Rise Up and Write It, Written by Nandini Ahuja and Illustrated by Anoosha Syed

 




Description from the publisher:

"Rise Up and Write It combines a celebration of civic engagement with the hands-on fun of real pull-out examples of activism tools and is sure to encourage young readers to want to get up and get involved.

The book comes complete with a pull-out letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, a community meeting poster, a protest sign—and more!

When Farah Patel realizes that the butterflies have disappeared from her neighborhood, she discovers that it’s likely because there aren’t enough flowers to attract them. She can’t help but think, “This isn’t right.”

Luckily enough, Grove Hills is looking for ideas on what to do with the empty lot next door. And Farah has the perfect one—make it into a community garden to bring back a little green to their block! But when Farah finds out that she isn’t the only one with a plan for the future of Grove Hills, she’ll have to turn to her community for help.

Open the six envelopes inside to follow along with the story Farah as she rises up and brings her neighborhood together."


Text Features: 

  • Picture book
  • Pull-out written texts to demonstrate the power of writing to help persuade and organize (letter to the mayor, petition, protest placards, postcard) 
Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 

  • Before reading, discuss ways that people use writing to try to change something they don't like or to argue for someone they want to see happen. 
  • As you read, discuss what Farah is "rising up" for and how she uses writing to help.
  • Discuss the reasons Farah outlines in her letter to convince the major to support her cause. Are there other compelling reasons she could have included?
  • Discuss the benefits of a petition and community meetings as "organizing" strategies. 
  • Discuss what might make it easier or harder for some kids and communities to bring about change.
  • Farah's success with the community garden plants a seed that grows into more action. Discuss what idea Farah has and other causes they might organize around. 
Write & Act: 
  • Think about something you would like to see change. Write a statement in support of the change and then list as many reasons you can think of to support the change. Next write a list of people who might agree and/or who can help. Use one of the strategies outlined in the book to take action toward achieving the change you want. Rise up!
  • Speak with your family, friends, school friends, and others in your community to convince them to help you rise up for your cause. Remember, try more than one thing! Change often takes time and perseverance.  

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