Kidstory: 50 Children and Young People Who Shook Up the World

by Tom Adams, Sarah Walsh (Illustrator)

Overview

Learn about fifty amazing kids who changed the world in this beautifully illustrated collection of inspiring short biographies sure to empower and motivate in equal measure.

You don't have to be an adult to make a difference! This volume is the perfect introduction to just some of the incredible young people from all over the world who have influenced a cultural, political, or social change throughout history. From Louis Braille to Greta Thunberg, Pelé to Malala Yousafzai, these activists, inventors, artists, and athletes broke new ground with their passion, courage, and creativity.

Each lavishly illustrated spread features inspiring words from all of these young people and the true stories behind how their actions and achievements that shook up the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534485150
Publisher:	Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	03/09/2021
Series:	Stories That Shook Up the World
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	698,108
Product dimensions:	10.30(w) x 11.50(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	1020L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 18 Years

About the Author

Tom Adams is an award-winning freelance executive producer, series producer, and writer with over twenty years experience in television production. His credits include numerous science and history documentaries, and he has made programs for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the History Channel. Tom won the 2013 ALCS Educational Writer Award for Molecule Mayhem. He is a member of the Association of British Science Writers.

Sarah Walsh grew up in upstate New York. When she was young she was obsessed with animals. So much so that she wanted to be one, and wore different animal costumes all year round. She also knew in her heart that she would be an artist someday...if she worked hard enough! Sarah is now an internationally published illustrator and lives with her family in Kansas City.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2021

Gr 4–6—This collection of short biographies highlights the achievements of young people who are changing the world. The design and layout of each profile is reminiscent of a scrapbook. Blocks of text are separated by bright illustrations and photographs. The biographies are organized into categories: "Think & Invent," "Create & Dream," "Hope & Believe," "Lead & Triumph," and "Change & Conquer." The featured children and teens are from various periods of history and from countries all over the world. There are 50 entries and 28 countries represented, including Malawi, Canada, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Syria, and China. The earliest historical figure profiled is Pocahontas, who was born around 1596. The most recent subject, African American literary activist Marley Dias, was born in 2005. Some of the people will be familiar (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Emma Watson, Pablo Picasso). Others may be unfamiliar to some, such as Black American artist Skyler Grey, Syrian refugee Mohamad Al Jounde, and Zambian educational rights activist Thandiwe Chama. A glossary and an index are included. The quick snapshot entries may leave some readers itching to learn more. VERDICT An inspiring compilation of young artists, activists, innovators, inventors, and changemakers. Purchase where Katherine Halligan's Herstory and other biographical anthologies circulate well.—Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH

School Library Journal

2020-12-25
Explore the lives of young people who have changed our world.

Readers will recognize a few names in this collective biography that samples from a range of backgrounds and disciplines, including visual arts, science, activism, drama, and music. The book is divided into five topical sections. Within, each young subject is profiled in a double-page spread that delves into their life and accomplishments. Colorful illustrations are scattered across each spread, often joined by photographs when possible. The diversity in passions is matched by the diversity in geography, time period, and race; several had or have disabilities. Readers will discover contemporaries (Greta Thunberg and Marley Dias) as well as young people who made an impact long ago (Pocahontas and Blaise Pascal). The language throughout is straightforward, and analogies and explanations are written with an age-appropriate tone. For example, when explaining the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in a piece on Dutch environmental activist Boyan Slat, the text relates, “Ocean currents constantly move the waters in the seas around the world. Rubbish gets carried by these currents but ends up gathering together in a few calm spots on the planet, a bit like all the rubbish in your bedroom ending up under your bed”—a simple and child-friendly explanation. Sadly, some facts, such as Pocahontas’ real name, Matoata, are omitted. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.5-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)

Enjoyable and educational. (timeline, glossary, index) (Collective biography. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews