Janet Wilson (1) (1952–)

This book profiles ten children from across the globe who are making a difference in the world. It is inspiring to both children and adults. Not only does it send the message that anyone can make a difference, but it also may remind many children to be grateful for what they have.

Some of the projects involved funding salaries for teachers for girls, working for a Children's Peace Forest, raising money for soccer equipment, uniforms, and fields, aiding the homeless, and collecting funds to stamp out hunger. The projects range from very simple (collecting socks for the homeless) to more complex (speaking to a village about discrimination and allowing lower castes in India to do things they were not allowed in the past). There are several quotes about changing the world from the subjects of the book as well as from famous individuals who made a difference in their own ways. In addition to the brief stories about these world-changers, there are even more thumbnail sketches throughout the book and at the end, showing other ways the next generation is taking action to make a difference while they are young.

This book would be a wonderful way to introduce a school or class community service project and teach students empathy as well as encourage them to feel empowered and able to make a change in their own small corner of the world. One of the things I love about this book was the mention of Sarah Lewis, student from one of the schools I taught at, and her project about Socks for the homeless.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (mere)

Our Heroes by Janet Wilson is an inspirational, moving and visually appealing book about children who take action in the face of injustice. The message if the book is two-fold: 1. that change is possible and everyone can do their share and 2. we need each other to solve problems and cannot do this alone. Each child, at some point, was touched by seeing a real-world problem close at hand and decided to do act. They organized by reaching out to others and coming up with solutions that were creative and made an impact. The best part of the book is it gorgeous artwork; colorful, vivid and compelling. I really liked the short biographies at the end where there was a description of the actions that were taken. At times when I was reading the longer biographies I wanted to know more concretely how each project or action was actually organized. These shorter biographies showed me this and I came away feeling hopeful about our youth and all those who act to make a difference.

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Story Press for allowing to review this book for an honest opinion.… (mere)