Don't Wait: Three Girls Who Fought for Change and Won

by Sonali Kohli

Follows the stories of three young women activists of color fighting for some of today’s most pressing movements of defunding the police, environmental justice, and arts education

Girls of color have always been on the front lines of the fight for equal rights—to vote, to learn, to live—even when they are the last to benefit from the outcomes of their work. In Don’t Wait , journalist Sonali Kohli follows three teenager’s’ efforts to make their communities safer, healthier places.

Don’t Wait highlights what propelled the teenagers into their activism to their experiences organizing and incorporates Q&As with important lessons from activists who have led the way.

The three teen activists

· Nalleli has lived across the street from an active oil well in South Los Angeles and at age 7, developed serious health problems. Nalleli and her mother take on an oil company and become environmental justice activists.

· Kahlila, following the murder of George Floyd and looking to help fight back, becomes involved with Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles and fights to defund school police in one of the largest school police forces in the nation.

· Sonia, an accomplished singer who was grappling with finding an creative outlet in the pandemic, strove to increase access to arts education in schools across California.

As the young women transitioning from teen to adult activists, Don’t Wait reflects the powerful lessons they’ve learned in their activism while building movements in their communities that will continue to live on as they move forward.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Ian Lendler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read/must-give to any politically minded high school or college-aged student. Not only does it go into the story of these three remarkable young women (who fought for causes they believed in and actually WON), but it does so with a terrific sense of empathy for the struggles young women go through.

There are interviews about mental health, finding moments for personal growth, and how to think about being the most effective activist possible. These are subjects that don't normally appear in "fight the power" books and I think it's a really valuable contribution to the field of activism.

Great writing and reporting. Highly recommend.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Wait follows the activism of three teenage girls. Inspiring to see the things that ordinary people are able to achieve once they are motivated to work for change.

The book includes their individual stories as well as information om activism in general. There are discussion questions and activities for deeper connection with the information and the material.

I think this book will be well received by teenagers interested in careers in politics or social justice.

Read as part of the first round of the Cybils book awards in the category of high school nonfiction.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really powerful, but emotionally draining to read due to the subject matter. Some people might feel inspired reading this; I feel worried and exhausted and guilty. And confused because they kept switching between 3 stories plus out of context interviews and I lost track immediately of who was who. So if you struggle with remembering names like me- make a cheat sheet or something. 3 stars because it’s important to learn about this stuff, this just wasn’t my preferred format.

[Olivia Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so crazy reading a book about my good friend Sonia! So proud of her and all the hard work she’s done to advocate for the importance of arts education. These three young girls truly inspired me to make change!

[Meena Kapur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Wait by Sonali Kohli is an inspiring and empowering read that encourages readers to seize the moment and take control of their lives. This book is great for teens passionate about social justice, offering guidance on how they can make a positive impact in their communities.

[ShaylaZero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the message of these strong young women!
I personally didn't like the structure of this book, I feel the story and struggles could have been better written.
Girl power!!

[Indira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for empowering high school students.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

three inspirational stories that will inspire young people to be the change they want to see.

[Heather Valentine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting stories of what three young women achieved but difficult to follow with format split into sections, rather than each girl's story being told consecutively