As a writer, I’ve found that learning about other writers and their processes helps me. Over the years, I’ve devoured the memoirs and letters of writers like Madeleine L’Engle, Audre Lorde, and Zora Neal Hurston. In 2006, when I started a writing program for young people in my city, I brought these writers’ words to use as writing prompts. When I researched my book, Mightier Than the Sword, I read dozens of anthologies to find people who used writing to make a difference in their fields—science, art, politics, music, and sports. I will always be grateful for those anthologies—because they broadened my knowledge and introduced me to so many interesting people.
I wrote...
Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing
By
Rochelle Melander,
Melina Ontiveros
What is my book about?
Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writingis a middle-grade social justice book that tells the stories of historical and contemporary writers, activists, scientists, and leaders who used writing to make a difference in their lives and communities. The stories are accompanied by writing and creative exercises to help readers discover how they can use writing to explore ideas and ask for change. Sidebars explore types of writing, fun facts, and further resources.
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The Books I Picked & Why
Generation Brave: The Gen Z Kids Who Are Changing the World
By
Kate Alexander
Why this book?
The first generation of young people raised on the internet has faced gun violence, climate change, and a pandemic. They also understand diversity, are adept at digital platforms, and want to change the world. The inspiring stories in this book gave me the good kind of chills. These young people are marching for social justice, working to change laws, giving speeches, starting nonprofits, and more. But they need your help. After you read this, you’ll be inspired to make a difference, too.
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Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth
By
Rachel Sarah
Why this book?
Young readers will be delighted to open these pages and discover contemporary heroes from six continents across the globe. Each story shows how the young person’s unique childhood experiences—surfing, caring for animals, hiking—sparked their passion for saving the planet. I appreciated hearing about how these young activists tried to make a difference, even when they faced obstacles. I hope the stories will inspire you to look for ways to curb climate change in your community, too. The list of resource organizations will help you get started connecting to people who can help.
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We Got Game! 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World
By
Aileen Weintraub,
Sarah Green
Why this book?
Over the years, I’ve met many young people who are more interested in sports than social studies. I was so excited to find this book—because it helps sports-minded kids see the tremendous contribution young women have made to both sports and social change. You’ll read about how these women overcame barriers, competed in challenging circumstances, and still broke records. You will also learn how they are still making a difference in the world. These multidimensional heroes help us want to be more like them!
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Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
By
Susan Hood,
Sophie Blackall,
Emily Winfield Martin,
Shadra Strickland,
LeUyen Pham,
Melissa Sweet,
Oge Mora,
Julie Morstad,
Lisa Brown,
Selina Alko,
Hadley Hooper,
Isabel Roxas,
Erin Robinson,
Sara Palacios
Why this book?
This highly browsable picture book uses poems, quotes, and short bios to tell the stories of young change agents like spies Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, student Ruby Bridges, and scientist Angela Zhang. Fourteen artists illustrated the book, providing readers with an exciting new image on each page. I love this book because it’s for younger children—and they are hungry to learn about history, too.
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Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History
By
Blair Imani,
Monique Le
Why this book?
This book features 70 stories of women and nonbinary people who are making a difference in the world. I was delighted by the vast array of people covered in the book, which begins with a foreword by Canadian pop duo Tegan and Sara. Teens will be excited to find leaders from every part of society profiled in the book: performers, politicians, professors, and more. I could start name dropping, but I won’t—because it’s much more fun for you to dig into the book and be surprised by how many really famous people are working hard to change the world.
