Janet Wilson
Janet Wilson is a well known Canadian artist, author of books for children and youth, and inspirational speaker.
The books she has written and illustrated have won many awards and are recognized internationally. Her presentations are inspiring the hearts and minds of people of all ages.
As well as making art that interprets the written word, Janet also paints fine art from life, landscapes en plein air, and studio still life, in all media for the sheer joy that painting presents.
Kids Books (3)
Synopsis:
These young people from across the globe are raising awareness about what issues matter to them most. Jaelun Parkerson from the USA kneels with his football teammates during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice; Canadian Autumn Peltier spoke in front of the United Nations to raise awareness about water pollution; and Melati Wijsen from Indonesia started working at twelve-years-old to convince her government to ban plastic bags.
From climate action to cyberbullying, from gun violence to animal protection, these young activists have brought about real change.
Reviews
“A useful addition to a growing body of literature challenging young readers to help make change in the world.” - Kirkus Reviews
“The number one thing that I can say about Our Future by Janet Wilson is that it is an incredibly uplifting book to read.” - Reader Fox
“The accounts are easy to read and accompanied by appealing illustrations and relevant photos; readers will find plenty to identify with here. Our Future: How Kids are Taking Action is a useful addition to any collection on these topics…Highly Recommended.” - CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Educator Information
Includes youth from around the globe, including Indigenous youth, such as Autumn Peltier and Ta'Kaiya Blaney. Not all profiles are of Indigenous activists.
Recommended Ages: 7 to 12.
Part of the How Kids Are Making a Difference Series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"
Synopsis:
A girl who founded a charity for girls’ education, a boy who raised money with every baseball he could hit. True stories of children who opened up their hearts and minds to the unfairness of the world and decided to try and make a difference, because everyone deserves to be happy.
Andrew Adansi-Bonnah from Ghana raised thousands of dollars for refugee children in Somalia after seeing their terrible situation on the news. Jonathan Lee from South Korea was given special permission to travel to North Korea to talk about the environment. Mimi Ausland from the USA, nicknamed “Dr. Doolittle,” started a website to collect donations for shelter animals. All of them are everyday heroes, and you can be one too.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Kids Are Making a Difference Series.
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"
Synopsis:
This is the true story of Shannen Koostachin and the people of Attawapiskat, a Cree community in Northern Ontario, who have been fighting for a new school since 1979, when a fuel spill contaminated their original school building.
It is 2008, and thirteen-year-old Shannen and the other students at J.R. Nakogee Elementary are tired of attending class in portables that smell and don’t keep out the freezing cold winter air. They make a YouTube video describing the poor conditions, and their plea for a decent school gains them attention and support from community leaders and children across the country. Inspired, the students decide to turn their grade-eight class trip into a visit to Ottawa, to speak to the Canadian government. Once there, Shannen speaks passionately to the politicians about the need to give Native children the opportunity to succeed. The following summer, Shannen is nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her passion and that of the other students makes politicians stand up and take notice, and becomes a rallying point for the community and for the country.
Shannen will never see her dream fulfilled. Tragically, she was killed in a car crash in 2010. Her family, friends, and supporters are continuing to fight and to honor her memory as they work for equality for children in communities everywhere.
Awards
- In 2012-2013 Shannen and the Dream for a School was the award recipient for First Nation Communities Read.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Kids' Power Series.
Recommended for ages 9 to 13.
Authenticity Note: This book has received the Authentic Indigenous Text label as it is written by Janet Wilson with the participation and support of members of the Attawapiskat community.
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