I’m on deadline to turn in #janejacobsyabook edits — which means I’m finding lots of ways to break up the day with productive distractions like market research on new non-fiction titles for kids. (Or it’s simply procrastination. 😉) Here’s one the whole family loves:
🌍 NEVER TOO YOUNG! BY AILEEN WEINTRAUB, ILLUSTRATED BY LAURA HORTON 🌏
Muzoon Almellehan fled her home country of Syria when she was only 14 years old. Her family left because of the war. At a refugee camp, she noticed girls weren’t showing up for school. So she made it her point to help families understand the importance of education for everyone.
Muzoon’s story is one of 50-ish profiles in NEVER TOO YOUNG!, a book highlighting awesome young people making their mark in the world. Similar to the Rebel Girls biography series (but all genders!), this book introduces kids to other real kids, from history and today, who have made something, affected change, or pursued an unlikely path. There are engineers, artists, and philanthropists. Activists, musicians, and athletes.
It’s nice to have a book around to fill 5 minutes during a snack, or while you’re waiting for your carpool to show up. Low commitment!
Muzoon’s profile is just one example of how the book can be used as a tool to spark discussions with children on important ideas. What is a refugee? Do refugees have the same rights as other people in their new country? Why is there war in the first place?
In her own words, Muzoon sees hope for the future: “I believe that the most powerful tool we have to overcome the inequalities and challenges children and young people— especially for those affected by conflict— face today is knowledge and education.”
Never to Young! by Aileen Weintraub, illustrated by Laura Horton, published by Union Square Kids (2018).
Find this title in your local independent bookshop.
