Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories; Amanda Li, illustrated by Amy Blackwell29/1/2021
Rise Up is a brilliant collection of twenty-nine true life stories. It features young people from all different parts of the world and tells of their incredible achievements, adventures and stories of survival. The book includes a diverse collection of young people and each story is a wonderful celebration of the capabilities of the human body and mind. What I really enjoyed about this book is that most of the young people that it featured I had not heard of before. Obvious names like Pelé, Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai all feature and then there others from around the globe that I was introduced to for the first time - Ayesha Farooq, William Kamkwamba, Bethany Hamilton, I could go on.
Each story is incredible and inspiring in its own way. Whether it be feats of endurance, creativity, survival, activism or perusing one’s passion, you cannot help but feel inspired by these people. Featuring children walking to freedom to those inventing solutions to problems. Those that survived horrific attacks both at the hands of humans and animals and those that made miraculous escapes from inhospitable environments. Activists determined to change the world and those doing things that others said could not be done. What all these young people have in common is an abundance of courage, the ability to find strength in the most challenging of times, they are brave and they are determined.
The stories are told in thrilling detail and are sure to engage and entertain. On many occasions readers will need to remind themselves that what they are reading is fact not fiction. Stories are accompanied by superb illustrations by Amy Blackwell. Additional facts, skills and tips accompany each of the stories, from how to improve your golf putting to how to survive an avalanche, how to speak in public to advice on alligator attacks. The abundance of useful life skills and practical tips throughout the book will fascinate, delight and educate. The presentation of the book is super friendly. The biographical stories are easy to read, pages are awash with colour and this is certainly a book that readers will be dipping in and out of time and time again.
This inspirational book makes for a fascinating and insightful read and will have readers young and old ready to ‘rise up’ to whatever challenges that they are faced with or are inspired to set themselves.
Recommended for 8+.
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