I have read and used some of Onjali Q. Rauf's books in my classes to encourage empathy, particularly with refugees. I am also aware of the work the author does in refugee camps and with various charities so I wasn't surprised to see that she had written a book that is more explicit in its message. It is a handbook as opposed to a fiction book.
I wasn't quite sure who it would be intended towards and I sometimes feel that children respond more empathetically towards fictional characters than in real life (unfortunately!), but I hope that books like this will promote not only caring about others but knowing that you have the power to make changes, even as a child.

Another fantastic book by this author, this time a non-fiction book about how to be an activist and stand up for the causes you believe in. Thinking points are given and suggestions are given for activities children can carry out to provoke changes. I particularly liked that she refers to a huge range of inspirational people; fictional characters, well known public figures and less know 'real-life' activists. This allows everyone to find someone they know and can relate to. This is a book I will probably be using in our school reading assemblies next year.

This is a non-fiction book written to support children to develop their characters in a positive way. It is a very positive book as a result. I believe this book is aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 readers. I think it would make an excellent framework for transition work before joining secondary school, either through structured lesson planning or with parents reading it with the children. I am not sure it is a book a child will finish on their own.

Each chapter is structured in a similar way with an action that the chapter will discuss; a definition of importance to the chapter; a discussion of how the author felt about the subject when she was younger; a request to reflect on what has been discussed with some useful theoretical questions and then practical suggestions for reflection. The chapter is then rounded off by telling us about some people who have used these characteristics in a positive way.

As an adult some of the humour jarred slightly as I felt I was being talked down to but the message of the book for action was excellent.

There is a useful glossary, and a wonderful list of books and films mentioned within the text. I have two items to have a look at. I really enjoyed the positive spin and importance placed on books to help children learn about the world.

I loved the hope of this book. It very much reminded me of 'Good News' by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and I think these are powerful non-fiction books for readers of today. To know that there is hope and that the world is not all bad is a crucial message and this book certainly keeps that alive.

I really enjoyed how this handbook for children on making the world a better place was presented. Using her favourite books and stories as a basis for exploring themes of empathy, kindness and activism, Onjali Q Rauf draws out key elements and skills that characters display, and then looks at how we can all develop similar skills. The chapters then deal with these using real life examples and then highlights a famous person who best reflects the fictional characters. It works really well and is both accessible and readable. It's a great books for children to think about and explore ways of dealing with some of today's issues that can feel overwhelming in an achievable and positive way.

Wasn't sure I would like this. Thought it might be "hopping on the Mental health wellbeing" or a Marcus Rashford's Champion but by Onjali Rauf...

BUT it isn't! I love Onjali's chatty style. I love that she loves cholate so much it;'s mentioned all over the place! The "you can" attitude is so good. The characters from books that she picks as the person you should be are lovely and made me want to read yet more as some of them I've never read. The real people whose stories she tells us about (inc Marcus) and who do so much good for women, refugees, children, poverty and the world make you think that you should do more by making us reflect (yes that's a section in teh chapter).
Each chapter finishes with a 'Call to Action' for you to be more like the character e.g. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Frodo from The Lord of The Rings or even She-Ra!

Will definitely want this for school. We have a lot of Onjali Rauf fans and they'll be happy to read it.

A lovely, friendly little “self-help” style book for young children from Onjali, a deservedly popular author. As much as I live her fiction writing for children, this is just so child centred to make them see themselves as special and important.