MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT NARRATIVE NONFICTION : We Are Power by Todd Hasak-Lowy
ABOUT THE BOOK
We Are Power brings to light the incredible individuals who have used nonviolent activism to change the world. The book explores questions such as what is nonviolent resistance and how does it work? In an age when armies are stronger than ever before, when guns seem to be everywhere, how can people confront their adversaries without resorting to violence themselves? Through key international movements as well as people such as Gandhi, Alice Paul, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, and Václav Havel, this book discusses the components of nonviolent resistance. It answers the question “Why nonviolence?” by showing how nonviolent movements have succeeded again and again in a variety of ways, in all sorts of places, and always in the face of overwhelming odds. The book includes endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.
REVIEW
Nonviolent resistance has been used to change the world. But what exactly is it and how has it worked? That is the topic of this book for middle grade readers. The author does a great job of introducing a topic that has great relevance today. Yet the strategies associated with nonviolent resistance require sacrifice and deep-seeded commitment. Using the examples of five individuals and the movements they were a part of, Hasak-Lowy demonstrates the power underlying nonviolent activism as well as the incredible challenges and sacrifices faced by activists. The stories of Gandhi, Alice Paul, Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Vaclav Havel all have much to teach about the use of nonviolent strategies to bring about change.
The book does not cover all the details of the various movements introduced. It focuses on specific events and strategies that were a part of those movements. This works because the book is not intended to be a history book but an introduction to nonviolent activism and how it has been used in the past as well as current use in the climate change movement. This book does a great job of introducing and sharing the power behind the use of nonviolent resistance strategies. The only thing that wasn't as emphasized as I think it should have been is the fact that nonviolent activism usually faces incredible difficulties and takes years to effectively implement. Not to mention the fact that all of the individuals and movements discussed in the book suffered serious defeats and losses over the years. Some of the struggles these movements faced remain a problem today. These things are brought up but they aren't emphasized the way I expected.
This book is an excellent resource for helping young readers understand nonviolent activism and it's importance in bringing about societal change. The stories are well-told and fascinating. The inspirational nature of the book encourages young readers to step up and participate as they see fit in making the world a better place. The author does this by including information about the modern climate change movement and how it's being driven by young people. A valuable and needed book that covers a topic that is as relevant as ever.
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