We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders

by Harry Belafonte

Sixteen award-winning children's book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this stirring and beautiful book. Featuring an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others, this inspirational collection sets a powerful example for generations of young leaders to come. It includes illustrations by Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara, Christopher Silas Neal, John Parra, Brian Pinkney, Greg Pizzoli, Sean Qualls, Dan Santat, Shadra Strickland, Melissa Sweet, and Raúl the Third.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Social Justice, History, Inspirational, Activism

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2019

About the author

Harold George Belafonte, noted American musician, known as "Harry," gained a worldwide audience for Calypso with "The Banana Boat Song" in 1957 and also outspokenly supported civil rights and humanitarian causes.

This Jamaican singer, actor popularized with international audiences in the 1950s. Calypso , breakthrough album of this a single artist, first sold a million long-playing phonographic records.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_B...

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but profound quotes reminding us to act; struggle to progress; vote; rise; bring light and love to darkness and hate; start at home; forge common bonds through business and harvesting; fix what is wrong; love and care for all humanity especially those who are different; be brave; diversify for strength and beauty; be free to believe; choose to protect your children’s rights as their guardian; work together; and look within to make the change.

I was introduced to the broad spectrum of music and “freedom is no fear” of Singer, Musician, and Civil Rights Activist Nina Simone.

Over a dozen illustrators each chose a quote providing their written and artistic interpretations of Maya Angelou, Dr. Martin Luther King, W.E.B. Du Bois, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Khalil Gibran, Queen Lili’uokalani, John Lewis, Sonia Sotomayor, and Barack Obama. This colorful and vividly drawn book inspires all ages to act and be the change. Such a timely and important reminder to protect our civil rights. Don’t let our democracy be trodden. Stand up and be heard. I highly recommend.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If the system is broken, my inclination is to fix it rather than to fight it."
---Sonia Sotomayor

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
---Helen Keller

"So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights, we'll be called a democracy."
---American Civil Liberties Union Founder Roger Baldwin

Sixteen children's picture book artists illustrate key quotes of inspiration from famous civil rights leaders of the past. It's a beautiful and evocative book.

[Maria Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our weekly mantras is a quote of the week. I model for my learners first few weeks and then they take the role over and share each Friday. This will be an important addition for my quote basket. Power of words connected with the illustrations will be a new anchor text for next school year.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book to read on any day but especially the day before the 4th of July.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flat-out amazing; I thank these artists for choosing inspirational quotes, creating beautiful art, and including thoughtful reflections. An essential addition for school, classroom, public and home libraries.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders takes an innovative approach to introducing young readers to important figures in the fight for civil rights. Sixteen award-winning children’s book artists chose quotes from activists who fought for the rights of minorities, women, farm workers, and others from the past and present. This diverse group of activists included Helen Keller, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolores Huerta, Khalil Gibran, and more. The artists then let the quotes inspire an illustration.

For instance, Molly Idle, creator of Flora and the Flamingo and other books, illustrated this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world.” Her art shows a group of children roasting marshmallows over a campfire.

Emily Hughes, who grew up in Hilo, Hawaii, illustrated this quote from Queen Lili’uokalani: “You must remember never to cease to act because you fear you may fail,” with an image of a child weaving a mat surrounded by lush tropical plants.

Along with the illustrations, the artists also talk about what the quotes mean to them. This integrative approach can inspire young readers to think about their own reactions to the words and images. Biographies of the artists in the back, along with the books they’ve written and/or illustrated, can lead to further reading.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes all someone needs to keep up the good fight is an encouraging word of two. In this slim volume, readers will find quotes from various civil rights activists. Sixteen different artists lend their talents to the book, having chosen quotes that were meaningful to them and them illustrating them in their own unique fashion as well as providing a brief blurb about each one. Thus, there are 16 quotes that might make readers and young social activists think twice before giving up. Readers will find words of wisdom and encouragement here from John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Khalil Gibran, among others. Artists who contributed to the book include Dan Santat, Molly Idle, Melissa Sweet, Brian Pinkney, and Shadra Strickland, among a stellar cast. And yes, we are the change, and if we hope for anything in this world to change, we must be the ones who work toward it. Readers can finish the book quickly, but it will not leave their minds so fast, lingering and reminding them to take action that sometimes feels uncomfortable but is necessary as they try to right the wrongs in this world. Teachers might want to have this one on their shelves as a reference and reminder of why they do the necessary work they do.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this illuminating and informative book, illustrators select a favorite quotation that reflects an aspect of civil rights and then creates an illustration to accompany the text. There are quotes from well-known leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and Frederick Douglass. But the book also introduces readers to people that they may not have associated with civil rights. Queen Lili'uokalani, E. B. White, and Helen Keller for example. Readers can simply look at the quotes and the illustrations or they can delve deeper into the history of the person quotes as each illustrator presents a few paragraphs about why that specific quote and person was chosen.
A few of my favorite illustrators are here - Dan Santat who quotes John Lewis; Greg Pizzoli who selected W.E.B. DuBois, and Raul the Third who chose Dolores Huerta. Their illustrations are, as always, spectacular. Harry Belafonte wrote the Introduction.

I can see using this book as a springboard to a creative project for any level - find someone who inspires you or a quote that you love and then illustrate it in your own special style. You could even ask family members for beloved quotes and have kids create a gift for that person (or do it yourself!)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of empowering quotes and a wonderful sampling of many different illustrators' artwork. I'm really glad we took the time to read this one.

". . . This very book you are holding will be assessed with a certain political view of its intentions some may love it, others may detest it, but no matter how you choose to exist in this nation, there is no right or wrong answer but the freedom to be vocal with your vote" (Dan Santat, p. 10).

"If there is no struggle there is no progress" (Frederick Douglass, as quoted by Lisa Congdon, p. 6).

"People have a right to different opinions, but those differences should not turn into hatred. We should love and care for each other because we are all one human race" (Dolores Huerta, as quoted by Raul the Third, p. 25).

"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength" (Maya Angelo, as quoted by Selina Alko p. 30).

"Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much" (Helen Keller, as quoted by Alina Chau, p. 42).

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

One note; the EPUB version I read did no favors to the formatting which influenced the overall score.

This is a brief, middle-school targeted collection of quotes and related artwork.
The quotes are for the most part inspiring, and some of the artwork is beautiful, but overall I was left underwhelmed. The notes from the illustrators explaining why they chose the quotes they did were scattered in quality, and it would have been nice if there had been a brief biography of the people who said the quotes; some of the illustrators covered it in their notes, but others didn't.
This is definitely aimed at younger readers, and I can see it serving as a good springboard for them to explore the illustrators' other works (or find out more about the quoted individuals). But there are other books that do similar things better than this one.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights, we’ll be called a democracy.”

A book that starts with a quote from a person known for civil rights actions. Then there is a short description about that person’s impact or the importance of the quote itself written by the illustrator who created that person’s page.

In the back, there is a short bio on each illustrator.

Such a powerful book, full of hope, as well as the expectation that the next generation will continue to fight to make our country and our world a better place for all. “... when every man and woman’s plight is our plight, then we find at every hand brothers and sisters to fight for us, and at our sides.”

[Alana Young]

This book contains 16 quotes from various civil rights activists. The quotes were chosen and illustrated by award-winning illustrators. I enjoyed getting to see the various styles and choices because each choice was impacted by personal experience. This could be used in a 5-7th grade classroom. Some of the ideas are complex and there is a lot of analysis of the quotes. It is not a quick read. I could see it being used as a launching pad resource for studying important people in history if children were assigned to write about and research people from this list (or of course find their own who weren't included). Or, children could use this book as a model. Find a quote, write about it, and illustrate it. Great conversation starter!

[Sandra Sy]

"We are the Change" by Harry Belafonte was published in 2019. This is a great read-aloud book option for 3rd-5th graders and this would also be beneficial for 6th-8th graders to silently read to themselves. This book is about the beauty of diversity and addresses individuals who have made an impact in history. At the end of the book, there is a biography provided for the illustrators that were discussed. This is a great book to read to 3rd-5th graders to inform them of the individuals that have led us to where we are today and this is great for upper elementary schoolers to read in order that they are encouraged to stand up for what they believe in. This book could be a great resource to get conversations going in the classroom about the beauty in race and diversity.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Belafonte wrote the introduction for this book that is bound to be a classic.

What an inspiring collection of quotes from many walks of life, including Queen Lili'uokalani, Frederick Douglass, John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sonia Sotomayor, Dolores Huerta, E.B. White, Khalil Gibran, Helen Keller, and Barack Obama. Each is illustrated beautifully by leading illustrators today using many different mediums, including Dan Santat, Sean Qualls, Brian Pinkney, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, John Parra, Raul the third, Greg Pizzoli, Selina Aldo, Melissa Sweet, and Chrisopher Silas Neal.

A great gift book for ages 6-up.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good idea for a children's primer to important thinking, but execution left me disappointed despite much of the art being very pretty. Not to judge the illustrators too harshly, but some of the quotes were underwhelming (especially given the whole point is to interest children), and the descriptions/explanations of said quotes are of wildly varying quality and often give very little to support contextual understanding or build curiosity.

Of course, it's also for an American audiance. If there was a British (or global) version where the execuation was more consistently engaging, I'd be super happy to have it in my classroom, and I wish the contributors well.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders, is less of a children's illustrated book as it is a collection of illustrations, sometimes merely a graphic, that serve to supplement a collection of thoughts from the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Sonia Sotomayor, Frederick Douglass, Helen Keller, and Khalil Gibran, to name just a very few. Through the illustrations, the quotations are made simple for children, and as a collection they are very important to possess - either on the family bookshelf, or as important rules by which to live, emblazoned on the hearts and minds of our children.

[Marian P · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders (Chronicle Books, May 2019) is a beautifully illustrated children’s book combining quotes by civil rights leaders and activists and illustrations by award-winning children’s book artists. Leaders are both past and present such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Gwendolyn Brooks, Barack Obama and more. The moving quotes and stunning illustrations are a way to engage in civil liberties discussions with your child; however, the inspiring quotes highlighting human dignity appeal to those of any age.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first came across this book, I loved it and ordered it immediately to pair with my then forthcoming book, Lizzie Demands a Seat. Such powerful and important quotes from a diverse group of people. Such an extraordinary collection of art from diverse illustrators. And such important connections expressed by the illustrators for the quotes they chose. This is one of those books that can be paired with others so easily, can inspire in hard times, and can connect all people—whether black or white or brown, young or old.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent inspirational book for adults and children alike featuring inspirational quotes from civil rights leaders occupied by beautiful illustrations and a brief snippet of information from today's authors and illustators explaining what that quote means to them. Shows the power that we each have and the good we all can do no matter how small.

Favorite quote: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book and it was a nice introduction to some words of inspiration of some prominent Civil Rights Leaders all illustrated by different artists in different mediums. I liked how the book acknowledges each illustrator at the end as well and you can check out some of their other work.

"So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights we will be called a democracy." - Roger Baldwin (ACLU Founder).

I hope this statement continues to remain true!! It's so disheartening that in 2025 I have to wonder about that.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that leave you with goosebumps and your heart filled with hope. Each page features an important civil rights quotation and is exquisitely and smartly illustrated. Beyond the quotes the reader learns about real change makers in our world. Need some hope and inspiration to keep fighting the good fight? Want to inspire a young reader? This is an excellent gift book that both children and adults will treasure.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful.


I loved the varied quotes and illustrations. Some illustrators were people I recognize, while others were new to me.

I think it's an important book in this time period where terrible things (shootings, etc. ) seem to be happening all the time and the political landscape is so divided.

I read an ebook version of this and I think the formatting was off a bit, which took away a little bit. I might consider getting a hardcopy at some point.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute must in any library or classroom, WE ARE THE CHANGE pairs well-known illustrators with respected civil rights leaders, past and present. The illustrations and the accompanying quotes selected could be framed, they are so beautiful. Perfect as a read aloud, as a nonfiction resource, or as an independent reading selection, I cannot recommend this skinny book with big ideas more.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book unfolds inside you as you read it. At first I was skeptically thinking 'who is this really for?' but before I knew it, it had me. As a children's librarian this blew me away. Who is it for? Everyone. The quotes pages are great for starting conversations with younger children and the larger passages from the illustrators are fantastic for older children and adults. A phenomenal project.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I was concerned this might be too much for kids, but the selected quotes are short, but then along the illustrations there is a blurb from the artists on what the quote means for them. That adds a nice personal touch, and the brevity of the quotes can make it a nice introduction for younger children.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fun to see what modern picture books are coming out now :) I felt like I loved the messages this book is putting out for kids these days, but I definitely think that kids reading this book would need an older sibling/teacher/parent to help guide them through understanding the context behind these quotes!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lovely book to be sure, but I'm not sure who the audience is. The quotes are inspiring and the illustrations gorgeous, but it's not really a read-aloud. A solid meh from me.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pairs inspirational quotes from civil rights leaders with illustrations by various artists and a few words from the artists about their work. This is a beautiful book that can be used to motivate.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stimulating and inspiring collection of quotations about activism, resistance, and social justice chosen by sixteen award-winning children's book artists who illustrated the quotations that inspire them.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book with inspiration and words about civil rights leaders. I loved taking one person each night to share with my children. Thus is a book to take your time with, not a one sitting book.