Louder! – Kate Asquith – Just So Stories

A Guide to Finding Your Voice and Changing the World

Harper Collins Australia

August 2023

ISBN: 9780008557232
ISBN 10: 0008557233
Imprint: Collins GB
RRP: $19.99

Young activists have made news often in recent years whether they are agitating for climate change, gun reform, LGBQTI+ rights, equality, immigrants/refugees rights, water, ending poverty, and more. And I know that when I talk with children as young as lower school kiddos, they can get very fired up about injustices or the wrongs they see in the environment or their sphere. But how to go about it? How to express your opinion in a way that makes a difference?

This is like a primer for young people to find their confidence to speak up with clarity and purpose, and to take on their power. Of course, it will be perfect for those who seek to use this in their preferred field of interest, but I can also see this being a really useful title for those pesky persuasive texts/presentations in classrooms.

This one is going to The Kid who is hoping to start on her journey to work in screen and media. All the important and crucial themes which our young people are facing today are covered here, as well as the multiplicity of ways to present their viewpoints, and carry their voices to a wider audience.

Explore the power of language and discover how it influences the way we think and behave
· Learn why using our voices is so important, and the many ways people are unfairly silenced
· Investigate media bias and fake news, and learn how to spot and squash misinformation
· Have a go at different types of activism – from vlogging to art, demonstrations to debates, storytelling to social media

I give it a big recommendation for readers from around 12 years upwards, and urge you to get a copy for your shelves or classroom.