Review: Mightier Than the Sword by Rochelle Melander

I love finding great non-fiction reads for kids, and today's review fits that bill. Better yet, it centers on history and writing (two subjects I adore). 

MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD:

Rebels, Reformers, & Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing

by Rochelle Melander

Illustrated by Melina Ontiveros

Beaming Books

200 pages

ages 8 to 14

Throughout history, people have picked up their pens and wielded their words--transforming their lives, their communities, and beyond. Now it's your turn! Representing a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, Mightier Than the Sword connects over forty inspiring biographies with life-changing writing activities and tips, showing readers just how much their own words can make a difference. Readers will explore nature with Rachel Carson, experience the beginning of the Reformation with Martin Luther, champion women's rights with Sojourner Truth, and many more. These richly illustrated stories of inspiring speechmakers, scientists, explorers, authors, poets, activists, and even other kids and young adults will engage and encourage young people to pay attention to their world, to honor their own ideas and dreams, and to embrace the transformative power of words to bring good to the world.

GOODREADS   /   KOBO    /   BOOK DEPOSITORY   /   B&N   /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This book is a small treasure for middle graders and older readers as well.

The author has created a book, which highlights historic and modern figures, educates about the various purposes and forms of writing, and manages to steer away from boring the entire way through. Plus, it's illustrated and well organized. In other words, this is one which will shine in classrooms, and I'm even considering adding it to my own homeschooling curriculum.

To say this book doesn't pack variety would be wrong. The author has included figures from different time periods, each from very different backgrounds, different cultures, and different view points on all sorts of themes and issues. This alone impressed me. Then, each figure/personality mentioned receives their own, short 'chapter'. The Table of Contents points out exactly who is where, making it simple for readers to flip to the person they're interested in learning about. There is a short and very direct biography over each person, which points out their general background, reasons for writing, and accomplishments. Then, each one holds a couple short sections, which give helpful points and help readers to develop and improve their own writing skills. All of this is done with bright illustrations, clear and simple to read text, and a lack of unnecessary directions. The end of the book adds even more resources.  

So, this book definitely packs a ton on the education side of things. The author has obviously spent care and time on her research, and masterfully brought the information across in an interesting way for the intended audience. Add the entire inspirational idea that writing can change the world and views...and this is not a book to be overlooked.

And here she is...

Rochelle Melander wrote her first book at seven and has published 11 books for adults, including Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) and Level Up: Quests to Master Mindset, Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity.  She’s a professional certified coach, an artist educator and the founder of Dream Keepers, a writing workshop for young people. Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing is her debut book for children. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, children, and two dogs. Visit her online at writenowcoach.com or rochellemelander.com

Mightier Than the Sword:

Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing

ISBN-10 : 1506466400

ISBN-13 : 978-1506466408

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