Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different

April 1, 2019
A follow-up to Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different (2018) that includes girls and women. All of the strengths and weaknesses of Brooks' earlier collection can be found here as well. Readers learn about 76 artists, athletes, inventors, and philanthropists, distilled into one-page entries opposite a portrait. Many of the entries are clumsily written, and the only times the subjects get to speak for themselves are in occasional unsourced, sound-bite-y pablum. In addition to individuals, Brooks also profiles the band Bikini Kill, the Syrian White Helmets, and the German anti-Nazi Edelweiss Pirates. Some of the entries, such as the Wright Brothers', stretch the idea of "difference." The collection's general attitude posits that disabilities are tragedies that one can overcome with the right attitude, an idea often pushed back against by disability activists. Other entries seem to laud white savior-ism, such as one about two white women who "had always been drawn to Africa," which tries to explain female genital cutting to young audiences as "a traditional ritual that...involves the girls being painfully and pointlessly mutilated for life." The one trans person, Roberta Cowell, is predominantly referred to by her old name and pronouns, with liberal use of the "wrong body" trope. The overall message of individualism may be inspirational for some, but it will definitely feel limiting to others. There's plenty of interesting information in this collection, but there's a lot to sift through to get to it. (Collective biography. 8-12)

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May 27, 2019
This follow-up to Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different takes a more gender-inclusive approach to telling the stories of groundbreaking figures. Brooks offers an eclectic, globe-spanning mix of individuals (arranged alphabetically by last name) from myriad professions and personal backgrounds. Among them are Riot Grrrl founders and band members of Bikini Kill; skateboarding champion Leticia Bufoni; and innovator and inventor Kelvin Doe, who made electricity from salvaged materials in Sierra Leone. Winter’s dramatic, graphic novel–reminiscent art provides narrative dimension to Brooks’s lively biographies, which serve to show readers that there are limitless ways to change the world. Ages 8–12.

June 1, 2019

Gr 3-5-This intriguing collection of nonfiction stories illuminates often-overlooked pioneers. Brooks, who previously introduced readers to historically unsung heroes in Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different, returns with new tales that span centuries, countries, ages, and genders. Listed in alphabetical order by name, each figure or group includes a detailed biography and full-page illustration by frequent collaborator Wintor. Although there are a few familiar faces, like astronaut Sally Ride and the Wright Brothers, the pages are packed with people that may be new to many readers such as Jessica Cox, a pilot born without arms, or Biddy Mason, a former enslaved woman who became the first black female landowner in Los Angeles. Brooks's collection invites readers to engage with people of many different ethnicities and cultures. A potential springboard for class research projects, the book's focus on lesser-known figures encourages readers to learn more. Brooks doesn't shy away from challenging topics; instead, age-appropriate information is carefully explained. Wintor's colorful illustrations capture the spirit of each figure, as well as the eyes of readers. VERDICT A strong selection for elementary and juvenile nonfiction collections that brings history to life.-Casey O'Leary, Mooresville Public Library, IN

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