Challenge Everything

by Blue Sandford

A call to action from ‘a British Greta Thunberg’ [The Times]

This is the only official handbook from Extinction Rebellion Youth and will help you to change your life and change the world for the better.

Written by an activist and founder member of Extinction Rebellion Youth London, this is no greenwashing book – it's an important call to action. A manifesto for how young people can help to save the planet by questioning everything about modern life and acting upon their conclusions.

This book will ask you to challenge everything – challenge government (protest and take peaceful action where necessary), challenge business (decide who you want to support, decide who you want to boycott), and above all to challenge yourself – how can you change your life to make a difference.

Filled with stories, essays, slogans and inspiring illustrations, this book will cover consuming, actioning, boycotting, campaigning, striking, questioning, rewilding and reconnecting with our planet.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2020

About the author

Blue Sandford has devised and carried out non-violent direct actions for Extinction Rebellion and is a founding member of Extinction Rebellion Youth London.

Born in 2002 in London, she grew up in two extremes – the Hebrides of Scotland, with no cars, electricity, central heating or hot water; and the middle of London, witnessing the best and the worst of our society. This propelled her into activism, so as to halt the dash towards climate and ecological collapse and secure a viable future for herself and everyone else.

She joined Extinction Rebellion in 2018, went on full time school strike in June 2019, and was hailed as a ‘British Greta Thunberg’ and one of ‘the UK’s most impressive young activists’ by The Times in December 2019. She is a writer and artist. Challenge Everything is her first book.

Reviews

[kulisap · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very informative read!

i like how concise it was and covered a wide variety of issues that contribute to the climate crisis (food industry, airlines, government negligence etc) and offered actionable suggestions that the youth could adapt. still, it's oriented towards the more privileged youth and what they can do...which is, on second thought, makes sense cuz the disenfranchised people are understandably more focused on surviving being on the frontline of the effects of climate change

highly recommend!

[Sera · Rating 4 out of 5]

We can all make a change in our lives to benefit the health of our planet. This book not only gives you examples of how you can make changes but also, how to challenge everything including your local government and those who don’t see what’s occurring. Everyone’s beliefs are valid but we all need to do what we can in order to help our planet

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Pavilion Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Challenge Everything is such an interesting introduction to the principles of the Extinction Rebellion for young people, and gives clear aid to those interested in boycotting or protesting for the state of our climate. I think the conversation about morals in this book is really important, and really interesting to read and question in our own lives whether we are really doing the best we can to counteract our changing climate. Whether or not you agree with Extinction Rebellion principles and actions, I think this is an incredibly important read for any young person who wants to make a change.

[Pren Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quickie full of good information for both young people and adults. Everything from how to organize a protest to how to write a petition. It strongly advises studying the issue you want to support or change. Knowing all angles so that you can answer questions from supporters AND skeptics. It advises on certain ways to approach both parties without becoming flustered. It had a section on what’s killing the planet as per the authors understanding. Each issue outlined briefly so that you can think about it and if you can or want to help with a particular issue. This book is written from the perspective of an environmental activist group called Extinction Rebellion, which is the youth activism group the author is a part of, but I think the ideas can be applied to any topic that is important to you. I will say the author is in the UK so the things they say about the cops basically giving youth leeway and leaving them be does NOT apply in the us. Particularly if you are a POC so take all that advise with a grain of salt. Be safe. Be informed. Change the world kiddos (and humans of all ages)

[Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC on NetGalley

Good:
- stark facts and stats about the climate with workable solutions
- easy to understand
- personality showed but didn't distract from the message
- questions interspersed keep you engaged

Bad:
- i would have liked to see more about animal cruelty in cleaning products etc. But this is the only thing
- that's it? I can't think of anything else!

This is a stark reminder of the crisis our world is facing, from a person very involved in the fight against it. The facts and figures this was based on were shocking, but very true and horrific. They made me want to change.the.world and how I live completely. I'm definitely considering joining xr now. Please read this book! It will inspire you and give you tools to change how you live.

This book made me realize how even the smallest things we do can really damage the world!

One thing I would say is: possible triggers for animal cruelty, but I felt it was handled sensitively and with due warnings.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn about activism, the climate, meat and similar topics. Also, to climate deniers who will see why when they read it.

Overall: 5/5 :)

[Alex Faun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of this book! I was worried it wouldn’t be informative as it was targeted towards youth however it was a brilliant crash course in environmental action. It provided excellent advice and i love the journal aspects of it, it really helps the reader reflect on their environmental impact and utilise the information given in their day to day life. It provided concise information in how to be more sustainable, how to protest in a way that works for you, how to bring about real change and look after yourself and your health whilst dealing with the world we’ve created. I also loved how much the author discussed the intricate relationship between climate activism and privilege without shunning those without that privilege. A brilliant, short read and one I will definitely be recommending to others!

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saving the planet is a wonderful idea. All you need to do is figure out what you are passionate about and then start your plan. Author Blue Sandford has everything you will need to get started in this handy guide.

Sandford suggests that readers boycott, name and shame, but know the facts. It is also suggested that readers practice what they preach. In other words, stop flying in airplanes, stop wearing make up, stop eating meat, eggs and fish. All of these things contribute to climate and ecological collapse.

Sandford provides valid information and how young people can help. She also shares how to be responsible for your actions once you get started. If you are interested in making a difference be prepared to be challenged.

[Melanie Rippon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good albeit very basic introduction to the climate crisis, focuses on explaining who/what Extinction Rebellion are, what non-violent direct action is. Even if you don’t agree with their actions, it helps you understand the reasoning behind them. Outlines actions you can take in regard to your own personal consumption e.g. food, toiletries, clothing. Not just petitioning, protests etc. Emphasises the importance of morals, taking personal responsibility for your actions, fact-checking/research etc. Aimed at younger readers obviously, but useful for anyone as a starting-point. As such, I would have like to have seen a list of resources e.g. websites, books, documentaries, for those who DO want to investigate further.

[Brian Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I not sure if extinction rebellion has an official book for adults, but this young adult book is great. I think the illustrations and flashy text is aimed at young adults, however I feel like otherwise this could be a fine book for regular adults as well. Its a fairly quick read and touches on all aspects of why one might want to join extinction rebellion and what that would mean. I am sure there are more thorough sources of information (at least online) however this is a great place to start.
I think one might expect it to be preachy or possibly condescending however I don't find it to be either. You should read it.

[Ava Falzerano · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I only got the book for around $4 at Five and Below, which I believe is a correct evaluation for this book. It has pages with questions after each section where you can answer them for yourself. While it gives great information on how the earth is and how we as a younger generation can get involved, I’m not totally sure I agree with the whole book. I believe we should stand up for what we believe in, but I do not like who it encourages people to willing going to jail for standing up for their cause. No young person should be going out and seeking to be out in jail. It’s a very short read and is kind of all over the place.

[Ben Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to climate activism for teenagers and young adults, and a compelling call to arms. The section laying out some aspects of the crisis were brief, focusing more on personal actions than either the science or the systemic change needed to prevent catastrophe. But that is widely available elsewhere. And it is more than made up for here by excellent sections on being ready to deal with deniers and on morality - the importance of personal moral codes and the morality of non-violent direct action.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Foxglove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our world is on fire! Seriously, the planet is basically falling apart and the government isn’t doing anything. Instead, groups like Extinction Rebellion need to. This guide was really informative and useful, and I really love that Extinction Rebellion has an online program for people who can’t take to the streets. It’s a great read for young people interested in making a change, although I do think that some of what’s in here is somewhat unrealistic at points. Still, I hope more kids join XR and help make a change because of this book!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay. As environmental books go, it is rather lackluster, but I am not the target audience. I think this book is great for encouraging students to take action and think about the environment. It just falls into a few pit traps that should be looked out for in the future. There were not too many stats in this book, nor solutions that could be taken to scale.
However, the "Reclamation" section of this book is one that I do not see often in environmental literature, and I do hope that people who are targeted by this book read it.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book and teaches you more about the current problems in the world. It inspired me to cut down even more on plastic. It also shows how much your diet can affect our planet, since reading I have considered going vegan as I am already veggie. All in all this is a very good book and shows how much we do need to change in our usual lives.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good starting point for people looking to act more radically against climate change but not a huge amount of info/advice on what can help if you're wanting a more low key, sustainable approach. I felt like there was more propaganda for XR than there was information. Their methods are not to my taste anyway so this review is probs a little (unconsciously) bias lol

[Frederique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but good and honest introduction in XR and how anyone can (and has to) contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. I love the design and illustrations, and the list after every chapter where you can make your own notes. As the author says, just reading about climate change isn't enough. It's time for everyone to act!

[TBHONEST · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenge Everything: An Extinction Rebellion Youth Guide to Saving the Planet is an interesting read for any age who is looking to find out more about Extinction Rebellion and the cause they are trying to make people aware of. It's a thought provoking read.

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet there is plenty of information that brings a greater awareness to the consequences of our actions.

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little simplistic, perhaps, from my viewpoint, but I'm not the target audience for this manifesto written by 17-year-old Blue Sandford. She's speaking to her peers and I think she does it quite impressively. Hopefully it inspires people.

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Such an amazing young voice! The author speaks with such clarity and determination. I think young teens everywhere should have a copy of this book to learn more about the climate crisis and find ways to help. Truly inspirational.

[Hanneke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through most of it because it is a very basic intro into climate action and making sustainable lifestyle choices. Nothing new or inspiring for me personally.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy short read. Informative and reinforces previously known information. Written for a younger audience which is probably why my rating is lower. I think it could be good for kids.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Extinction Rebellion and the work they do, and this is essentially a guide on how to continue their work. Really informative and interesting. Great introductory guide on how we need to act now to save the planet and some of the steps we need to take. Books like this should be recommended reading.

[Scarlett]

This was a great, short introduction for younger people on the world of Extinction Rebellion and the climate crisis. Sometimes when you begin looking into climate change, all the information and facts can be overwhelming; but this book did a great job of just giving you a basic grasp of things you should be concerned about, or begin to research more. The layout of the book was great, and I loved all the graphics included. Most of the content was informative, however there were some areas of this book I did not agree with, mainly the part about squatting. However, I'd definitely recommend this to everyone to read when beginning the journey to inform themselves on all the work we need to do to tackle climate change.