Resist!: Peaceful Acts That Changed Our World

Gr 2-5–Collected mini-histories demonstrate how nonviolent acts of resistance have inspired social change. The text is organized in chronological order. Summaries of global events detail a wide range of protest tactics, from walk-outs and marches to boycotts and songwriting. Stanley’s rich, full-page colored pencil and watercolor illustrations on textured paper enhance the text. Stories of familiar activists such as Harriet Tubman and Mohandas Gandhi are featured. The text also spotlights modern public figures, pop culture icons, and movements spearheaded by young people of today. Students will be inspired by movements and activists including Dan Savage and his “It Gets Better Project,” teens from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s March For Our Lives, and Greta Thunberg’s international climate change crusade. The snapshot length of each profile provides a solid introduction to an individual movement, but it does limit the historical scope of the work and sometimes lacks a broad context. Readers will need to look elsewhere for further information on the aftermath of these protests and the additional voices involved in creating lasting change. Back matter includes a call to action and additional resources.