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You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World
Being a good citizen means standing up for what’s right―and here’s just the way to start. From the author of The Gutsy Girl , this kids' guide to activism is the perfect book for those with a fierce sense of justice, a good sense of humor, and a big heart. This guide features change-maker tips, tons of DIY activities, and stories about the kids who have paved the way before, from famous activists like Malala Yousafzai and Claudette Colvin to the everyday young people whose habit changes triggered huge ripple effects. So make a sign, write a letter, volunteer, sit-in, or march! There are lots of tactics to choose from, and you’re never too young to change the world.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2018
12 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Paul
19 books139 followersCaroline Paul is an American writer of fiction and nonfiction. Trained as a journalist and documentary filmmaker at Stanford University, she instead pursued a career as a firefighter, as one of the first women hired by the San Francisco Fire department. She worked most of her career on Rescue 2, where she and her crew were responsible for search and rescue in fires. Rescue 2 members were also trained and sent on scuba dive searches, rope and rapelling rescues, surf rescues, confined space rescues, all hazardous material calls, and the most severe train and car wrecks.
Source: Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 30, 2018
Informative text about social problems, change, advocacy and action. Good mix of historical and contemporary examples of how to affect change at a local and global level. Obviously an American publication - would be interested in reading something with Australian examples too.
May 20, 2018
As a librarian, I’ve had kids and parents ask for this book club and now I have a great book to offer. Not just practical methods of activism, but also includes how to respectfully be an ally, tips on privilege and intersectionality, and reading list. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
August 8, 2018
Does what it sets out to do. It’s very readable, and breaks a big topic into manageable steps that even kids can follow (if so driven). It respects its intended audience throughout. Short, with a writing style that is entertaining but never flippant.
I don’t see it as a problem personally, but it is worth noting that the author is clearly a liberal who definitely dislikes Trump. I’m mentioning it, because I think it’s worth mentioning when a book has a very clear and obvious bias (even if it’s one I agree with).
I don’t see it as a problem personally, but it is worth noting that the author is clearly a liberal who definitely dislikes Trump. I’m mentioning it, because I think it’s worth mentioning when a book has a very clear and obvious bias (even if it’s one I agree with).
January 1, 2024
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and had the perfect amount of humor, and I am so glad I saw it at the library. I want to own this book now because I think it is very motivating and helpful. The illustrations were fantastic as well.
February 8, 2023
Amazing book meant for little rebels against the system! The illustrations of Lauren Tamaki made it very interactive and enjoyable; the text itself feels very inviting for younger activists, I'd say from six to twelve years old. It touches very important subjects, like intersectionality or allyship. In my opinion, sometimes it felt a bit delusional, but then it provided examples - for example in the "talk face to face" chapter - so maybe it's me who needs to deconstruct some beliefs. In conclusion, this book is an inspiration and it's indispensable to understand the power of every single person, no matter their age.
June 14, 2025
“This book will help channel your emotions into action.”
From simple tactics like changing your own habits and writing letters to more complex ideas like Guerrilla Theater or Inventing the change you want to see in the world, this book discusses 19 tactics used by people who want to make a change in the world.
I love the structure of the book. It starts with defining the tactic and how it works. Gives a specific example of a young person who has used this tactic successfully and then has a “workbook” page that gives step by step instructions on how to carry out the tactic, including advice like researching the topic, questions you should ask and getting adults involved, when needed.
There are also pages for Activist tips: These tips include the definition of each topic and how they can impact your success as an activist. These topics include intersectionality, direct action, privilege, be an ally, escalate, press releases, and civil disobedience.
Includes a reading list “for more inspiring stories” of kids making change in the world.
From simple tactics like changing your own habits and writing letters to more complex ideas like Guerrilla Theater or Inventing the change you want to see in the world, this book discusses 19 tactics used by people who want to make a change in the world.
I love the structure of the book. It starts with defining the tactic and how it works. Gives a specific example of a young person who has used this tactic successfully and then has a “workbook” page that gives step by step instructions on how to carry out the tactic, including advice like researching the topic, questions you should ask and getting adults involved, when needed.
There are also pages for Activist tips: These tips include the definition of each topic and how they can impact your success as an activist. These topics include intersectionality, direct action, privilege, be an ally, escalate, press releases, and civil disobedience.
Includes a reading list “for more inspiring stories” of kids making change in the world.
January 29, 2018
I chose it as my rep pick so I thought it was probably worth reading! This is a super cute manifesto for young activists (I’d say a precocious eight-year old would be the youngest potential audience) full of William Blake-style illustrations by Jillian Tamaki. Most of the content is relevant for kids all over the world (Find a cause that means something to you! Take action! Be aware of your privilege! Be a good ally!) but there is some American-centric content about how to reach out to your state representative, etc. There are stories of real kid activists from around the world, including Malala, #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias, and many other less well known youths. US content notwithstanding (which is why it lost a star), I highly recommend this book!
December 7, 2017
A must-buy for every kid to change the world and make it a better place!
June 15, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
As an educator, I am always thrilled to find books that work well as an instructional tool and are well-designed by folks who understand the reflective process as a means to promote self-discovery and engagement. As a developer of leaders, it is rare to find something so simple but so powerful in a concise, compelling, and genuinely fun book. As a parent, this book gives me hope for the future of children like mine who want to make changes in their communities.
You Are Mighty is meant to a guide for kids interested in pursuing politics and policy, community engagement, or campaigning for causes. It is complete with beautiful stories of kids who have paved the way, important context for various types of movements and activism, and a step-by-step guide to engage in those activities with important worksheets to ensure readers are thinking carefully about what those movements mean to them.
You Are Mighty is meant to be for kids but it is for everyone. For everyone who has said ‘I care a lot about this but I don’t know where to start,’ or ‘I have this idea but what do I do now?’ It is for those who have already started making change and need a fresh perspective or those who simply have no idea where to begin. I found this book so useful, practical, and empowering I ordered copies for all of the group members (who range in age from their early 20s to early 40s) of a leadership organization I am a part of.
There is no age limit on making change and we need more works like this that empower our young people to be a part of building the world they want to be a part of someday.
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
As an educator, I am always thrilled to find books that work well as an instructional tool and are well-designed by folks who understand the reflective process as a means to promote self-discovery and engagement. As a developer of leaders, it is rare to find something so simple but so powerful in a concise, compelling, and genuinely fun book. As a parent, this book gives me hope for the future of children like mine who want to make changes in their communities.
You Are Mighty is meant to a guide for kids interested in pursuing politics and policy, community engagement, or campaigning for causes. It is complete with beautiful stories of kids who have paved the way, important context for various types of movements and activism, and a step-by-step guide to engage in those activities with important worksheets to ensure readers are thinking carefully about what those movements mean to them.
You Are Mighty is meant to be for kids but it is for everyone. For everyone who has said ‘I care a lot about this but I don’t know where to start,’ or ‘I have this idea but what do I do now?’ It is for those who have already started making change and need a fresh perspective or those who simply have no idea where to begin. I found this book so useful, practical, and empowering I ordered copies for all of the group members (who range in age from their early 20s to early 40s) of a leadership organization I am a part of.
There is no age limit on making change and we need more works like this that empower our young people to be a part of building the world they want to be a part of someday.
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 8, 2022
I wanted to give this a better rating, some of the information in this book would be really good, but it is written to me as the authors own protest against political things they don't agree with. There is a lot of focus on current matters and very small scope to these issues. I feel if they were going to focus so much on these topics they should of displayed views on both sides of the issues, to make this fair to all, and there are several things that are not mentioned that are equally as important and kids have been just as active in. It also speaks to the reader as if they are maybe 2nd to 4th grader where the actions it wants one to take are much more mature. I would not want my children to read this, however I may take parts of this book that are not sided to share with them, but I would not encourage them to read it on their own without having discussions over much of the examples. Finally I was very disappointed when one kids business was mentioned, and then the brand was never shared with the audience. To share their story, and then not share the name of what they created was just not good practice in my opinion, when the author took every other opt. to talk about other things in great detail.
November 20, 2018
You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World by Caroline Paul, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki, 113 pages. NON-FICTION. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2018. $18.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This book seamlessly combines information on activism, examples of activism, and advice for activism in one place with black and red illustrations throughout. This book is organized around 19 steps for getting involved that include steps like, “Change Your Habits,” “Write a Letter,” and “Invent Something.”
My favorite thing about this book is the examples of real kids making a real difference. Even as an adult, I feel like there is very little I can do to affect societal change, but I genuinely felt like individuals can indeed make a difference after reading this book. I value books for their ability to take an overwhelming concept and humanize it and make it accessible, and this book does just that.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This book seamlessly combines information on activism, examples of activism, and advice for activism in one place with black and red illustrations throughout. This book is organized around 19 steps for getting involved that include steps like, “Change Your Habits,” “Write a Letter,” and “Invent Something.”
My favorite thing about this book is the examples of real kids making a real difference. Even as an adult, I feel like there is very little I can do to affect societal change, but I genuinely felt like individuals can indeed make a difference after reading this book. I value books for their ability to take an overwhelming concept and humanize it and make it accessible, and this book does just that.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 1, 2018
As a mom, teacher, and child advocate… I know that children have amazing outlooks on life and love to have their words heard- either in play or being serious. When it comes to large matters that affect other people often times they have been shut out. With easier access to information and being able to connect with other children around the globe – times have changed. Kids have realized they have more voice now than ever and they can make a difference. This book takes a look at different ways this can happen with simple explanations and examples from other children around the world and throughout history. It also gives tips and provides question prompts to help your thought process and call you to action. I think this book should be made available to every young person and in every classroom. This is a much needed book for the times we live in. Children need to know that whatever their cause, whatever slight change or reach they make… that they can achieve change; that they are mighty.
August 18, 2023
A wonderful book about ways that kids can make a difference concerning a wide variety of issues. This book offers tips for youngsters that want to promote change for the better, as well as motivational stories and quotes from other young activists throughout history. There are a ton of DIY activity ideas and cute illustrations that help this book a positive tool for passionate students who want to expand their thinking or find ideas about how they can make a difference.
I envision teachers implementing this book in their classroom after a discussion about an instance of social injustice. After students have had meaningful discussions and understand the context for the issue at hand, this book provides a chance for students to explore tangible ways that people have helped- and how they can help too.
I envision teachers implementing this book in their classroom after a discussion about an instance of social injustice. After students have had meaningful discussions and understand the context for the issue at hand, this book provides a chance for students to explore tangible ways that people have helped- and how they can help too.
July 19, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
You Are Mighty - A Guide To Changing The World by @carolinembpaul
What are you passionate about? This book is filled with ways kids can change the world. There are steps laid out and ideas to use in order to make these changes happen. ✨Along with the steps there is a ‘workbook’ section to give kids a chance to think things through. The book includes stories of children who have made a big difference by following many of these steps.
✨I recommend this book in middle grade classrooms. I can absolutely see those wheels turning as kids read this guide on changing the world! See a peek of the book in my stories!
You Are Mighty - A Guide To Changing The World by @carolinembpaul
What are you passionate about? This book is filled with ways kids can change the world. There are steps laid out and ideas to use in order to make these changes happen. ✨Along with the steps there is a ‘workbook’ section to give kids a chance to think things through. The book includes stories of children who have made a big difference by following many of these steps.
✨I recommend this book in middle grade classrooms. I can absolutely see those wheels turning as kids read this guide on changing the world! See a peek of the book in my stories!
April 28, 2021
Soy Activista es un manual para introducir a los más pequeños en el mundo del activismo y animarles a defender las causas sociales que más les inquieten.
A lo largo del libro, las autoras dan a los niños las herramientas necesarias para que tomen conciencia social y luchen por cambiar aquello que les parece injusto.
Además, con un lenguaje muy cercano y toques de humor, nos presentan a otros niños que han conseguido iniciar o liderar una lucha sin ser necesariamente las ya conocidas Malala o Greta Thumberg.
Me parece un libro que todos los niños deberían leer para despertar así al luchador y activista que llevan dentro.
A lo largo del libro, las autoras dan a los niños las herramientas necesarias para que tomen conciencia social y luchen por cambiar aquello que les parece injusto.
Además, con un lenguaje muy cercano y toques de humor, nos presentan a otros niños que han conseguido iniciar o liderar una lucha sin ser necesariamente las ya conocidas Malala o Greta Thumberg.
Me parece un libro que todos los niños deberían leer para despertar así al luchador y activista que llevan dentro.
January 20, 2019
Paul, Caroline. Illustrated by Lauren Tamaki. You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World. NewYork, Bloomsbury, 2018.
Intended for middle-grade readers, this how-to book could easily help young adults and adults navigate the how-to of leading social change. Real-life examples give each act of activism life and provide accessible ideas to many children. While the focus on disability could have been more prominent, this book is a solid introduction for how to initiate change in local communities and beyond. The Workbook sections help young reader think through the why and how of each tactic presented.
Intended for middle-grade readers, this how-to book could easily help young adults and adults navigate the how-to of leading social change. Real-life examples give each act of activism life and provide accessible ideas to many children. While the focus on disability could have been more prominent, this book is a solid introduction for how to initiate change in local communities and beyond. The Workbook sections help young reader think through the why and how of each tactic presented.
May 31, 2018
I loved this book! It's practical and energizing. Each chapter focuses on simple, practical ways to change the world from writing letters to organizing a march to making lifestyle changes. I liked that it included stories of other young activists who've made a difference in the world, too. This is a great book for middle or late elementary school kids and for families to read together. It definitely made me want to change the world with my kids.
March 18, 2021
I thought that this book was super empowering and made me feel inspired to make a difference. This is a non-fiction book that talks about ways that you can protest and make a difference. I generally don't read non-fiction but this book was full of fun illustrations and felt very lighthearted. It also gave great examples of people who used these protest techniques.
I think that everyone should read this book
I think that everyone should read this book
June 23, 2018
This guide is so very, very well done and age appropriate. If you have a young activist in your life, or maybe you yourself aren't sure where to begin, pick up this book! Each step to becoming an activist is clearly explained and made complete with a relevant story of a real life, young activist. At the end of each section are questions to help you find your cause and apply what you've learned.
June 25, 2018
For kids who are interested in learning about they can do to effect change in the world, from learning more about issues, to protesting and educating others, this is a helpful guide for new/young activists. It includes profiles of other young activists and shares stories about their contributions and causes. An important resource that will help young people in their quest to make a difference.
June 13, 2019
Solidly elementary/middle, but good actionable tips on myriad ways kids can and have gotten socially involved. Glad it deals with intersectionality and privilege and how to be an ally without always being the loudest organizing voice/center of the action.
November 22, 2019
If you know a kid who is upset by something in the world, this book can teach them how to get involved and make lasting important change. This teaches the reader how to be resilient and proactive in a very manageable way.
July 21, 2018
What a great book for young readers to read and be inspired!!!!
July 30, 2018
I love a book that encourages youth activists. This one is bright, positive, and full of great ideas and inspiration.
June 13, 2019
It really teaches us the meaning and dedication of taking action and the results that come after. THANK YOU MS. EDWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 19, 2019
Has good information on how to make a change.
July 10, 2020
Brutal
January 27, 2023
gràcies per aquest llibre!! m'ha servit molt!
June 27, 2018
This book is superb and takes a modern look at ways for tweens/teens to get involved. To be fair, I found value in it from an adult’s perspective, too. It’s simple, straightforward and genuine. A staple for classroom’s bookshelves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews