101 Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed US History

The editors of 101 Changemakers hope that their brief profiles of rebels and radicals will “inspire more young changemakers to shape their own history.” Too often, texts present “great individuals” in a way that leaves readers feeling small by comparison. “I could never do that,” is the message students can easily take away. 101 Changemakers focuses on extraordinary individuals, but in the context of the broader movements and events that sparked and nurtured their activism.

The editors feature the famous—like John Brown, Rosa Parks, and Cesar Chavez—along with the less celebrated—like Harry Hay Jr., Mary and Carrie Dann, and Constance McMillen. Along with 500 word profiles, written by teachers and activists across the country, each selection includes a timeline of the changemaker’s life, provocative questions, and suggestions for further research.

Written for middle school students, but great for high school students, too.

Credit: Edited by Michele Bolling and Dao X. Tran. Published by Haymarket Books, November 2012.