Kidstory: 50 Children and Young People Who Shook Up the World

Gr 4-6--This collection of short biographies highlights the achievements of young people who are changing the world. The design and layout of each profile is reminiscent of a scrapbook. Blocks of text are separated by bright illustrations and photographs. The biographies are organized into categories: "Think & Invent," "Create & Dream," "Hope & Believe," "Lead & Triumph," and "Change & Conquer." The featured children and teens are from various periods of history and from countries all over the world. There are 50 entries and 28 countries represented, including Malawi, Canada, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Syria, and China. The earliest historical figure profiled is Pocahontas, who was born around 1596. The most recent subject, African American literary activist Marley Dias, was born in 2005. Some of the people will be familiar (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Emma Watson, Pablo Picasso). Others may be unfamiliar to some, such as Black American artist Skyler Grey, Syrian refugee Mohamad Al Jounde, and Zambian educational rights activist Thandiwe Chama. A glossary and an index are included. The quick snapshot entries may leave some readers itching to learn more. VERDICT An inspiring compilation of young artists, activists, innovators, inventors, and changemakers. Purchase where Katherine Halligan's Herstory and other biographical anthologies circulate well.--Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The diversity in passions is matched by the diversity in geography, time period, and race; several had or have disabilities. Readers will discover contemporaries (Greta Thunberg and Marley Dias) as well as young people who made an impact long ago (Pocahontas and Blaise Pascal). The language throughout is straightforward, and analogies and explanations are written with an age-appropriate tone....Enjoyable and educational."—Kirkus Reviews "December 2020"