustrated by Sophie Beer

This thought-provoking book from Rebecca Schiller, co-founder of the human rights charity Birthrights, features 20 activists from history to the present day, all of whom are viewed as positive and uplifting role models for young children today. 

Readers can learn about the life and times of each activist, and how they used their individual skills and strengths to change the world for the better. Alongside the activists’ stories, beautifully enhanced with stylish, bright illustrations by Sophie Beer, are 20 activities to kick-start children’s own interest in activism and campaigning. These range from practical activities such as ways to save water or design an accessible website for visually impaired people, to more contemplative suggestions such as compiling a list of rights for children. Breakout panels throughout the book explain difficult terms or feature other related activists and role models.

The 20 incredible activists range from historical role models such as Emmeline Pankhurst, the anti-slavery campaigner Harriet Tubman and the world-famous figures of Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, to contemporary activists such as the climate change activist Greta Thunberg, the ‘education for girls’ campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai, whose work with African women led to over 50 million trees being planted in her native Kenya and across 15 other African countries. 

Amazing Activists provides plenty of opportunity for both positive discussion and practical actions around a range of topical issues that threaten our planet and the lives of ordinary people. It’s a book to inspire innovative ideas and to encourage children to come up with their own suggestions for ways of improving the world we live in.

Published by Walker Books

Reviewed by Jane Walker