What do you think?
Rate this book
You Can Change the World!: Everyday Teen Heroes Making a Difference Everywhere
**Joint Gold Winner of the Moonbeam Multicultural Non-Fiction Award 2019** This inspirational book tells the stories of more than 50 of today's teenagers who've dared to change the world they live in. It's been written to show other teens they can do the same. Bestselling author Margaret Rooke asks teens about their experiences of being volunteers, social entrepreneurs and campaigners, online and beyond. They explain how they have survived in a world often obsessed by celebrity, social media and appearance, by refusing to conform to other's expectations. If you want to achieve against the odds and create genuine impact, this book may be the encouragement you need. The interviews cover race, sexuality, violence, grief, neurodiversity, bullying and other issues central to life today. Read about teens from around the world including
- Trisha, 18, who has invented a way of preventing bullying online
- Dillon, 18, who takes damaged and donated clothing and upcycles it for the homeless
- Guro, 13, who persuaded a pop band to portray women differently in its video
- 'Happy D', 19, who learned to read at 14 and found ways to build his confidence
- Heraa, 19, who fights Islamophobia online.
- Ruben, 18, bullied because of Down's Syndrome, now a successful actor
- Lucy who, at 14, walked into Tesco head office and persuaded them not to sell eggs from caged hens.
- Cameron, 17, who has cerebral palsy and was side-lined by soccer teams who set up his own team 'Adversity United'
- Alex, 18, who broke his back on his 15th birthday and says his injury has taught him to care for others
- Amika, 18, who fights 'Period Poverty'
- Jesse, 15, who's seven feet tall and embraces his stature
- Billy, 18, who wore full make up every day at high school
- Trisha, 18, who has invented a way of preventing bullying online
- Dillon, 18, who takes damaged and donated clothing and upcycles it for the homeless
- Guro, 13, who persuaded a pop band to portray women differently in its video
- 'Happy D', 19, who learned to read at 14 and found ways to build his confidence
- Heraa, 19, who fights Islamophobia online.
- Ruben, 18, bullied because of Down's Syndrome, now a successful actor
- Lucy who, at 14, walked into Tesco head office and persuaded them not to sell eggs from caged hens.
- Cameron, 17, who has cerebral palsy and was side-lined by soccer teams who set up his own team 'Adversity United'
- Alex, 18, who broke his back on his 15th birthday and says his injury has taught him to care for others
- Amika, 18, who fights 'Period Poverty'
- Jesse, 15, who's seven feet tall and embraces his stature
- Billy, 18, who wore full make up every day at high school
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2019
4 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 20, 2019
You Can Change the World is an important and inspirational book targeted at teenagers and featuring thought-provoking, conversation-starter stories from teens around the world. Each true tale shows readers that it is possible for one person to make a huge contribution to an area so long as they have the courage to try. They are all engaging and absorbing but like any story collection, you tend to enjoy some more than others. They have all done something amazing related to a topic close to their heart. Each is well written with a distinct voice and a much-needed uplifting message in a world devoid of hope.
They are all teens going through the usual teen troubles but also doing extraordinarily selfless things to help the world move forward and into a better place one small step at a time. Told in their own words these stories can be dipped in and out of at leisure or read cover to cover in a single sitting. It is the perfect book for ambitious teens who wish to chase big dreams and should be in every library and classroom. Many teens feel they do not have a voice but given that they are the next generation of adults it's only right that they can shape the world that will soon be their oyster. This is altruism at its finest. Many thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an ARC.
They are all teens going through the usual teen troubles but also doing extraordinarily selfless things to help the world move forward and into a better place one small step at a time. Told in their own words these stories can be dipped in and out of at leisure or read cover to cover in a single sitting. It is the perfect book for ambitious teens who wish to chase big dreams and should be in every library and classroom. Many teens feel they do not have a voice but given that they are the next generation of adults it's only right that they can shape the world that will soon be their oyster. This is altruism at its finest. Many thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an ARC.
May 13, 2019
It was a good reading, full of rather inspiring stories of teenagers from all over in life. It is a book filled with hope, hope for a change, hope for faith in a better world
June 17, 2019
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: 21 June 2019.
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley for review. This is a collection of stories from teenagers all over the world who either have made a difference for others, made a difference for themselves, or both. These teens want the media to view this age-group as more than just troublesome individuals; they want the world to see the power, strength, and talent of teenagers.
This was a quick and powerful read. Each teenager in this novel has a story to tell and they tell it with such passion. It’s easy to see that every voice contained in this book truly believes in their cause, themselves, each other, and the world as a whole. The stories range from campaigns for change (dealing with issues such as cyber bullying, cleaning up beaches, making sanitary products available to all girls, and protecting others from violence) to more personal experiences (such as cerebral palsy, a death in the family, a broken spine, and breaking stereotypes). While I personally didn’t get tons from this book, I respect and encourage the messages within, and feel it is an important book for teenagers to read. I highly recommend to teenagers (or anyone!) who is struggling or who wants to make a change either personally or in the world. Both are just as important.
“My message to all teens and tweens is to have faith in yourself. It’s so easy to get down on yourself. Instead, lead with your strength.”
“The difficulty is getting people to engage with an issue that they feel is ‘insignificant’ or ‘pointless’ or even ‘stupid’, but you can never allow these voices to change your beliefs, to chip away at any determination that you have.”
“I always have hope that tomorrow will be better than today, no matter what has happened.”
Release Date: 21 June 2019.
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley for review. This is a collection of stories from teenagers all over the world who either have made a difference for others, made a difference for themselves, or both. These teens want the media to view this age-group as more than just troublesome individuals; they want the world to see the power, strength, and talent of teenagers.
This was a quick and powerful read. Each teenager in this novel has a story to tell and they tell it with such passion. It’s easy to see that every voice contained in this book truly believes in their cause, themselves, each other, and the world as a whole. The stories range from campaigns for change (dealing with issues such as cyber bullying, cleaning up beaches, making sanitary products available to all girls, and protecting others from violence) to more personal experiences (such as cerebral palsy, a death in the family, a broken spine, and breaking stereotypes). While I personally didn’t get tons from this book, I respect and encourage the messages within, and feel it is an important book for teenagers to read. I highly recommend to teenagers (or anyone!) who is struggling or who wants to make a change either personally or in the world. Both are just as important.
“My message to all teens and tweens is to have faith in yourself. It’s so easy to get down on yourself. Instead, lead with your strength.”
“The difficulty is getting people to engage with an issue that they feel is ‘insignificant’ or ‘pointless’ or even ‘stupid’, but you can never allow these voices to change your beliefs, to chip away at any determination that you have.”
“I always have hope that tomorrow will be better than today, no matter what has happened.”
February 9, 2020
This is a book I wish I had when I was a teenager. Margaret Rooke tells the stories of 50 different teenagers around the world who have committed to battle what is wrong in their world.
This book will be inspiring for anyone. The stories like the ones told in this book give me so much hope for the future. This generation is filled with incredible people who aren't waiting to make a difference. I am grateful for each of them.
For teenagers, this book with open their hearts to help them identify areas that they are passionate about. They will be able to ask the question "What should I do about what is happening in my community."
What a brilliant concept for a book that is also well executed! It was easy to read and engaging. Put this in every library and buy a copy for every young man and woman in your life!
The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts
This book will be inspiring for anyone. The stories like the ones told in this book give me so much hope for the future. This generation is filled with incredible people who aren't waiting to make a difference. I am grateful for each of them.
For teenagers, this book with open their hearts to help them identify areas that they are passionate about. They will be able to ask the question "What should I do about what is happening in my community."
What a brilliant concept for a book that is also well executed! It was easy to read and engaging. Put this in every library and buy a copy for every young man and woman in your life!
The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts
September 10, 2019
You Can Change the World is a must read for teens, their parents/carers and their teachers. It should be in every school library, especially in Pupil Referral Units for young people excluded from mainstream education, as a source of inspiration and hope. There are so many wonderful examples of young people helping others, making brave choices, changing their own mindsets, overcoming adversity and trauma and much much more. I was particularly struck by Ben’s account of being trans and the difficulties he faced, the recurring messages about body positivity and acceptance of others and young people campaigning in many different ways to make the world a better place. This is a welcome change to all the negative press and stereotyping around teens. They can and do change the world, for the better, and deserve respect. It’s a book that you can pick up anytime for a thought provoking.
May 19, 2019
wow this was amazing!! i honestly believe that teenagers are never seen for how great they are and what they’re capable of. i hate how teens are discouraged and their ideas and their opinions never listened to when this book shows how great teens can be. if i ever have kids it’s definitely something i’d want them to know. my only issue with this is that we didn’t hear from a single transgender teen although it explored queer kids, disabled kids and POC. trans kids deserved to be supported and listened to as well!! i highly recommend this one
May 31, 2019
Excellent and very inspiring book! It should be on every shelf and required reading in every classroom. Teens sometimes feel like they have no power to change or control anything in their lives. This book will show them the power they have to create change in their world. Great stories of every day teens who made a difference.Excellent and very inspiring book!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
December 15, 2019
The title really reveals the message of this book - it features the stories of those who, as teenagers, changed some element of the world around them. Some of the contributors are still young, even as young as thirteen, whereas others are in their twenties but recall their actions. Many have started movements, some have joined and enhanced them. Some have acted out of inspiration that has come to them while living their lives, others have transformed their entire life as a result of what has happened to them. There are those who have had a challenge in their health or ability to cope with school, who have transformed their activities and world view. Some have had issues with their mental health and found strength to cope and flourish. Often a trauma such as the death of a parent or sibling has brought them low, but then given them the inspiration to develop positive schemes. The people writing pieces in this book have had to survive and then thrive, and often done so by moving others to action. They have overturned expectations, challenged the limits of their backgrounds, and really changed the circumstances for themselves and others. This book is in some ways aimed at young people, but the principles of action and positive thinking hold good for people of all ages. It has been a fascinating read, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read and review it.
In amongst these fifty testimonies or snatches of life there are authentic and sometimes moving stories of some great transformations as well as real efforts to make a difference. There are different attitudes to social media; some have harnessed for good and to enable big social efforts, others have rejected it as distracting. Some people have discovered and worked on a talent that they have had to fight to develop such as sport, including creating football playing opportunities for those with a physical disability. Some have changed perceptions of their sexuality, choices in appearance and very identity. Others have mounted campaigns to stop the cruel treatment of animals and the exploitation of the world’s resources.
There are five sections in this book: Demanding Change, Never Giving Up, Finding My Voice, Challenging What Others Think, Discovering My Passion, Turning My Life Around, and Helping Others. It includes stories of feminism and the realisation that the role of girls and young women should not be limiting but empowering. There is much here about those who have raised money and crucial awareness of such diverse matters as cancer, period poverty and difference in abilities, as unexpected talents and strength are revealed. Some revelations in the book relate to the opportunities presented by the teenage stage, in having a clear view of what needs to be done. It has much to say about the elements of teenage life that are so significant, including school, friendship groups, family and community.
This is a positive picture of being a teenager in the twenty first century around the world. It acknowledges the challenges but also celebrates the opportunities created and taken up by determined, resilient and thoughtful young people. There ought to be several copies in every school library, public library and in any other place where it can fall into the hands of young people who can be inspired. The “Tool kit” section at the back briefly gives hints and tips of how to emulate these teenagers. A fascinating book of making a difference for all, this is a worthwhile and memorable read containing vibrant and exciting voices.
In amongst these fifty testimonies or snatches of life there are authentic and sometimes moving stories of some great transformations as well as real efforts to make a difference. There are different attitudes to social media; some have harnessed for good and to enable big social efforts, others have rejected it as distracting. Some people have discovered and worked on a talent that they have had to fight to develop such as sport, including creating football playing opportunities for those with a physical disability. Some have changed perceptions of their sexuality, choices in appearance and very identity. Others have mounted campaigns to stop the cruel treatment of animals and the exploitation of the world’s resources.
There are five sections in this book: Demanding Change, Never Giving Up, Finding My Voice, Challenging What Others Think, Discovering My Passion, Turning My Life Around, and Helping Others. It includes stories of feminism and the realisation that the role of girls and young women should not be limiting but empowering. There is much here about those who have raised money and crucial awareness of such diverse matters as cancer, period poverty and difference in abilities, as unexpected talents and strength are revealed. Some revelations in the book relate to the opportunities presented by the teenage stage, in having a clear view of what needs to be done. It has much to say about the elements of teenage life that are so significant, including school, friendship groups, family and community.
This is a positive picture of being a teenager in the twenty first century around the world. It acknowledges the challenges but also celebrates the opportunities created and taken up by determined, resilient and thoughtful young people. There ought to be several copies in every school library, public library and in any other place where it can fall into the hands of young people who can be inspired. The “Tool kit” section at the back briefly gives hints and tips of how to emulate these teenagers. A fascinating book of making a difference for all, this is a worthwhile and memorable read containing vibrant and exciting voices.
January 1, 2020
This is a brilliant book about teenagers aimed at teenagers. Greta Thunberg has really set the standard for teenagers, she has shown how one person no matter what their age, can set their mind to changing their situation or in some cases the world.
The stories in this book are so uplifting that it really does leave you with a hope for the future, something I know that at the moment can be rare in some.
I would suggest this book is shared in all high schools to show teenagers that their voices matter, they are the next generation.
The stories in this book are so uplifting that it really does leave you with a hope for the future, something I know that at the moment can be rare in some.
I would suggest this book is shared in all high schools to show teenagers that their voices matter, they are the next generation.
August 30, 2019
I really loved this book and the teens featured in it. There is so much apathy in the world it is wonderful to meet young people who are actively campaigning for what they believe in and committing to making this a better world. My teenage children have been inspired by it.
December 14, 2019
You Can Change the World! By Margaret Rooke
**Joint Gold Winner of the Moonbeam Multicultural Non-Fiction Award 2019**
Today is my stop on the You Can Change the World bookstagram tour organised by Random Things Tours and JKP Books
This inspirational book tells the stories of more than 50 of today's teenagers who've dared to change the world they live in. It's been written to show other teens they can do the same. Today’s society can be hard on teenagers and usually the publicity they receive isn’t always positive. I found it so refreshing to read as it was a book full of hope and optimism from teenagers, some of whom have dealt with and overcome adversity.
The book is split into different sections, and each section is made up of individual stories written by the teens themselves. From Trisha, 18, who has invented a way of preventing bullying online to Ruben, 18, bullied because of Down's Syndrome, who is now a successful actor, this book covers so many major and current areas that it’s impossible not to feel empowered after reading this.
The format of the book makes it easy to dip in and out of, the stories being short but uplifting and inspirational. This book should be available in every public and school library as it proves that chasing your dreams and having strong determination, even at a young age, can really pay off. Definitely a book that gives teenagers a strong voice and proves that the next generation really are something special!
**Joint Gold Winner of the Moonbeam Multicultural Non-Fiction Award 2019**
Today is my stop on the You Can Change the World bookstagram tour organised by Random Things Tours and JKP Books
This inspirational book tells the stories of more than 50 of today's teenagers who've dared to change the world they live in. It's been written to show other teens they can do the same. Today’s society can be hard on teenagers and usually the publicity they receive isn’t always positive. I found it so refreshing to read as it was a book full of hope and optimism from teenagers, some of whom have dealt with and overcome adversity.
The book is split into different sections, and each section is made up of individual stories written by the teens themselves. From Trisha, 18, who has invented a way of preventing bullying online to Ruben, 18, bullied because of Down's Syndrome, who is now a successful actor, this book covers so many major and current areas that it’s impossible not to feel empowered after reading this.
The format of the book makes it easy to dip in and out of, the stories being short but uplifting and inspirational. This book should be available in every public and school library as it proves that chasing your dreams and having strong determination, even at a young age, can really pay off. Definitely a book that gives teenagers a strong voice and proves that the next generation really are something special!
December 10, 2019
This is a book full of truly amazing young people. It has 50 interviews with young people from around the world.
Each of these people have a passion, a determination to make this world a better, kinder place through helping and supporting each other.
It covers many subjects, including Cyberbullying, animal rights, environmental issues,
Period poverty, health, disability and welfare issues, mental health, bereavement and grief and more. How these young people have brought their thoughts, their lives and plans to change things. They are determined, eloquent and a power to be reckoned with, underestimate the commitment of the young at your peril.
It also has a simple toolkit at the end, to give some pointers and ideas to help anyone who has something they feel strongly about and how to develop this into something more. Truly an inspiring read, perfect for any teenager and should be in every school library.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Each of these people have a passion, a determination to make this world a better, kinder place through helping and supporting each other.
It covers many subjects, including Cyberbullying, animal rights, environmental issues,
Period poverty, health, disability and welfare issues, mental health, bereavement and grief and more. How these young people have brought their thoughts, their lives and plans to change things. They are determined, eloquent and a power to be reckoned with, underestimate the commitment of the young at your peril.
It also has a simple toolkit at the end, to give some pointers and ideas to help anyone who has something they feel strongly about and how to develop this into something more. Truly an inspiring read, perfect for any teenager and should be in every school library.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
August 10, 2019
Totally uplifting! What I love about this book is the refreshing blend of humility, passion, compassion and candour that springs forth from every story.
Each storyteller has a unique tale to share that is truly informative, engaging and moving. There is so much to admire and be inspired by! This would make a perfect present for anyone who needs a bit of inspiration.
It makes you feel like we can all make a success of ourselves and a difference to the lives of others if we have the passion, determination and belief in our convictions. It was so uplifting to dip in and out of this life-affirming collection of young people's stories - wonderful people who have overcome the odds to dispel stereotypes and help and encourage others. It left me thinking: 'You can indeed change the world!' Another superb book from Margaret Rooke!
Each storyteller has a unique tale to share that is truly informative, engaging and moving. There is so much to admire and be inspired by! This would make a perfect present for anyone who needs a bit of inspiration.
It makes you feel like we can all make a success of ourselves and a difference to the lives of others if we have the passion, determination and belief in our convictions. It was so uplifting to dip in and out of this life-affirming collection of young people's stories - wonderful people who have overcome the odds to dispel stereotypes and help and encourage others. It left me thinking: 'You can indeed change the world!' Another superb book from Margaret Rooke!
April 27, 2020
You Can Change the World!: Everyday Teen Heroes Making a Difference Everywhere by Margaret Rooke is an anthology of 50 inspirational stories from a range of teens.
I have mixed feelings about this book; whilst it is providing teens with a voice, some of their more problematic views were not challenged by Rooke. This would have been a wonderful opportunity to have a discussion, instead the narratives feel like closed pieces, and the cause of this is the format. The book is marketed as a series of interviews, when in actuality, the teens are telling their stories with no active input from Rooke. Personally, I would have liked to see how a similar set of questions would have been answered by each of the teens.
That said, each teen had a unique voice, and it was empowering to read about the change[s] that they have enacted either within their own world, or within their wider communities. As a twenty two year old who works with teens on a daily basis, it reasserts exactly what I know about teens: they are fantastically driven and if they can access the necessary tools, then they will succeed at far more than just the task at hand.
I feel that this book could have been much more diverse in the narratives that it selected. Hopefully, if there are future editions of this book, additional voices can be included, particularly those who are: disabled; trans or gender non-conforming; from low income households; and living outside of the West. This obviously isn’t an exhaustive list, the aim should be for all children/teens to be able to situate themselves inside one of these narratives. Representation is imperative in this type of literature.
Overall, this is an inspirational read and shows that teens do not need to take the responsibility of changing the entire world onto their shoulders, but their actions can positively impact it. Being able to read about your peers affecting change on a more tangible level should be reassuring and encouraging.
*I received a free copy of this via NetGalley for review*
I have mixed feelings about this book; whilst it is providing teens with a voice, some of their more problematic views were not challenged by Rooke. This would have been a wonderful opportunity to have a discussion, instead the narratives feel like closed pieces, and the cause of this is the format. The book is marketed as a series of interviews, when in actuality, the teens are telling their stories with no active input from Rooke. Personally, I would have liked to see how a similar set of questions would have been answered by each of the teens.
That said, each teen had a unique voice, and it was empowering to read about the change[s] that they have enacted either within their own world, or within their wider communities. As a twenty two year old who works with teens on a daily basis, it reasserts exactly what I know about teens: they are fantastically driven and if they can access the necessary tools, then they will succeed at far more than just the task at hand.
I feel that this book could have been much more diverse in the narratives that it selected. Hopefully, if there are future editions of this book, additional voices can be included, particularly those who are: disabled; trans or gender non-conforming; from low income households; and living outside of the West. This obviously isn’t an exhaustive list, the aim should be for all children/teens to be able to situate themselves inside one of these narratives. Representation is imperative in this type of literature.
Overall, this is an inspirational read and shows that teens do not need to take the responsibility of changing the entire world onto their shoulders, but their actions can positively impact it. Being able to read about your peers affecting change on a more tangible level should be reassuring and encouraging.
*I received a free copy of this via NetGalley for review*
July 27, 2019
But this book and share it if you work with young people or have teens at home. True stories of teen achievements large and small: the boy whose make-up was so admired at school that his female classmates asked him to do theirs for prom. The girl who changed the UK law so sanitary protection will be free in schools. Teens running businesses, launching campaigns, and standing up for themselves and what they believe in. Inspirational for kids seeking purpose, or who may have lost their way. Easy to read, empowering and not at all worthy or dull.
May 10, 2019
A great book filled with amazing stories of teenagers from all walks of life. This book will inspire others to go out there and chase their dreams and never give up hope.
October 16, 2021
I received a free copy of the book for review purposes in my role as a children's writer; however, I also reviewed it as a parent, too, and what a read it was. Fifty-two sets of testimony taken from teenagers and young people sharing inspiring stories of how they helped others or helped themselves turn their lives around. A story for every week in the year! Stories of seeking change in the world, never giving up, finding their voice and challenging what others think that will leave you feeling both sad there is still so much inequity in the world, today, but hopeful and inspired how so many are striving for a more egalitarian and socially just society shared by all. Bravo, Margaret Rooke! And bravo to all you courageous youngsters out there!
June 17, 2021
This is a lovely book and one that fills you with hope for the future!! Teenagers often get a bad press but this book shows you just how many are out there doing wonderful things (big and small).
As one quote from a story says " Teenage years are when we have energy and enough compassion to do something we believe in"
We are quite a way off having a teenager but this book showed me that the teenage years don't have to be something we dread!!!
A lovely book, great for teens and those working with teens. We would definitely recommend this book.
As one quote from a story says " Teenage years are when we have energy and enough compassion to do something we believe in"
We are quite a way off having a teenager but this book showed me that the teenage years don't have to be something we dread!!!
A lovely book, great for teens and those working with teens. We would definitely recommend this book.
July 10, 2019
I don't typically go for nonfiction, but this one was quite an interesting read. Reading a book all about people your age and younger doing everything in their power to change their lives and the lives of everyone around them is very inspiring!
This book being nonfiction, though, means that it's a bit harder to get through and it feels more dense.
This book being nonfiction, though, means that it's a bit harder to get through and it feels more dense.
Read
April 21, 2019 dnf
me: is having constant anxiety over never achieving anything in my life and living under a bridge and disappointing my parents etc.
also me: picks up a book of kids my age accomplishing amazing things and basically changing the world.
me: is having constant anxiety over never achieving anything in my life and living under a bridge and disappointing my parents etc.
also me: picks up a book of kids my age accomplishing amazing things and basically changing the world.
November 22, 2019
You Can Change the World presents a very strong message for teenagers throughout the world. This books showcases that one person can make quite an impact on their community so long as they are willing to try and make a change.
September 10, 2019
Brilliant read about inspiring teens. Great gift for kids and grandkids everywhere.
December 29, 2019
inspiring
June 2, 2019
Rating: 2/5
Source: ARC from Netgalley for review
Pages: 240
Summary
A collection of vignettes, each a few pages long, from about 50 teenagers to inspire fellow teenagers to take action in the world, get through adverse experiences or turn their lives around.
The Good
There was a variety of stories, and some of them were indeed inspiring, like the girl who got Tesco to agree to stop selling eggs from caged hens or the guy into fashion design who makes clothes for the homeless.
It wasn't just famous people. There were a lot of people I know or know of from the teen activism/science fair circuit but there was only one of them here. Whether that was because the author couldn't get a piece from them or chose not to talk to them, I don't know. It would've been interesting to hear from, for example, Greta Thunberg and Jamie Margolin. However, it was good to give these lesser-known activists some publicity. And the fact that these teens seem relatively normal, not at the exalted heights of Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai, might make it easier for reading teenagers to relate and feel inspired.
I noticed there were loads of autistic people included, which makes me wonder whether we're drawn to activism or whether the author is drawn to us!
The Bad
My main issue is that this book was false advertising. It's called 'YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD' but only a small section of it is about campaigns to address issues in the world, while the rest are to do with things like coping with a parent's death or bullying. Those are good things and deserve recognition, and perhaps the author means to express the idea that change on a small scale changes the world too, but that did not get across.
Something that really annoyed me was the insults towards non-teenagers. So many of the contributors to the book said teens are more flexible, creative, etc than non-teenagers. It really annoyed me because the way it was written made me feel ancient when I'm only twenty! I'm one year done with being a teen but they made it sound like I'm basically dead! That said, it did have some fair points like that teens have a unique ability to make change through social media and in school because of the way teens socialise, and that teens are impulsive and more likely to take risks, which is often bad but can be necessary to make changes.
Then there's a general issue with any sort of book like this, which is: how do they decide what's 'good'? Presumably they want to encourage teens to change the world for the good, but that's a very ill-defined concept. For example, I think all the teens here used non-violent (and not even mildly disruptive of business at all) means, but I think violently liberating a concentration camp would be considered good. And if a cause is mainstream enough to be celebrated in a mainstream book, maybe it doesn't need to be fought for. For example, years ago when being gay was widely considered immoral, smaller, fringe gay activist groups agitated for rights while the mainstream wouldn't support them. So maybe the people who really need our help are the people we aren't hearing from yet.
Personally I had some problems with what was celebrated in this book and didn't agree with everything the contributors were saying. Someone was talking about how we should understand other cultures, like how their African friend wasn't comfortable with a couple sitting together. There was also a guy who was 7 feet tall at ~15 and after playing basketball for a bit got scouted for a team - what is the moral there? Be born with immense genetic privilege? (It's probably to make the most of the talents you're given, and the guy seems nice - it just reminded me how much of success in sports and other elite fields is due to innate genetic talents). And someone trying to help disabled students in their school by getting everyone to wear sunglasses for a day to 'understand what it feels like to have autism' (???).
The ARC was also formatted terribly. Obviously, the whole point of an Advanced Readers Copy is that it isn't finished, so you're not supposed to comment on exact quotes or formatting, but this was done to a far lower standard than any of the many ARCs I've read before - lots of 'insert ending here' or 'insert illustration here' and pictures in the middle of sentences.
Recommendations
What I hoped for from this book was a collection of stories with different methods of changing the world, but it only gave me a couple, like petitions and fundraising. The book even says at the end that it has a list of tips for changing the world, but they're not very useful.
The book is probably good for inspiring young teenagers to make something of themselves, but doesn't live up to the promise of the title.
Source: ARC from Netgalley for review
Pages: 240
Summary
A collection of vignettes, each a few pages long, from about 50 teenagers to inspire fellow teenagers to take action in the world, get through adverse experiences or turn their lives around.
The Good
There was a variety of stories, and some of them were indeed inspiring, like the girl who got Tesco to agree to stop selling eggs from caged hens or the guy into fashion design who makes clothes for the homeless.
It wasn't just famous people. There were a lot of people I know or know of from the teen activism/science fair circuit but there was only one of them here. Whether that was because the author couldn't get a piece from them or chose not to talk to them, I don't know. It would've been interesting to hear from, for example, Greta Thunberg and Jamie Margolin. However, it was good to give these lesser-known activists some publicity. And the fact that these teens seem relatively normal, not at the exalted heights of Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai, might make it easier for reading teenagers to relate and feel inspired.
I noticed there were loads of autistic people included, which makes me wonder whether we're drawn to activism or whether the author is drawn to us!
The Bad
My main issue is that this book was false advertising. It's called 'YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD' but only a small section of it is about campaigns to address issues in the world, while the rest are to do with things like coping with a parent's death or bullying. Those are good things and deserve recognition, and perhaps the author means to express the idea that change on a small scale changes the world too, but that did not get across.
Something that really annoyed me was the insults towards non-teenagers. So many of the contributors to the book said teens are more flexible, creative, etc than non-teenagers. It really annoyed me because the way it was written made me feel ancient when I'm only twenty! I'm one year done with being a teen but they made it sound like I'm basically dead! That said, it did have some fair points like that teens have a unique ability to make change through social media and in school because of the way teens socialise, and that teens are impulsive and more likely to take risks, which is often bad but can be necessary to make changes.
Then there's a general issue with any sort of book like this, which is: how do they decide what's 'good'? Presumably they want to encourage teens to change the world for the good, but that's a very ill-defined concept. For example, I think all the teens here used non-violent (and not even mildly disruptive of business at all) means, but I think violently liberating a concentration camp would be considered good. And if a cause is mainstream enough to be celebrated in a mainstream book, maybe it doesn't need to be fought for. For example, years ago when being gay was widely considered immoral, smaller, fringe gay activist groups agitated for rights while the mainstream wouldn't support them. So maybe the people who really need our help are the people we aren't hearing from yet.
Personally I had some problems with what was celebrated in this book and didn't agree with everything the contributors were saying. Someone was talking about how we should understand other cultures, like how their African friend wasn't comfortable with a couple sitting together. There was also a guy who was 7 feet tall at ~15 and after playing basketball for a bit got scouted for a team - what is the moral there? Be born with immense genetic privilege? (It's probably to make the most of the talents you're given, and the guy seems nice - it just reminded me how much of success in sports and other elite fields is due to innate genetic talents). And someone trying to help disabled students in their school by getting everyone to wear sunglasses for a day to 'understand what it feels like to have autism' (???).
The ARC was also formatted terribly. Obviously, the whole point of an Advanced Readers Copy is that it isn't finished, so you're not supposed to comment on exact quotes or formatting, but this was done to a far lower standard than any of the many ARCs I've read before - lots of 'insert ending here' or 'insert illustration here' and pictures in the middle of sentences.
Recommendations
What I hoped for from this book was a collection of stories with different methods of changing the world, but it only gave me a couple, like petitions and fundraising. The book even says at the end that it has a list of tips for changing the world, but they're not very useful.
The book is probably good for inspiring young teenagers to make something of themselves, but doesn't live up to the promise of the title.
April 13, 2023
Individual stories by older teenagers and young adults from around the globe who are making their mark in the world. A wide range of inspirational accounts that all show determination and courage – courage and resilience either within themselves, courage to change a part of their corner of the world and their passion to succeed.
Let’s have more positive role models like these for children – showing what they can do, the importance of being able to go with what drives them and how some of these young adults have motivated others and quite possibly saved lives.
Let’s have more positive role models like these for children – showing what they can do, the importance of being able to go with what drives them and how some of these young adults have motivated others and quite possibly saved lives.
May 26, 2019
DNF at 60%
I did really like this book. It was very inspiring and touching. After a while it started to feel very repetitive though, which is why I didn't finish it
I did really like this book. It was very inspiring and touching. After a while it started to feel very repetitive though, which is why I didn't finish it
October 21, 2022
A very inspiring book for teens and young people alike. A great read, but it does get a little repetitive so one to be split over a length of time. Some great ideas though, would recommend
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews