One Peace: True Stories of Young Activists
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
One Peace celebrates the 'Power of One,' and specifically the accomplishments of children from around the globe who have worked to promote world peace. Janet Wilson challenges today's children to strive to make a difference in this beautifully illustrated, fact-filled and fascinating volume of portraits of many 'heroes for today.' Canadian Craig Kielburger, who started Free the Children to help victims of child labor at the age of twelve, has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize. Farlis Calle, forced to identify the body of a young friend-a victim of her country's civil war-started the Columbia Children's Movement for Peace. At age ten, Kimmie Weeks, a refugee from the Liberian civil war, came within a whisper of being buried in a mass grave. Almost miraculously he survived and vowed to make a difference in the lives of other children. At thirteen he established Voices of the Future, Liberia's first child rights advocacy group. Other portraits feature the accomplishments of children from Sarajevo, Japan, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Afghanistan and the United States. These moving testaments to the courage and initiative of youth will inspire readers young and old.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
52 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the young activists felt when they were working to make a difference?
What is one cause you care about and how would you like to help?
Which story in the book inspired you the most and why?
What is one thing you learned from the book that you didn't know before?
How can we work together as a family to support a cause we all care about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each activist's story and discuss the importance of empathy and understanding.
Connect the stories to your child's experiences or interests to make the discussion more relatable.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about the causes discussed and how others, especially young people, are involved in activism.
Praise your child's insights and ideas, reinforcing their ability to contribute positively to the world around them.
Propose creating a small family project inspired by the book, which can be a continuation of the discussion and a practical application of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book showcases real stories of young activists around the world, emphasizing their struggles and the impact of their efforts. These narratives help children understand the challenges faced by others in different circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and respecting diverse experiences and backgrounds in their school and community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Taking Action
Explanation: The young activists featured in the book didn't just recognize problems, but took concrete steps to make a difference, showing that action is a vital part of solving issues.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in community service or school projects, learning that their contributions, no matter how small, can create positive change.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The stories in the book highlight young individuals who persistently pursued their goals despite difficulties, teaching children the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can implement this lesson by not giving up easily on their own goals, whether academic or personal, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey towards success.
Example Lesson: Global Awareness
Explanation: By reading about young activists from various parts of the world, children gain insights into global issues and the interconnectedness of our world.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children become more aware of world events and cultural sensitivities, enhancing their global perspective and encouraging them to think about their role in the world.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The book illustrates how young individuals assume leadership roles to drive societal change, emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative in leadership roles within their own circles, such as class projects or team sports, understanding the impact of leading by example.