Overview

Take the first steps into activism with this comprehensive middle grade guide that empowers readers to choose and become knowledgeable in a cause they are most passionate to reform, and to create meaningful change through learning what’s already been accomplished—and what can still be done. Getting involved can be an overwhelming prospect, but this guide provides readers with tools to become informed and effective activists with an accessible approach offering hope and perspective. From Black Lives Matter and light pollution to climate change and healthcare equity for all, the book leads readers through an overview of issues, an essential human rights background, and stories of how other young activists tackle local, national, and international problems. Readers will discover a multitude of ways to build change and learn that every contribution matters.

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9781582708447

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Reviews

"A guide to recognizing and fighting many different kinds of injustice. The first section, “Examine Your World,” gets readers to identify problems (starting with their homes, schools, and communities) and then to set specific, attainable goals and work toward solutions. Using an encouraging tone, Galat explains the concepts of human rights and activism, summarizing a slew of contemporary issues and offering condensed accounts of individual and group efforts with some brief, positive examples from around the world showing varied types of approaches. The case studies mostly highlight young people tackling problems, including some well-known names such as Malala Yousafzai and Mari Copeny. The middle sections examine in greater depth six broad areas for action: animals, the environment, space exploration, peace, equality, and poverty. The final section, “Change Is Everywhere,” focuses on engaging in activism through the arts and on remaining positive and persistent while being realistic about the pace of progress. Some vocabulary is defined in the text, including terms such as discrimination and molestation. Text boxes introduce topics for conversation and suggest immediate actions readers can take (such as making pamphlets or properly disposing of old medications), thus helping readers clarify their ideas, raise funds, and enlist others. The text, which is punctuated with stock art, embodies the clear communication skills the author endorses and is leavened with subtle humor. The book explains and encourages the many life skills and qualities involved in effective activism, such as research, critical thinking, organization, record-keeping, and empathy. A hands-on, practical, wide-ranging, and information-packed handbook for budding activists. (source notes) (Nonfiction. 10-16) * <B>Kirkus Reviews </B>(December 1, 2023) * “Being the change we want to see in the world isn’t always easy. For parents and children alike, it can be challenging to start a conversation on how we can tackle the barriers to a better world. Joan Marie Galat’s book is an excellent guide for young readers to get curious and find inspiration as our next generation of difference makers. Make your Mark, Make a Difference offers a step-by-step toolkit for anyone hoping to develop the skills to create positive change within their communities! Together we truly can make a difference!” -- <B>Rick Hansen</B>, Founder Rick Hansen Foundation “Informative, upbeat, empowering—Joan Marie Galat has created an antidote to despair in this guide to creating a kinder planet. Readers, teachers, thinkers, and community-builders will use this book as a starting point to a life of joyful action for positive change. Beautifully designed with well-researched information and terrific examples of youth activism, Make Your Mark, Make a Difference should be a staple in classrooms and will be a life-changing gift to kids who care. Great book!” -- <B>Deborah Ellis</B>, peace activist and author of the Breadwinner series “Two of our world's most desperate needs right now are hope and possibility. Luckily for us, Joan Galat's new book, Make Your Mark, Make a Difference provides readers with both in spades! I'll surely be reading it with my own four sons, and encouraging all my students and colleagues to share this inspiring book with others!” -- <b>Luke Reynolds, PhD</b>, professor of education at Endicott College, former public middle school teacher, author, and dad ""In a world like this with so many issues where it can often feel like you can’t make a dent, we need more youth changemakers than ever. Books like this provide the necessary inspiration for youth to take that first or next step in their journey to make a difference! I can honestly say I wish I had this starting my activism when I was 9.” -- <b>Hannah Alper</b>, activist, blogger, and author of <i>Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change</i> “Encourage kids to be the change! With profiles of young people that demonstrate hope and progress on some of today’s most crucial issues, Make Your Mark, Make a Difference is a fantastic tool for kids who want to change the world. And the perfect book for librarians, teachers, and parents looking to inspire them.” -- <B>Michelle McCann</B>, author <I>Enough is Enough</I> and <I>Reading Together</I> “Joan Marie Galat’s Make Your Mark, Make a Difference is an indispensable toolkit for young activists. It educates and inspires action, making it a critical resource for the next generation of changemakers. Including real-world initiatives like Protecting Our Students, Inc. adds a layer of practicality that transforms activism from concept to achievable reality.” -- <b>Robert Jordan</b>, cofounder of Protecting Our Students, Inc., and the SITE|SAFETYNET? app  “A marvelous book that sets out to inspire and inform, Make Your Mark, Make A Difference should be required social studies reading. Joan Marie Galat makes notions like activism and fundamental human rights straightforward, clear, and simple, empowering young readers to envision themselves in action, and then gives them the tools they need to put that vision into action. An inspiring read for children, adolescents, parents, and educators—should be on every library shelf!” -- <B>Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva, PhD</B>, educator and arts activist “With a wide variety of potential causes to care about, loads of stories of others who’ve made a difference, and plenty of good advice along the way, Make Your Mark, Make a Difference is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to the idea that they can be changemakers—right now.” -- <b>Laurie Ann Thompson</b>, author of <i>Be a Changemaker</i> and <i>Emmanuel’s Dream</i> “Being the change we want to see in the world isn’t always easy. For parents and children alike, it can be challenging to start a conversation on how we can tackle the barriers to a better world. Joan Marie Galat’s book is an excellent guide for young readers to get curious and find inspiration as our next generation of difference makers. Make your Mark, Make a Difference offers a step-by-step toolkit for anyone hoping to develop the skills to create positive change within their communities! Together we truly can make a difference!” -- <b>Nhung N. Tran-Davies</b>, author of <i>The Doll</i> and <i>Green Papayas</i>, and cofounder of Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation"

"“Encouraging, supportive, and motivating, this book will inspire anyone of any age to consider how they can contribute to making the world, or just their small corner of it, a better place for all. Through real-life examples of young activists, along with a plethora of contemplative exercises that promote self-confidence, decision-making, and goal setting, the author reveals how every young person can be an advocate for positive change, on their own, in a group, or through an organization. From the abundant tips, quizzes, insights, and resources, kids will discover what is most important to them and learn how to go from feeling helpless to helpful and powerless to empowered. After reading this book, kids will come away knowing that regardless of their schedule, locale, finances, or living situation, they can make a valuable difference and have fun in the process.” -- <b>Jo Stepaniak, MSEd</b>, author of <I>Low-FODMAP </I>and <I>Vegan and The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook </I>and former community and victim-offender mediator ""In a world like this with so many issues where it can often feel like you can’t make a dent, we need more youth changemakers than ever. Books like this provide the necessary inspiration for youth to take that first or next step in their journey to make a difference! I can honestly say I wish I had this starting my activism when I was 9.” -- <b>Hannah Alper</b>, activist, blogger, and author of <i>Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change</i> “A comprehensive look at how kids can be confident leaders while pursuing change within a variety of important worldly issues. Joan Marie Galat provides readers with an abundance of excellent ideas for activism along with positive and thoughtful steps to achieve their goals.” -- <B>Greg Pattridge,</B> teacher, writer, and creator of <I>Always in the Middle</I> blog<BR> <BR> "

Author Information

Joan Marie Galat is an internationally award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, including The Story of Malala Yousafzai: A Biography Book for New Readers, Dark Matters: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution, and Too Much Trash: How Litter Is Hurting Animals. She is known for presenting complex information to young readers in approachable and engaging ways. A professional speechwriter, former radio host, and frequent presenter, Joan has traveled across Canada and from Australia to South Korea to deliver literacy-building presentations based on her books. She lives near Edmonton, in Canada. Learn more at JoanGalat.com.

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