“an inspirational coach…Kids will close this book energized and empowered…” –Kirkus Reviews

At a time when youth activism is at its peak, many young people are searching for ways to best contribute to making the world a better place. The Moyles offer here a change-agent manual that acts as an inspirational coach, providing ideas for young people who want to take action for change, no matter how limited they may feel in their ability to access inner and outer resources. There is a primer, "The Body Politic," which summarizes how teens can educate themselves and influence the way our political system works. This section offers a list of doable actions, from making videos and starting a club to taking strategic actions to boycott businesses whose practices work against equality. "The Living Room Conversation Guide" is a rubric that guides group discussion for youth and is also a great lesson idea for teachers, who can access this model for their classrooms via a provided URL. The last section of the book features a variety of affordable craft projects, ready-made templates, and postcards geared to enhance civic community projects in any neighborhood. Ample photographs of diverse, enthusiastic youth anchor the lively design. The tone throughout is chatty and positive, offering necessary context when appropriate—the explanation of the progressive, libertarian, and conservative axes of opinion, for instance, is clear and very useful. Kids will close this book energized and empowered; this has great potential for classrooms and youth groups as well as individual activists. (Nonfiction. 10-15) 
 

“…overflows with ideas for budding activists and, more important, makes them think…” -Booklist

The Moyle sisters begin their book with several strong lessons: “If you dream it, you can create it.” “Small actions can make a big difference.” “When you speak out with a clear, positive vision, people listen.” “Creativity can unify people and give them a voice.” The first chapters of the book then expand on these ideas using positive, concrete examples for putting change into effect. It offers intriguing questions for readers to answer so they can decide what issues are important to them (and explains progressive, libertarian, and conservative philosophies). Social media is briefly discussed, though more might have been said. The rest of the book features crafts like bumper stickers, posters, and T-shirts that get the message across. Bright, colorful, and filled with photos and decorative designs, this will certainly attract kids who are socially conscious, but may also draw in others. Two caveats: there are several fill-in-the blank pages and the binding is weak. But this overflows with ideas for budding activists and, more important, makes them think.
 

“…a crafty addition to collections about advocacy for the tween set.” –School Library Journal

Gr 5-8–Using colorful text and examples, the Moyle sisters share their secrets of successful campaigns for change, peppered with inspirational quotes, Pinterest-worthy fonts, and an authoritative message about finding a cause to believe in. After several sections that define change and creativity, the last three sections provide inspiration, craft projects, and templates and tear-outs that make the book tricky to lend but useful for programming. Relying heavily on bullets and bold text, the introductory chapters serve to engage readers and explain that creativity has many outlets, and it does not always equal artistic talent. The majority of thesmiling youth pictured are girls. Each project includes a list of necessary items, directions, and pictures as a guide. The straightforward projects will require additional purchases and money, which may limit theaudience. What it lacks in broad appeal, it makes up for in positivity and hope for action that capitalizes on DIY culture. VERDICT Not for circulation, this is a crafty addition to collections about advocacy for the tween set.
 

"Given all that has gone on in Florida recently, this book is positive and powerful for my age group at a time when we really need it."   

- Emma Steadman, student, Sea Crest School

Young people will define the future of American society and hold the power to effect needed change. Leveraging their boundless creativity, Be the Change provides an innovative toolkit for bridging divides and mending the frayed fabric of society.

- Pearce Godwin, Founder, The Listen First Project

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INVITE US TO SPEAK

Eunice and Sabrina are dynamic public speakers and available for interviews, DIY
workshops and speaking engagements related to creative community engagement
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Women at Zynga Women's March Poster Making Party

Brit + Co Create Good Panel Discussion

National Stationery Show Panel Discussion

Stationery Biz 101

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