We Have a Dream by Dr Mya-Rose Craig Illustrated by Sabena Khadija Magic Cat Publishing ISBN 9781913520205 £12.99
As it says on the inside page of the fly sheet ‘the time has come to listen to a generation of young people of colour demanding urgent change to the world they will inherit.’ In this book British-Bangladeshi environmental and race activist Dr. Mya-RoseCraig provides the incredible story and dreams of 30 young Indigenous People and People of Colour, protecting the planet. I read this book twice before putting pen to paper for this review of an outstanding book where the author gives each activist a single page describing what they did and what motivated them. Each page includes a couple of quotes from her interviews with them conducted during lockdown.
A quote from Autumn Peltier such as ’ Clean Drinking Water is a basic Human Right that nobody should have to go without’ really brings home to the reader the inspiring messages that are filled with power and hope. Autumn was a Manitoulin Wikwemikong First Nation Canadian, who grew up on the banks of Lake Huron. Other inspiring messages and actions are voiced too. Sagar Aryal in Nepal became aware of climate change at the age of 10, and was so disappointed that others knew so little about it that he started a reading and discussion group. He now works for Trillion Trees, a project which aims to plant one trillion trees worldwide. These are just two examples of the stories which show how 30 young indigenous people got started and how but also how an early interest in environmental protection can lead to them making a difference. Their small actions became bigger ones, sometimes growing into their own charity or organisation.
In a time when a generation of young people are making themselves heard about climate change and other environmental problems, I highly recommend this book to all young and older readers including adults. As Chris Packham says on the front cover, the book is ‘Inspiring, Enlightening and Powerful.’ It should be in all schools, libraries and homes. Reading age 10+.
Paul Baker
