This invaluable companion to the award-winning We Were There, Too! gives young readers the tools to bring about change. After the tragic and transforming events of the past year, young people are seeking out ways to become constructively engaged in their world. This book couldn't be more timely.

Praise

"Deserves shelf space in every classroom and library." --Starred, Publishers Weekly

"Two books in one: first, fourteen fascinating accounts of children working for human rights, the needy, the environment, or world peace . . . Second, a handbook for young activists, with practical suggestions for planning, organizing, publicizing, and raising funds for social action projects." --Kirkus Reviews

"An invaluable book . . . Reads with intensity and should convince young readers that they can make a difference in the attitudes and policies of their world." --Boxed, Booklist

"A clear-headed, good-hearted guide to help young people empower themselves." --Gloria Steinem

About the Author(s)

Phillip Hoose

Phillip Hoose is the author of We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History, which was a National Book Award Finalist and was selected an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA Notable Book. He lives in Portland, Maine.

photo: Copyright Shashana Hoose

Visit Phillip Hoose’s Website

Table of Contents

Preface

A History: Young Activists Who Went Before You

 

Part One

Young People Who Are Making a Difference

 

TAKING A STAND

Neto Villareal and Andy Percifield: A young football star and a student leader work together to stand up to racist fans.

 

Sarah Rosen: An Indiana sixth-grader fights sexism in her school.

 

Norvell Smith: A girl stands up to gangs in Chicago.

 

John DeMarco: A thirteen-year-old Philadelphian risks his own safety and happiness to report a neighborhood crime.

 

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS

Justin Lebo: A New Jersey boy rebuilds bikes and gives them away to kids without wheels.

 

Dwaina Brooks: A fifth-grader feeds the homeless people of Dallas, Texas.

 

Beni Seballos: A California teenager conquers her fear and learns to help elderly patients with serious diseases.

 

James Ale: After seeing his friend hit by a car, a nine-year-old Florida boy persuades city officials to build a park in a crowded neighborhood.

 

HEALING THE EARTH

Andrew Holleman: A twelve-year-old boy outhustles a developer to save a precious place.

 

Founders of the Children's Rain Forest: Gradeschoolers from Sweden start a multimillion-dollar fund drive to preserve rain forest land in Costa Rica.

 

Joel Rubin: A Maine teenager takes on a giant corporation to save dolphins.

 

CREATING A SAFER FUTURE

Arn Chorn: A Cambodian boy who was taken from his family and turned into a soldier uses the story of his life to build hope for children.

 

Linda Warsaw and Kids Against Crime: A California girl turns her nightmare into a national support group for young people.

 

The Children's Statue for Peace: Hundreds of New Mexico kids set out to build a statue for peace in the birthplace of the atom bomb.

 

Part Two

How They're Doing It: A Handbook for Young Activists

 

Section One: Why Get Involved?

 

Section Two: How to Get Started

Choose a Project You Really Care About

Find Others to Work With

Write a Vision Statement

Don't Let Adults Take Over

Research Before You Plunge

Develop Your Own Information

Create a Work Plan

 

Section Three: Ten Tools for Change

Write a Letter

Use a Petition to Build Support

Speak Out

Use the Media

Ask for Money and Other Support

Boycott

Lobby

Help Elect Whom You Want

Protest and Demonstrate

Negotiate

 

Section Four: Using the Tools Together

 

Section Five: Resources