Be a Changemaker
written by Laurie Ann Thompson
Simon Pulse / Beyond Words, 2014
ISBN: 978–1582704647
240 pages, ages 12 and up
How to Start Something That Matters
is an empowering how-to guide for teens who want to effect social change in their communities and around the world. Equal parts instruction and inspiration, the book includes tools and tips, exercises, and profiles of young social entrepreneurs who’ve already made their marks on the world.
Resources
- Be a Changemaker Workshops Guide (free to download, curriculum guide or hosting your own changemaker meetings)
- Video Webinar: You Can Be a Changemaker
- More books for tween and teen changemakers (Pinterest board)
- My blog posts about Be a Changemaker
- Be a Changemaker blog tour
- Common Core State Standards (CCSS) English Language Arts (ELA) Literacy strands and/or the full CCSS report.
Recognition
- Coalition of Visionary Resources Book of the Year Award 2015
- Cybils Award finalist 2014
- Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award 2015
- Moonbeam Awards Gold Medal 2015
- Nautilus Silver Award for Young Adult Nonfiction 2015
- Junior Library Guild selection
- Parents’ Choice Recommended Seal
- SCBWI Crystal Kite Members’ Choice Award, West Division 2015
Accolades
“Teens with an entrepreneurial and charitable bent will find this book a trove.” (School Library Journal)
“Teens looking to make a difference will find inspiration as well as real-world strategies for realizing their dreams of being the change they want to see in the world.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Designed as a guide for young social entrepreneurs, this is a thorough and passionate manual for empowered readers to pursue their dreams of making the world a better place…. the mantra that change starts with you will linger well beyond the final page.” (Booklist)
“From discovering potential causes and passions to creating business plans, soliciting donations, and being aware of legal and financial pitfalls, Thompson offers thorough, encouraging advice for the next generation of activists.” (Publishers Weekly)
“…not only shows you how to change the world in first-class style–it makes you want to actually do it. Thorough, complete, organized, on-target–pick an adjective, because they all apply in this case. ” (Compass Book Ratings)
“This book is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone who has a yearning to build a better world.” (David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World and columnist for The New York Times)