Member Reviews
Inspiring, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood stories of a diverse group of trailblazers including Kamala Harris, Greta Thunberg, Ai Weiwei, Benazir Bhutto, Elliot Page, and John Lewis, along with 10 other powerful figures.
Featuring kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, Kid Trailblazers highlights contemporary figures who have led the way in their fields—government, social activism, environmental justice, and the arts. Middle-grade readers will learn how these trailblazers got their start as kids just like them, with relatable stories and fun facts.
Kid Trailblazers by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld (Quirk Books, 2022) includes brief biographies of “changemakers and leaders,” focusing on events and habits formed in each of their childhoods. I loved that some of those highlighted were from around the world.
The biographies were full of pertinent information without being overwhelming. Colorful pictures accompany each chapter, helping to make the book all the more approachable by breaking up the text blocks.
Sections of the book include politicians (including Angela Merkel and Kamala Harris), Black civil rights activists (including the late John Lewis), environmentalists (including Al Gore and Greta Thunderberg), and artists (including TV producer Shonda Rhimes and trans actor Elliot Page).
My fifth grader likes to turn to the Kid Legends series to learn about athletes, artists, and presidents. The chapters are just the right length and the attractive design, with illustrations, keeps her reading. Kid Trailblazers is a timely addition to this series of mini-biographies.
Note: I received a digital copy of Kid Trailblazers for review consideration.
I found this book interesting to read to find out all about the trail blazers who had made a difference in the world. They were heavily focused for thr US audience and as such I don't know that it would be a book i would purchase to use in the uk
Having Previously Read Kid Presidents, I was Hoping Kids Trailblazers would Follow Suit with it's Informative Text & Cute Designs, I Wasn't Disappointed, Well Done Robin Stevenson!
Thanks to Net Gallery for this Book, Can't Wait to Obtain it in Physical Form.
I loved this book. My son did as well. I love educational books that educated and keep kids engaged. My son is 6. He really enjoyed learning about these trailblazers and he himself strives to be one now! Highly recommend!
What a great selection of stories from inspirational children. I loved the mix of children and the addition of some I had never heard of.
This is a must buy for a school library.
Thank you to #Netgalley for a preview copy - can't wait to see it as a physical copy.
This book has so much information that the reader would need to read snippets. It would be too overwhelming to read clumped together. The book has a lot of important people in history.
Another extremely informative, kid-friendly book! I love the format of these books with the mix of text and illustrations that make it very readable. I once again learned a ton of information from reading this book and can't wait to get Kid Trailblazers into the hands of readers.
This is a fun book filled with short biographies. I think many children would enjoy reading these stories, or at least using this book as a source for school work.
I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing collection of short biographies. Designed for kids, the pieces are not too long, illustrated, and contain great information about each of the trailblazers in the book
Everyone is a child at some point and as a child it is easy to think that you are too young to do anything important or make a difference. However, all of our great scientists, activists, politicians, business people etc were once children and they grew up to do great things in a way that was different and new. So looking at how they were as children, what their circumstances were when growing up, what problems they faced and what triggered or motivated them to do what they did is interesting and many children should be able to identify with some aspect of these lives and realize that they too can do things differently and be successful. I appreciate that this celebrates and highlight both boys and girls. Whilst the recognition of female achievers (and understand how many of them there are) is hugely necessary, I do feel that these days some boys growing up ay struggle to find positive roles models for them. So showcasing both sexes is inspirational for all.
It’s well pitched to the young reader. The short coverage of each person makes it perfect for discovering one person a day and spark interest in finding out more about what they have done, the positive impact they had and how the reader can relate to that. Overall an excellent book that should be in all libraries and households..
This is a great collection of short biographies. Designed for kids, the pieces are not too long, illustrated, and contain great information and anecdotes about what these trailblazers were like as kids.
Kid Trailblazers is a great introduction to influential people from around the world, telling their life story from when they were born to where they are now. Robin Stevenson writes in a very accessible manner that I think it is great for kids, teens and even adults. The illustrations are colourful and fun. My favourite part is the diversity of the trailblazers which include Black, Asian and Trans individuals.
Kid Trailblazers is a great book that shares the "kid" part of some famous people. It is perfect for young readers. They will love the illustrations and the stories provide some details that have the power to leave an impression on the reader. It is motivating and encouraging while providing some interesting information. Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book! The art was just so cute, and it was very informative. I really liked the focus on different areas - leadership, arts, social change. A great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quirk for granting me the opportunity to read and review this book in advance!
I love these books and how they showcase different famous people. I like how they show these people as children. So children can see others from their perspective.
I like the illustrations too.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
“Do you dream of a world where people are truly free and equal, where our planet is protected, and where everyone’s voice can be heard?”
Kid Trailblazers is a true treasure. From the way it is divided, to the “trailblazers” showcased throughout its pages and their easy-to-follow but meaningful biographies, and eye catching illustrations, I cannot wait to share this book with students and family alike.
In a world and climate, were all hope for true change lies within our children, Kid Trailblazers provides an opportunity to shed some light into amazing individuals and the big impacts they have made into society in different ways. Regardless of age, sex, color, your kiddos will find great role models to look up to within these pages. And who knows? Maybe they themselves will be the next trailblazers!
I cannot wait to read all the other books in the Kid Legends Series.
With charming illustrations, and a wide variety of inspirational figures, this biographical collection seeks to inspire readers by looking at the childhood of famous artists, advocates, and movers and shakers. I think it is interesting to learn more about the childhood of some of these historic people, especially when seeing how they overcame adversity. Al Gore's childhood was less inspiring as he grew up with privilege and seemed to come into his environmental work more as an adult. There were a few trailblazers who actively became involved as children, and I was hoping to read more about people such as Greta Thunberg, Amanda Gorman, and Mari Copeny. I think it should either be about children who made a difference or a look at people who are making a difference when they were kids, but not necessarily both.
I think this will fit nicely with our collection of biographies about trailblazers and advocates and will introduce readers to some new and noteworthy people.