OUR FUTURE

Ten stories of young people working toward a better future worldwide continue a series focused on youth activism.

This fourth in a series that began with Our Earth (2010) follows the pattern established previously. Each spread introduces a young person (or pair) working in a particular problem area: clean water, racial justice, plastic waste, transgender rights, animal slaughter, refugees, bullying, gun violence, and environmental protections. The left-hand page shows a stylized portrait done by the author/illustrator using a mixed-media encaustic technique and a quotation from the young activist. On the right are a photograph, text describing the issue and the subject’s actions, and a sidebar showing other examples of activism in the same field. These actions vary: starting or joining a campaign or a walkout, taking a knee in a local football game, writing to and meeting with politicians, filing a court case, writing and performing music, and even proposing legislation. These young subjects range in age, from barely in elementary school to high school. They come from widely ranging backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, offering models for readers of all sorts. In the backmatter there are additional short examples as well as suggestions for “What YOUth Can Do.” Finally there is a long list of websites for reference and further information.

A useful addition to a growing body of literature challenging young readers to help make change in the world.