‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ Book Review

‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ Book Review

Heather Johnson

'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?' Book Review

I have been homeschooling for six years now. As a homeschooling mom, I am always on the lookout for books to add to our home library. With all the events happening in the world at the moment, The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why? written by Claire Saunders, Hazel Songhurst, Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Minna Salami, and Mik Scarlet with illustrations by Joelle Avelino and a foreword by Roxanne Gay offers a timely look at the concept of power. I accepted a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Front Cover of 'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?'

Authors and Illustrator

Currently residing in Lewis in southern England, freelance author and illustrator Claire Saunders graduated from Cambridge University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She has worked as an editor for over 20 years, focusing on illustrated non-fiction children’s books. She is a mother to a son and a daughter.

Author Hazel Songhurst is a writer and editor of non-fiction for children. Her interests span a wide range of topics, and she enjoys creating books that stimulate and empower young minds.

Based in Brighton in the United Kingdom, Georgia Amson-Bradshaw is a writer and editor who also wrote Rules for Everyone (I’m a Global Citizen) and We’re All Equal (I’m a Global Citizen).

Nigerian, Finnish and Swedish author Minna Salami is also a social critic and international keynote speaker. Her award-winning blog, MsAfropolitan, connects feminism with contemporary culture from an Africa-centred perspective. Her debut novel, Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone, was published by Zed and HarperCollins in 2020.

Based in London in the United Kingdom, writer and broadcaster Mik Scarlet is a an expert in the field of access and inclusion for disabled people.

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Also based in London in the United Kingdom, illustrator Joelle Avelino works with both traditional and digital methods of drawing and painting. She credits phenomenal women and her African heritage as her inspirations. She aims to bring her two worlds — England and Africa — together through her work.

American author Roxane Gay is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. She has also written a number of books including Ayiti, An Untamed State, Bad Feminist, Difficult Women, and Hunger. She is also the author of World of Wakanda for Marvel. She has several books forthcoming and works on television and film projects.

Synopsis

Recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 11 in second grade through sixth grade, The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why? explores the different types of power, what having power means, and what one can do with power to create positive change in the world. Each spread provides thought-provoking discussions on challenging topics such as war, voting, bullying, racism, sexism, and homophobia. The 64-page full-color hardback book currently retails for $19.99 on Amazon.

Back Cover of 'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?'

Evaluation

In such a tumultuous year, The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why? is a timely book to add to my home library. The book begins with an introduction about what power is, beginning with the important note that power is neither good nor bad. Each two-page spread focuses on a different aspect of power from adults calling the shots and bullies on the playground to racism, sexism, and ableism. By the end, the book aims to help readers better understand power and therefore use power to create positive change.

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Inside Pages of 'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?' 1

The topic of power could be a little hard to read, especially for kids between ages 7 and 11. However, the illustrations really help bring the book to life. The pictures from Joelle Avelino add a pop of color to the already colored pages throughout the book. The illustration style is modern. My oldest daughter, who is 8, was drawn to some of the larger illustrations of the historical people included in the book. The book also includes quotes from many of the individuals, which I found most fascinating.

Inside Pages of 'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?' 2

Final Verdict

If you are searching for a book that explains the concept of power, I definitely recommend checking out The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why? written by Claire Saunders, Hazel Songhurst, Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Minna Salami, and Mik Scarlet with illustrations by Joelle Avelino published by Ivy Kids. The timely book explores the many aspects of power such as leadership, war, voting, rebellion, racism, wealth, and invisible power. The book strives to give readers a greater understanding of how power works and how to harness power for good.

Inside Pages of 'The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?' 3

Purchase The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why? on Amazon via my affiliate link.

Image Credits

‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ Book Review © 2020 Heather Johnson
Front Cover of ‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ © 2020 Heather Johnson
Back Cover of ‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ © 2020 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ 1 © 2020 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ 2 © 2020 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘The Power Book: What Is It, Who Has It and Why?’ 3 © 2020 Heather Johnson

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