Growing Up Elizabeth May: The Making of an Activist

by Sylvia Olsen, Cate May Burton (With)

Elizabeth May was born to be an activist. As a young girl, Elizabeth was worried about the health of the planet and believed it was her job to protect it. While other children were playing, she was raising money for important causes, researching the latest science and organizing protests. Before most people had heard about environmentalism, she was an environmentalist, living by her principle of “I have to do something .” Written with Elizabeth’s daughter Cate, this book reveals how Elizabeth’s activism led her to politics, first as leader of the Green Party of Canada and later as a Member of Parliament. Filled with environmental facts, profiles of young activists and tips for making change in your own community, this book is part biography and part blueprint for activists in the making.

136 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2021

About the author

Sylvia Olsen is a writer and public speaker living on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. She is the author of several picture books, a number of first readers and novels for young adults and one non fiction—so far. Most of all she is a mother and grandmother and aunty to dozens of nieces and nephews.

Sylvia has spent most of her life living in Tsartlip First Nation, where her children and grandchildren now live. Because Sylvia is non native and her children are of mixed heritage most of her stories are about the place—the time—the experience of where different sorts of people come together. That’s one of the things that interests her the most. It’s one of the things she knows the most about—and like many authors—Sylvia writes about what she knows.

Her newest books are: a historical fiction set in the Gulf Islands called Counting on Hope (Sono Nis, Fall 2009) and A Different Game (Orca Books, Spring 2010). She is currently working on an adult non fiction and dreaming up a new story for a Young Adult novel (making it up is her favourite part of the writing process).

Writing is Sylvia’s most important hobby. She also loves to draw, sew, knit and design clothing. Her ‘real’ job is in housing. Her career, her dedication and her passion are to make sure everyone has a healthy place to live.

Reviews

[George Radner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book for middle/high school students and adults alike! Truly inspiring with many deep lessons, insights and perspectives -- it could change your life! The book is a great mix of visuals and text, with many sweet recurring "boxes" such as "Cate Says," Q&A with Elizabeth, and messages from teenagers. The core story -- of Elizabeth May's childhood and rise as an activist -- is itself highly moving and engaging. I had many moments of "wow" and awe. I am left thinking -- what would our world be like if all of us, young and old, were that driven to environmental justice? Read this book with your classrooms, your kids, or just on your own, if you're looking for a thought-provoking, heart-warming and overall inspiring experience!

[Dorinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not, politically, a huge Elizabeth May fan but I really enjoyed her biography. She has lived through and been in the middle of many historical moments in the US and Canada. Her love for the environment and Canada is undeniable. A great read for any young Canadian.