Iranian illustrator Hoda Hadadi’s creative cut-paper art beautifully supports and extends the heartfelt messages of this collection of seven free verse poems about brave and inspiring acts of courage from throughout this unsettled and conflicted world. A ballet teacher teaches dance infused with hope and dreams amidst gang violence in Rio; a Delhi teacher instructs children of the poor under a noisy railroad bridge despite having no instructional materials; a young Anishinaabe water activist advocates for clean drinking water for Canadian Indigenous communities; and, on a Greek Island, a woman restaurateur supports hungry immigrants despite personal threats of violence.

Canadian-based author Singh is best known for her multiple award-winning nonfiction picture book 111 Trees, which also addresses several social justice issues.

Other End Matter: About the stories, author’s note
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Joanie P., Teacher-Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Rina Singh has published several critically acclaimed books for children inspired by her Indian Canadian heritage, including Diwali Lights, Holi Colors and Diwali: A Festival of Lights, which was nominated for the Red Cedar Award. Rina’s own grandmother never got the chance to go to school. Grandmother School is dedicated to her memory. Rina lives in Toronto with her family.

Rina Singh's profile page

Hoda Hadadi is an award-winning Iranian illustrator, author and poet. So far, she has published eighty books in different countries. She spends most of her time in her small studio by her desk, where you always can find a cup of tea, aromatic candle, dates and raisins, scissors, pieces of paper, glue, and of course pots of fresh and smiling plants.

Hoda Hadadi's profile page

• Short-listed, Nami Intl. Picture Book Illustration Concours

"This topical book offers much for the young social studies learner and will be useful for springboarding age-appropriate conversations about peace and conflict."
—Summer Edward, Horn Book

“A powerful book … The paper cut illustrations are gorgeous, detailed and embody the message of hope.”
—Toronto Star

“A beautiful and uplifting anthology.”
—The Sunday Times

“Offers a series of poetic vignettes that chronicle small but impactful efforts by people to make life a little bit better… the emotional effect of the lyrical, imagistic text is profound, distinctly laying out the heart of the various problems in a way that makes the subjects' efforts even more admirable."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books review

“These portrayals of seven admirable agents of hope and small-scale change are nothing if not inspiring. Celebrating human endeavors like these might prompt more sweeping change.”
—Kirkus Reviews