This installment of Good Trouble features three books for older kids about ways they can make a positive difference in the world.

Make Your Mark, Make a Difference: A Kid’s Guide to Standing Up for People, Animals, and the Planet by Joan Marie Galat
Library Catalog

Broken into four parts – Examine Your World, Animal and Earth Issues, People Issues, and Change is Everywhere – Galat’s work first encourages kids to learn about activism, then work towards choosing a cause that means something to them by introducing them to various issues Earth-wide, before finally giving some interesting out-of-the-box suggestions for how to take action.  Included are quizzes, introductions to real-life activists, and information about nonprofits making change in the world.

How to Change Everything: The Young Human’s Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other by Naomi Klein with Rebecca Stefoff
Library Catalog

With a focus on climate activism, How to Change Everything introduces readers to ways  young activists are currently working to save the planet, as well as the problems the Earth is facing, and then provides ways the readers can become engaged at bettering the environment.  At its heart, the book suggests that change begins with the individual, and if everyone works together than significant change is possible.

Be the Change – Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids: Making a Difference in a Messed-Up World by Rob Greenfield and Antonia Banyard
Library Catalog

Environmental activist, humanitarian, and adventurer Rob Greenfield provides a basic introduction to a variety of environmental issues alongside real-world and practical steps kids can take to make a difference.

Why “Good Trouble”?

Among many important things, civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis was famous for using the term “good trouble” when speaking on fighting against injustice in this country. This blog series will highlight books in our collection that might inspire you towards activism or provide you some ways to cause some “good trouble” fighting against societal injustices.

“Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”

“What can you do to get into good trouble? There is a light inside of you that will turn on when you get into good trouble. You will feel emboldened and freed. You will realize that unjust laws cannot stop you. These laws cannot stop the truth that is in your heart and soul.”

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

– John Lewis

Note: If you are interested in learning more about the life of  John Lewis, I highly recommend the March trilogy of graphic novels.