"Encouragement for the future leaders and caretakers of our planet inspired by four real-life youth activists. As Robert points out, “the world can be a scary place sometimes.” Climate change is wreaking havoc on our environment, refugees make perilous journeys in search of a better life, many children from marginalized backgrounds are unable to see themselves reflected in literature, and young people feel uncertain and afraid. Despite these painful realities, the book points out several reasons to be optimistic. Young people are protesting, participating, imagining, and fighting their way toward a better future. The book visually depicts environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Syrian refugee and Olympian Yusra Mardini, #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias, and child labor activist Iqbal Masih, though they aren’t named directly until an endnote. Throughout, verses start with the refrain “somewhere, out there, / in the wide, wide world, a child like you”—which will spur young readers to make a difference. With watercolorlike blurring, Kaadan’s illustrations give the blues and grays of the opening pages a somber appearance. Paler, brilliant blues give way to more color as the children work together and the world starts looking a little brighter. Rather than brushing over harsh realities, Robert and Kaadan acknowledge children’s very real fears while empowering them and offering hope. Background characters are racially diverse. A meaningful call to action. (Picture book. 5-8)"

“A meaningful call to action … Encouragement for the future leaders and caretakers of our planet inspired by four real-life youth activists. As Robert points out, ‘the world can be a scary place sometimes.’ Climate change is wreaking havoc on our environment, refugees make perilous journeys in search of a better life, many children from marginalized backgrounds are unable to see themselves reflected in literature, and young people feel uncertain and afraid. Despite these painful realities, the book points out several reasons to be optimistic. Young people are protesting, participating, imagining, and fighting their way toward a better future … Rather than brushing over harsh realities, Robert and Kaadan acknowledge children’s very real fears while empowering them and offering hope.”

“This colorful picture book showcases four young people advocating for positive change … readers learn that the characters are based on real-life Greta Thunberg, Yusra Mardini, Marley Dias, and Iqbal Masih, whose brief biographies provide some context for the main narrative’s occasionally abstract visuals and text."

– —Booklist