Little Libraries, Big Heroes, written by Miranda Paul, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Elliott G.
Summary: The story, Little Libraries, Big Heroes, explores the idea that a single person has the ability to change the world as long as they put their mind to it. It encourages kids to follow their dreams and do what they enjoy, not what others want them to do. The book begins by exploring the way Todd, a student, felt in school. In school, “Todd did not feel heroic”. Often times, Todd struggled basic concepts in school like reading, he was looked down upon for asking questions. As the story progresses Todd grows and creates a free library for people give and take books. His mother was a reading teacher and her love of books inspired his idea. As this idea expanded it was spread to other parts of the world where people began to volunteer at schools and donate materials. Readers will learn about the impact Little Free Libraries have had on our society.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a non-fiction history picture book. It would be perfect for a history teacher to share in class and have on display. This book addresses literacy and social justice. Every library should have this book because of the impact Little Free Libraries have had on the world. There are currently thousands of stewards of Little Free Libraries all over the world. Children and adults can work to have a Little Free Library installed in a highly visible place. This book can spark ideas for kids to help and make a change in the world, it can be something small scale like Todd’s and then grow or just stay local. Students can be inspired to make a change and volunteer for certain groups that focus on making the world a better place. This book would be perfect for an IB student starting on their Personal Project journey. This book illustrates how a small act of kindness turned into something on a global scale. This book is a good choice for independent reading. It would be a “must have” for any organization looking to begin a Little Free Library. There is a lot of information in the Author’s Note section for those who may be inspired by this book. “You can be the story of change.” Todd H. Bol