Rawitt, the author of several teen-advice books, uses real-life examples and current resources for this comprehensive guide to changing your world, even as a teen. Readers facing a world full of distressing problems are encouraged to become involved in changemaking. The writer argues that teens have characteristics that make them particularly effective: energy; a willingness to take risks, try new things, and speak out about their passions; and wide-ranging social networks. She begins with stories of 12 young activists, most from the U.S., although three international subjects are included, two from Brazil and one from Uganda. Refreshingly, these are not the usual examples, and they cover a wide variety of causes and projects, from distributing athletic shoes to kids who need them to working for criminal justice reform. The book describes some necessary qualities for successful activism and cites the astute observation of Katie Eder, one of the young people profiled, that being “the odd one out, maybe a bit of a misfit,” can help people feel motivated to challenge inequities. Rawitt breaks down activism into fundamentals—understanding your cause, motivating people, organizing, and strategy-building—and offers tips on tools and skills from fundraising through self-care. With plentiful examples and extensive quotations, the densely packed narrative is broken up in ways that will make it less daunting for the intended audience. Text boxes define relevant words and concepts such as canvassing, stakeholder, and pro bono. A helpful guide for would-be advocates.

Kirkus Reviews

In a conversational voice full of optimism and practicality, Jean Rawitt offers young people a scaffold to support their desire to be agents of change in the larger community. Engaging and inspiring, this book can help you design and construct your path to activism.

Bette Kerr, EdD, Professor Emerita, Hostos Community College, City University of New York (CUNY)

In an accessible, informative, engaging, and radically hopeful way, Inspired to Action humanizes the activist experiences of twelve changemakers and offers tools, strategies, and wisdom to support the power of youth. In every social justice crisis young people have made the difference—they have led movements for transformative justice and systemic change!

Jesica Siham Fernández, PhD, assistant professor, ethnic studies, Santa Clara University; community-engaged researcher and youth activism scholar

Inspired to Action empowers youth to impact their world. A comprehensive toolkit and reference guide, the book showcases the stories of young activists in their own words. This combination of expert know-how and down-to-earth heroism will give young people both the confidence and the skills to make their mark for the betterment of us all.

Grace Ai-Ling Chou, PhD, associate director, Global Development and Sustainability Program, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

Chock-full of practical advice, encouragement, and inspiration, this book is the indispensable resource that any young person yearning to make change needs. Accessible and engaging, it will become a go-to guide for the next generation of changemakers.

Jerusha O. Conner, PhD, professor of education and director of graduate education programs, Villanova University; author of The New Student Activists