When a terrible earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, chef José Andrés knew he needed to help. Within a few hours of the disaster, he had gathered friends, they flew to the island, and they began cooking rice and beans for the hungry locals. This trip changed the life of the successful chef and led him to found World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that has fed more than 200 million people affected by natural disasters, the COVID pandemic, and war.

José Mujica is a former revolutionary, past president of Uruguay and climate activist. José's speech to the UN is famous for criticizing the contemporary economy, the inequalities of the world and the consumerism that drives our daily lives and pushes us to buy more and more. José condemns our wasteful way of life, explaining that if we all lived like the average American we would need three earths. Today, he says, it is time to consider the planet as a home where we are all equal. Only through governing ourselves as a species will we be able to make way for a world that focuses on what is truly important: our relationships with each other, and how we relate to the world we live in. José's famous speech, translated for middle-grade readers, is strikingly illustrated by acclaimed illustrator Guridi and followed by an analysis written by Dolors Camats, showing young readers the greater context of who José is, the audience he was addressing and what made this speech so powerful. The Speak Out series publishes the most inspiring speeches of our times, then deconstructs them to give young readers a deeper understanding of global issues and the power of language to influence them. Key Text Features biographical information definitions explanation facts headings historical context illustrations informational note Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text.

One morning, Meerin Hoy looks out her window to Carson's Field. There to her shock stand two big development signs - for sure spelling the end to her community's most beloved park. But nine-year-old Meerin is no ordinary girl. She is determined to act. But when she confronts the mayor in person who dismisses her as "just a kid," it's time for Meerin to take on the tools of a local activist and save an important community asset from the powers that be. Just a Kid is a reflection of movements that are occurring in many parts of the world today - some of them inspired by the advocacy of Greta Thunberg, the students of Parkland in Florida, and many others. For that reason, but also because this is a winningly told story, Just a Kid is a timely novel for young readers to learn about the possibilities of influencing the adult world, even when it seems no one wants to listen.

Benjamin Pratt’s school is about to become the site of a new amusement park. It sounds like a dream come true! But lately, Ben has been wonder if he’s going to like an amusement park in the middle of his town—with all the buses and traffic and eight dollar slices of pizza. It’s going to change everything. And, Ben is not so big on all the new changes in his life, like how his dad has moved out and started living in the marina on what used to be the "family” sailboat. Maybe it would be nice if the school just stayed as it is. He likes the school. Loves it, actually. It’s over 200 years old and sits right on the harbor. The playground has ocean breezes and the classrooms have million dollar views…MILLION DOLLAR views. And after a chance—and final—run-in with the school janitor, Ben starts to discover that these MILLION DOLLAR views have a lot to do with the deal to sell the school property. But, as much as the town wants to believe it, the school does not belong to the local government. It belongs to the CHILDREN and these children have the right to defend it! Don’t think Ben, his friend Jill (and the tag-along Robert) can ruin a multimillion dollar real estate deal? Then you don’t know the history and the power of the Keepers of the School. A suspenseful six book series, book one, We the Children, starts the battle on land and on sea. It’s a race to keep the school from turning into a ticket booth and these kids are about to discover just how threatening a little knowledge can be.

Moving, relatable, and totally true childhood biographies of Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Malala Yousafzai, and 12 other inspiring activists.   Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems--often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Martin Luther King, Jr. loved fashion, and argued with his dad about whether or not dancing was a sin. Harvey Milk had a passion for listening to opera music in different languages. Dolores Huerta was once wrongly accused of plagiarizing in school.  Kid Activists tells these childhood stories and more through kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. The diverse and inclusive group encompasses Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Dolores Huerta, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Harvey Milk, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai.

Kids can help save planet Earth with these positive, climate-focused missions from best-selling author and eco-warrior Martin Dorey. Our planet is in trouble! But with the help of this book, every kid can be a superhero making a difference. Sixty engaging missions guide readers through making carbon-saving changes in all aspects of their lives, from gardening to gadgets--even a DIY water-saving device for their toilet tank! Aided by lively illustrations, the author weaves crucial climate statistics and helpful resources with stories of positive change already happening, such as the resurgence of the Eurasian beaver due to conservation efforts. Along the way, readers meet other superheroes, both animal and human, who are changing the world too. With advice about speaking up and inspiring others to join in, veteran environmentalist Martin Dorey infuses optimism and encouragement into this essential guide to saving Earth, two minutes at a time.

Kids can help save planet Earth with these positive, climate-focused missions from best-selling author and eco-warrior Martin Dorey. Our planet is in trouble! But with the help of this book, every kid can be a superhero making a difference. Fifty engaging missions guide readers through making carbon-saving changes in all aspects of their lives, from gardening to gadgets--even a DIY water-saving device for their toilet tank! Aided by lively illustrations, the author weaves crucial climate statistics and helpful resources with stories of positive change already happening, such as the resurgence of the Eurasian beaver due to conservation efforts. Along the way, readers meet other superheroes, both animal and human, who are changing the world too. With advice about speaking up and inspiring others to join in, veteran environmentalist Martin Dorey infuses optimism and encouragement into this essential guide to saving Earth, two minutes at a time.

The system is rigged. For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team's varsity tight end, Rus has a singular goal: to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible choice: speak up or live in fear. "Please rise for the national anthem." Desperate for change, Rus kneels during the national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But he's not alone. With the help of his best friend and an unlikely ally, Rus will fight for his dreams, and for justice.

Learn all about LGBTQ+ activism, from gender-neutral bathrooms to legalizing same-sex marriage. Get a global look at the history of the movement, meet the activists involved, and celebrate some of the legal victories! Each chapters end with a call to action, so kids can feel inspired to get involved in their own communities. This high-interest book is written at a lower reading level for struggling readers. Considerate text and engaging art and photographs are sure to grab even the most reluctant readers. Series includes a table of contents, sidebars, bibliography, glossary, index, and author biography.

The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours' walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya's in an astonishing and moving way."

If you want to use words to change the world, keep reading... Be empowered to make a real difference to the issues you care about with this inspiring and insightful book. · Explore the power of language and discover how it influences the way we think and behave · Learn why using our voices is so important, and the many ways people are unfairly silenced · Investigate media bias and fake news, and learn how to spot and squash misinformation · Have go at different types of activism - from vlogging to art, demonstrations to debates, storytelling to social media Covering themes of race, gender, sexuality, violence, culture, politics and other important issues in the world today, this is a crucial read for teens and young adults who want to get out there and make change happen!

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the father of India, in this true story of his life. As a young teenager in India, Gandhi led a rebellious life and went against his parents' values. But as a young man, he started to form beliefs of his own that harked back to the Hindu principles of his childhood. Gandhi began to dream of unity for all peoples and religions. Inspired by this idea, he led peaceful protests to free India from British rule and unite the country—ending violence and unfair treatment. His bravery and free-thinking made him one of the most iconic people of peace in the world, known as 'Mahatma' meaning 'great soul'.  With innovative illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful people of the world.