Kid Trailblazers: True Tales of Childhood from Changemakers and Leaders (Kid Legends #8)

Gr 3-7--The future desperately needs younger generations to step up to the plate, bring about substantial change, and cause some "good trouble" as the venerable John Lewis once said. Stevenson, author of Kid Activists and Kid Innovators, is back with Kid Trailblazers highlighting a diverse array of many lesser-known leaders around the world who have paved the way for innovation and change, including Mari Copeny, Tsai Ing-Wen, David Suzuki, and Vanessa Nakate. These biographies--and without coverage in Kid Trailblazers, many of them may not have had their stories shared--are short and motivating, prompting readers to get inspired and continue the work themselves. The book is divided into four sections: Advocates for Democracy, Black Lives Matter, Saving the Planet, and Art. Stevenson's informative text, along with Steinfeld's illustrations, is designed perfectly for reading aloud, social studies units, or social-emotional learning connections. VERDICT An important nonfiction collection of stories about influencers and leaders when they were children. Perfect for group sharing and current events connections.--Laura Dooley-Taylor

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Kid Trailblazers highlight[s] a diverse array of many lesser-known leaders around the world who have paved the way for innovation and change...An important nonfiction collection of stories about influencers and leaders when they were children."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Inspiring examples for younger would-be world-changers."—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for the Kid Legends series:
"Telling the true stories of famous people's childhoods, this book inspires kids to think big and humanizes historical figures in a new and fresh way."—CNN Underscored, on Kid Innovators by Robin Stevenson

"These reads aren't just educational, they're inspiring - they remind us all that we're never too young to start dreaming! Plus - they're a great resource for school projects!"—YAYOMG.com, on Kid Innovators by Robin Stevenson

"Kids will be drawn in."—Chicago Parent, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

"The vivid details of each activist's story, combined with vibrant illustrations, demonstrate that every civil rights hero and popular firebrand started out as children, just like the rest of us."—School Library Journal, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

"A great way to encourage kids who already love science to pursue their interests as well as to show kids who are not motivated by traditional schooling that there are many paths to greatness."—American Scientist Magazine, on Kid Scientists by David Stabler

"Illustrate[s] a wide variety of early influences and backgrounds, proving to kids that where they come from isn't important when fixing something that is."—Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, on Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson

"Outstanding... Inspiring and entertaining."—Booklist, starred review, on Kid Athletes by David Stabler

"A heartening reminder that 17 unconventional greats—not to mention all the rest—started out as children too."—Kirkus Reviews, on Kid Artists by David Stabler

"Just like history class, only hilarious."—Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever, on Kid Presidents by David Stabler

"Full of real information, but the author made it fun and funny."—Michael, age 9, on Kid Authors by David Stabler