How Hope Became an Activist
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Pages: 28 pages
Publishing Date: September 2020
Dimensions: 23 x 27 cm (portrait)
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-913680-00-8
Category: Picture Book
£7.99
2 in stock
Read More
Pages: 28 pages
Publishing Date: September 2020
Dimensions: 23 x 27 cm (portrait)
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-913680-00-8
Category: Picture Book
Author:
Connect with the Author:
About the Author:
George M. Johnson first became an activist in Grade Five when he and his class raised awareness about pollution and removed rubbish from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown, Ontario. Since 1991 when he moved to Kamloops, British Columbia, he has been the Chair of Global and Community Action at Kamloops United Church, and actually wrote and performed in the play and anti-fashion show described in How Hope Became an Activist.
He is an award-winning writer, passionate about telling stories with humour to create empathy and provoke change. In 2019 he received the Y.M.C.A. Peace Medal for his social justice work and writing. He is a Professor and Chair of the English and Modern Languages Department at Thompson Rivers University. He and his wife Nina have two children.
About the Illustrator:
Danielle’s last formal art class was a tenth grade course in sketching fruit and random bowls, but every life change since has provided inspiration for countless personal art projects, none of which involve fruit or bowls. She loves to work in coloured pencils on watercolour paper, in part because it adds a rough textural element, and also because it’s too frightening to actually use watercolour paint on watercolour paper. Someday she plans on taking a course in watercolours and hopefully overcoming her fear of them. Until that day, however, she will continue to produce colourful, whimsical creations much to the delight of her family and friends. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and her two sons, who steal her coloured pencils.
Praise:
How Hope Became an Activist is an inspiring, sweet picture book by George M. Johnson, tackling the subject of activism for younger generations. Activism is a very broad topic, with many different groups, organizations, and individuals considered activists. Instead of attempting to tackle everything to do with the theme, Johnson cleverly and carefully selects two issues to discuss. He specifically chose issues that relate to child readers, and I found that highly effective. It helps to keep children more engaged in the storyline, and also makes them think about their place in the world. I also found it important that Johnson never condescends or mollycoddles his audience. Obviously, in a children’s book, he cannot go into grittier details, but he doesn’t shy away from harsh realities. This decision helps make How Hope Became an Activist more poignant.
The illustrations by Danielle Grandi really complement Johnson’s text. The images flit between color and black and white, which is very effective in conveying how Hope is feeling in a particular scene. That sudden change also places an emphasis on the issues at hand. Equally, the bright colors highlight the optimism of activism, the belief that the world can change for the better. The fact the titular character is called Hope is probably no coincidence – the main theme of the book is, ultimately, hope. Johnson has succeeded in creating a picture book that is uplifting and optimistic, which is appropriate given the world today. To encourage children to become more aware and involved in activist causes is wonderful, and I think Johnson succeeds in that. His dedication to his great-niece at the beginning of the book sums it up: ‘Go make a difference’.
-- Louise Hurrell for Readers' Favorite
In How Hope Became an Activist, readers learn how identifying where your clothing was made can make a big difference in the lives of children and adults working in sweat shops around the globe, and how speaking out about injustices, like child labour and unpaid labour, can make a difference in the lives of people you’ve never met, and how taking a stand can make you feel good.
Illustrator Danielle Grandi uses colour to emphasize the differences between Hope’s life and that of the girls working in sweatshops, with Hope’s life being portrayed in full colour while the images depicting child labour are rendered in grey. With the background being kept simple throughout, readers’ eyes remain focused on people, just like Hope and her activist play.
While the depiction of children working in factories, unable to go to school or play, may be upsetting to some young readers, the message that a person, no matter how small, can make a difference is important to share. Readers will learn that, while something may be scary, speaking out can make a big difference no matter your age. By Hope’s getting on stage even when she is nervous in front of a crowd, and learning about child labour even though it scares her and makes her feel sad for the young girls who are working in factories while she plays and goes to school, the aptly named Hope shows that no one is too small to make a difference and that even a small action can make a big difference. The message that rising awareness however you can is never a waste of time will never go out of fashion!
--Crystal Sutherland for Canadian Review of Materials
This delightfully illustrated story of a young girl's awakening will answer that and more. Like Hope, all our lives broaden at some point, and injustice takes us by surprise. We too, may be able to add our voice to issues that matter, like Hope and her friends did with Fair Trade Clothing. By taking actions that help to make people aware of something that needs to change, we too become activists. This story is an enlightening, and engaging growth in awareness. (Ages 8-12)
--Darleen Wohlfeil for Midwest Book Review
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