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Award-winning writer George Johnson believes in the power of literature to create empathy. All of his work reflects his long-time advocacy of social justice for which he received the YMCA Peace Medal in 2019. His screenplay Peace Pledge, the remarkable story of the Peace Pledge Union, the strongest pacifist movement in history, received Honorable Mention in the Euroscript Screenplay Competition and the New Renaissance Film Festival (London), and was an Official Finalist in the Cannes Screenplay Contest. His picture book Sophia’s Secrets won the Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association Children’s Story competition and will be published by Clavis Books in 2022. "How Hope" draws on his own experience as an activist. Some years ago he wrote and performed in a skit, along with some kids, on sweatshop labor; we also held an anti-fashion show in Kamloops, and we have a refugee resettlement organization, RAFT, Refugee and Friends Together just like in the story!
Reviewed by Louise Hurrell for Readers' Favorite
How Hope Became an Activist is an inspiring, sweet picture book by George M. Johnson, tackling the subject of activism for younger generations. Activism is a very broad topic, with many different groups, organizations, and individuals considered activists. Instead of attempting to tackle everything to do with the theme, Johnson cleverly and carefully selects two issues to discuss. He specifically chose issues that relate to child readers, and I found that highly effective. It helps to keep children more engaged in the storyline, and also makes them think about their place in the world. I also found it important that Johnson never condescends or mollycoddles his audience. Obviously, in a children’s book, he cannot go into grittier details, but he doesn’t shy away from harsh realities. This decision helps make How Hope Became an Activist more poignant.
The illustrations by Danielle Grandi really complement Johnson’s text. The images flit between color and black and white, which is very effective in conveying how Hope is feeling in a particular scene. That sudden change also places an emphasis on the issues at hand. Equally, the bright colors highlight the optimism of activism, the belief that the world can change for the better. The fact the titular character is called Hope is probably no coincidence – the main theme of the book is, ultimately, hope. Johnson has succeeded in creating a picture book that is uplifting and optimistic, which is appropriate given the world today. To encourage children to become more aware and involved in activist causes is wonderful, and I think Johnson succeeds in that. His dedication to his great-niece at the beginning of the book sums it up: ‘Go make a difference’.
