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Giant Steps to Change the World

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"On some days your dreams may seem too away far to realize… Listen to the whispers of those that came before..."

Following the success of their much beloved picture books, Please, Baby, Please and Please, Puppy, Please; Academy Award nominated director Spike Lee, and his talented wife Tonya Lewis Lee offer up an inspirational picture book about activism and taking the big steps to set things right set to beautiful illustrations by the award-winning Sean Qualls. Using examples of people throughout history who have taken "giant steps", this book urges kids to follow in their footsteps and not be hindered by fear or a sense that you are not good enough. Despite the challenges, even the smallest step can change the world. So, what's your next step going to be?

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

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197 people want to read

About the author

Spike Lee

79 books95 followers
Shelton Jackson Lee, better known as Spike Lee, is an Emmy Award - winning, and Academy Award - nominated American film director, producer, writer, and actor noted for his films dealing with controversial social and political issues. He also teaches film at New York University and Columbia University. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983.

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5 stars
91 (33%)
4 stars
111 (40%)
3 stars
54 (19%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa.
776 reviews73 followers
February 3, 2011
I hate rating down books like this because it makes me look like a total grump who doesn't believe in inspiring children to be their best. But I'm not sure who this book is for. If it's for young children, the language is a little clunky ("like the Olympic athlete who won the gold even though he had been relegated to second-class status by the very country he was representing"). If it's for older children, why not give us more information? The inspirational figures are never named in the text of the book. There are no endnotes; quotes from the people referred to are printed on the endpapers, but there's no indication that these are the people referred to in the text or what their accomplishments are; if you don't know Marva Collins is "the teacher who started a school for children thought unteachable" and not "the neurosurgeon with magic hands," you are not going to find out here. To be fair, it's not shelved in non-fiction in my library, but because of the awkward phrasings it's not working for me as poetry, either. Also, and this is my larger issue with inspirational works for children, it's all very well and good to tell kids they need to "take giant steps" and "press on" and "leap over hurdles" and "stand your ground" but how do you actually do that? And if these people's lives and accomplishments are supposed to show us that "how," then why not give us more information about them? I always want something more concrete for kids.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,391 reviews39 followers
January 5, 2016
I think this is a worthwhile and inspiring book as it shows that ordinary people can do amazing things if they don't give up and don't allow fear to stop their progress.

However, I really think it would be much better if the references to famous men and women who made a difference were followed by information about each of these notable men and women. The endpapers include one quote from each person but no biographical information at all. Young readers won't have the background knowledge to recognize who is being described on each page...frankly, there were two people that I knew nothing about. I am sharing this with my class tomorrow, but in order to make it more effective (and suit my purposes) I created a Smartboard lesson with a photo and brief biographical information about each individual. I would have liked this book much more if that information was included in the book...either as sidebar information on each page or in notes at the end.
Profile Image for Lee McBride.
159 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2015
This book gave me chills. My three year old randomly plucked it from the library shelf the other day and when we sat down to read this morning, I had no clue what kind of treasure this book would be. This book speaks to people of all ages about stepping out of their comfort zone in order to accomplish their wildest dreams. It has quotes and sentences about comparing yourself to Muhammad Ali, Mother Teresa, Neil Armstrong, Albert Einstein, Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman and others. I thought this book would be an interesting one to have in either middle school or older because it not only encourages students to follow their dreams but it shows them some of the adversity that the above mentioned faced in order to become the wonderful people we remember today. It would even be a great read to high school graduates that are about to embark on the next steps of this journey called life.
Profile Image for Turrean.
910 reviews20 followers
March 5, 2014
A book for starting conversations. Each double-page spread describes, but does not name, a famous person in the struggle for human rights. Quotes on the endpapers identify the names of the people described, but don't tell you which is which. Almost tailor-made for a class project.

If I have a quibble with this book, it's the lack of any end notes with further information. I have to confess that I could not identify a couple of the people based just on the description, and ended up having to search for more information.
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books477 followers
April 23, 2024
This time the famous moviemaker Spike Lee, and his TV producer wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, are determined to inspire picture book readers.

Not like their picture book collaborations that I've read previously, charming my socks off with those adorb pictures of chubby babies. Nah, here the story is serious:

On some days your dreams may seem too far away to realize… Listen to the whispers of those that came before...

I wonder, is this book really written for children who don't yet know how to read?

The road won't be easy.
People will try to exclude you,
but you must LEAP over hurdles --
like the Olympic athlete who won the gold
even though he had been relegated to second-class status
by the very country he was representing.


GOLLY, IS THIS BOOK REALLY EXPRESSING IDEALISM?

That doesn't ring completely true, not to this Goodreader. Nor do I believe that kids who are read picture books... have the education -- or even enough cognitive development -- to make much sense of the text here.

And surprise! It's not common to find a commercially published picture book that is lushly over-written, but I do believe that I've found one here. Comment below and let me know what you think, Goodreaders.

RATING THIS BOOK

As usual, I rate books in terms of the intended readers. In this case, clearly not me.

Whether this book speaks more to pride
or to frustration and rage...

I'll bet it does speak to some grownups, who can go on to explain it to their first graders as best those grownups can manage that. A noble attempt. FIVE STARS.
5 reviews
October 7, 2019
Giant Steps to change the World is an inspirational book with direct references to great historical figures. It does not go into much detail about the figures accomplishments, but it provides enough so that you know who the author is referring to. They mention everyone from Mohammed Ali to Barack Obama. They conclude by telling the reader not to fear failure and to begin their own journey.

The overall theme of Giant Steps to Change the World is that it does not matter who you are or where you come from, you can change the world just like those historical figures have.

As I flipped through the pages of Giant Steps to Change the World, I found joy in deciphering the words on the page to reveal the identity of the people in it. The book portrayed fear as a snake and that was a powerful image because of the religious ties. I found that it could help those kids who come from troubled backgrounds to see that they are Important.

I would recommend this book because it shows that there is no one way to make a difference in life and inspires young kids to strive to make a change. It does not rank accomplishments so that everyone can see that an accomplishment is just that: an accomplishment. I believe that this is important because we allow kids to keep their dreams and aspirations without having to succumb to societal demands. This can be taught at any point in the year so that you can emphasize the impact the students have.

16 reviews
Read
December 5, 2016
Title: Giant Steps to Change the World
Author: Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Genre: k-2 biography
Theme(s): perseverance, resilience, following your dreams
Opening line/sentence:
On some days your dreams may seem too far away to realize.
Brief Book Summary:
This book is encouraging readers to follow their dreams. The author gives examples including presidents, neuroscientists, teachers, and many more important people who followed their dreams and made the world a better place because of it. This book addresses the number one thing that stops people from following their dreams: fear. You do not need to be the strongest, the smartest, or the bravest to conquer fear and achieve your goals in life.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Joyce Rice (Children's Literature)
You don t have to be the strongest or the bravest the author tells young readers even before they have turned the title page to this collection of inspiring and challenging words. Without specific naming of personalities, the reader is introduced to Jesse Owen, an Olympic runner who overcame stereotypes to succeed, the Freedom Fighter Harriet Tubman, who provided a way for slaves to escape their harsh masters, the boxing champion, Mohammad Ali, who refused to serve in the military because he would not take up a gun, and Mother Teresa, the woman who continued into her eighth decade to feed the hungry across the world. Simple five or six line text introduces these people and the page is accompanied by illustrations representing their work. Both end pieces include quotations from the people who are introduced in the text. The simple illustrations and the rich dark colors will capture the imagination of the reader long before he reads the last pages, encouraging him to have a voice and keep reaching for a dream. The last entry recognizes the accomplishments of President Barack Obama and challenges the reader to take the next step in making their dreams come true. This is a simple presentation and will not be a primary purchase for elementary collections. However, it is a great discussion starter and would be worthy of purchase for social studies classrooms as well as a terrific gift selection for grandparents. The multicultural nature of the selected personalities enhances the worthiness of the title. Adults will recognize the author and his wife from films and television. The illustrator has done extensive work for children s books and has served as illustrator for Toni Morrison s children s books. 2011, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12.
(PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2011.)


Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2010 (Vol. 78, No. 23))
The opening two pages of inspirational quotations from men and women both famous and not-quite serve as a de facto table of contents for a series of collages and accompanying homilies (often quite clunky ones) from the Lees. They are addressed to a young boy, literally climbing steps, and exhort all young readers to step up with "might and courage" so that they "will be the foundation that impacts us all." Adults will have to make the leap between those opening quotes and the following tableaux glorifying such figures as Jesse Owens, Marva Collins, Muhammad Ali, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, Mother Teresa, the Tuskegee Airmen and Neil Armstrong, among others, all of whom faced difficulties and aimed high. Qualls uses soft shades of blues, purples and oranges for each pictorial work, applying the paint thickly over pieces of newsprint and torn paper. Best of the bunch is a swirl of lines passing city buildings in homage to Langston Hughes' "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." Not really a rousing read-aloud but a solid jumping-off point for discussion. Purposeful in a good way. 2011, Simon & Schuster, 40 pp., $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 5 to 8. © 2010 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2011.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviewers discuss how the author incorporates famous heroes in order to get their point across about the importance of following your dreams and making a difference in the world. At the beginning and end of the story, the author included quotes from the people mentioned in the text. The reviewers talk about how much these quotes impact young readers who are just determining their goals. The illustrations, mentioned by the reviewers, really capture the imagination of the people who made these accomplishments.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Each illustration represents the amazing work that one of our heroes accomplished. The illustrations are very dramatic, drastic and use vibrant colors. This really shows the reader how incredible and life changing these accomplishments really were. The illustrations were able to capture the imagination of the people who made those accomplishments. The author also used topography throughout the text of the book making some words bigger in order to emphasize them and also making the words go up or down the page. This technique really captures the reader's attention and shows them what is most important about the story.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
I would read this story to my 1st or 2nd grade students in the beginning of the year when we’re having a history lesson. This book teaches a crucial lesson to readers to always follow your dreams. The author wrote, “Your might and courage will be the foundation that impacts us all.” Using a history lesson, I think it is important for the teacher to further teach the students about each of the heroes that was discussed in this book to really explain their struggle and what steps they had to take in order to accomplish their goals and change the world. At the end of the lesson, I think it is important for the students to answer the last quote of the text, “What’s your next step going to be?” This could be something that the students could reflect on at the end of the year.
Profile Image for Rachael Fricke.
50 reviews
September 16, 2018
Wonderfully illustrated! But probably too complicated for young readers to read alone. However, if you're looking for a book to read aloud, that will inspire young children to strive for their dreams, this is the one. The illustrations in this book are beautiful! Some reviews I've read of this book say that the book is lacking because the illustrations do not show who is the famous figure they are referring to on that page. I believe that's done on purpose from the illustrator so that anyone's face can be there. The lack of representation allows for anyone to see themselves making steps to change the world. This is not history book, it's a book to show children they don't need to look a certain way to change the world. The person who does that doesn't need to look any specific way. The person to change the world can look just like them. It's a great book for young listeners but adults would enjoy the inspirational message inside the pages as well.
Profile Image for Kate.
669 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2018
Beautiful message about actions people have taken to make the world a better place. Each double page spread names something done by a famous change maker from history, but does not actually name the change maker. Parents and well-informed readers will be able to guess some. This way of presenting the information makes it seem like any ordinary person could take these steps, which is inspiring. I think notes at the end about each person referenced would make it a better book.

The historical figures are a diverse group representing arts, science, politics, sports, education, medicine, and philanthropy.
Profile Image for Jen KD.
257 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2021
This is a good read aloud book for middle school or higher. The message is important: take the first step and you, too, can be a hero. The book alludes to famous people who conquered fears to show the world that they were worth it. It has been mentioned in many reviews that the book would be improved by directly referencing the famous inspirational people. This would help readers learn more about these role models and potentially follow in their footsteps. It’s definitely a good book for starting conversations about heroes and taking first steps toward change.
2 reviews
March 22, 2019
Great book. lots of historical events
Good book to have on a history lesson day
book connection-si se puede janitorial strike
Give history lesson- have history related books around room-have reading time- discuss the different historical events diff. students read.
Could use this book to lead the disscussion if students do not want to share or if they have shared but more should be discussed.
Profile Image for Kris.
3,581 reviews70 followers
December 5, 2018
The concept is good, but it is poorly executed. The poetry is clunky and, most frustrating, it describes these inspirational people without naming them. I read this to my son, and he said, “WHY DOESN’T IT SAY WHO IT’S TALKING ABOUT?!” I know, right, kid?! Alluding to people is fine if your audience is not full of tiny people who don’t know who you are talking about.
Profile Image for Peacegal.
11.7k reviews102 followers
August 16, 2019
If you care about a cause and want to see change in the world, it won't always be easy. Obstacles will stand in your way. Sometimes, those obstacles are other people or institutions. Sometimes they are your own fears and self-doubt. This inspirational book reminds readers young and old that any change worth making is a change worth fighting for.
Profile Image for Jo Oehrlein.
6,361 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2021
Would like it matter if there were back matter explicitly said who each page is referencing. I think they're all in the quotations on the endpages, but if you have a library book, you can't see all of those.

Uses references to people from different places and times and fields to inspire kids (and adults!) to take a giant step forward and make the world a better place.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,205 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2017
This book has a powerful message for older readers. It is motivating and thought-provoking. The illustrations are unique and colorful. The only thing I would change is that the author does not state who he is talking about in his descriptions of powerful people.
40 reviews
Read
November 29, 2017
2011. Concept 2 . Good read aloud and introduction to a different jobs section or how small things can cause big changes. About this kid trying to find ways to make a difference talks about different people through what they did and not their names. Names with quotes on the inner leaf of the book.
Profile Image for Gina.
Author 5 books31 followers
March 30, 2019
I can't decide how well it works. A poem talks about doing things, and being like various examples, but they don't actually name the examples. From quotes at the beginning you can tell, but I feel like more specific would be more motivating and inspirational.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,336 reviews15 followers
June 20, 2019
An inspiring picture book. Just wish it had an authors note or additional information at the end about the people described. My daughter had a lot of questions at the end about who each page was referring to.
Profile Image for Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance.
6,485 reviews338 followers
February 7, 2024
How do we change the world? How do we realize our dreams?

People of the past had these questions, too. This little picture book offers tiny windows into obstacles faced and overcome by people of the past, inspiration for all of us who hope to change the world and realize our dreams.
Profile Image for Emily McDonald.
30 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
Love this book for older elementary as it talks about people in history without saying their names (older students may be able to infer who it is about) and a terrific book about being world changers
1,099 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2021
Very creative book the only thing is that it focuses on men and not on women and men . Creative and very artistic. Pictures are beautiful and the wording is good.
Profile Image for Delonna Gibbs.
195 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2021
WOW, this book resonated with me. I loved all the stories of courage. Definitely add this book to your classroom library.
9 reviews
October 19, 2014
A lot of people gave this book a poor rating. I think a lot of those people misunderstood the purpose of the book. I personally, appreciated the book. The first time I read it, I was a a tad confused, but the second time I read it, it made a lot more sense. It is not a story book, or a poetry book, it is very hard to assign a genre to Giant Steps to Change the World.

On the inside of the front and back of the book there are quotes from heroes such as Muhammad Ali, Langston Hughes, Neil Armstrong, Mother Teresa, and Harriet Tubman. The authors write, in so many words, everyone has what it takes to be a hero. You don't have to be the strongest or the bravest, you simply have to believe in something enough to overcome the odds, to conquer every obstacle and succeed. The book unfolds as a semi-story that describes what it takes to be a hero by describing some of the heroes' actions, without mentioning their names. So, in my opinion, the purpose of the book was to describe the extraordinary in an ordinary way, so that children can understand how simple it can be to be a hero; all it takes is courage.

I think this book would be appropriate for children in upper elementary to use as a writing prompt. Have the students dissect the meaning on each page, and write about what it means to them, their understanding of the page. You could use the book to lead into biographies of some of the heroes mentioned. There are plenty of opportunities to use it as a learning tool. The illustrations and language, though minimal, are abstract and would most likely not make a good read aloud book. The characters presented in the book are diverse, so I don't understand why some people said this book is for African American children--is it because it's written by black authors and features a black boy on the cover?

Profile Image for Tasha.
4,165 reviews138 followers
February 10, 2011
This is a book filled with inspiring people that show children that everyone has the ability to be a hero. The book contains examples of people who stood up for others, worked with a passion and vision, honored deep values, and led the world to a new place. Among the heroes on the pages are Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, and Neil Armstrong. It is a great mix of male and female and different races. The heroes will inspire young readers to take that first step to follow in the giant steps that their heroes left behind.

Qualls’ illustrations are amazing. Done in acrylic, gouache, pencil and collage, the images are bold and strong. Some are so powerful, they stay with you after closing the book, like the black and white image that represents Harriet Tubman and moves from dark to light. The illustrations have clear lines, deep colors, and convey the essence of that hero to great effect.

Unfortunately, the text written by the Lees is less successful. The heroes they have selected are an incredible group of people. It is the words themselves that fall flat, often being too verbose and roundabout for a children’s picture book. I was also disappointed that there was not a list of the heroes anywhere in the book with more information. Readers can look at the endpages of the book to see a quote from each hero, but no further details are given. That’s just not enough information for young readers.

An inspiring book despite some issues, this book would pair well with President Obama’s Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
301 reviews
March 18, 2011
Even in my hobbled condition, I had to come downstairs to start my review of this book after finishing it with Gracie. I loved it! Essentially, the inside covers have various quotes from inspirational figures then the book's message uses these people's accomplishments to encourage your child to take "giant steps." My favorite page was about fear.

What I'll never forget is the conversation I had with Gracie during and following our reading. Halfway through, Gracie turns to me and says, "Mom, this is so lovey-dovey. Ugh!" (I think she was trying to explain it felt cheesy.) She kept saying it again and again. I finally was like, "What do you mean?" She responds, "Only a few people achieve great things. And kids can't." I was flabbergasted and quickly began to show her differently explaining that true only a few people will ever be a known artist or President, but ordinary people can still do extraordinary things. I used myself as example. And she was like, "What have you done?" "I'm raising two amazing daughters." "That doesn't count." "I think it's the most important thing I can do because I know whatever you do when you grow up will be amazing." "But I won't be famous." "You never know, and it's not about being famous, it's about making the world a better place, which I know you will do in your decisions and choices." She responds with a small "Oh." I love planting seeds, and this book helps you do so!
Profile Image for Ashley.
24 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2012
Grade/Interest Level: 3-6
Lexile Level: AD870L
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Main Characters: DNA
Setting: various locations
POV: Third person

Spike Lee and his wife created an inspiring picture book that can inspire kids of all ages. The book explains how it takes one step at a time to have a powerful impact on the world like a number of people throughout history like Langston Hughes, Mother Theresa, Jesse Owens, Einstein and President Barack Obama. It explains to children that there will be trials, struggles and difficulties along the way. There may even be doubters, haters and naysayers, but it is important for them to stand their ground in order to accomplish their dreams. It also warns that there will be fears - "fear of failure. fear of success. fear of being different. Fear of being the same" This book is powerful and awe inspiring and will open the door to many conversations within the classroom.

I think that this book is good to use during the first week of school. It's a great way to get students to start thinking about what they wish to accomplish for the year. After reading this book, they can write down their goals for the year. It can also be used during center activities for students to match what the descriptions to the actual historical figures. It can also be used during a thematic unit of influential people, or changing the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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