Resist!: Peaceful Acts That Changed Our World
on Goodreads (38)
What’s inside...
Resist! is a richly illustrated nonfiction picture book that spotlights more than twenty pivotal moments of non-violent protest, from the signing of the Magna Carta to present-day environmental demonstrations. Diane Stanley pares complex historical events down to kid-friendly narratives that celebrate courage, collective action, and the power of ordinary people to spark extraordinary change. Brief but vivid stories, maps, sidebars, and portraits help readers see how peaceful resistance has been used across cultures and centuries to expand freedom and justice.
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mohandas K. Gandhi
Greta Thunberg
Emmeline Pankhurst
Rosa Parks
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Discussion points
Which peaceful protest surprised you the most, and why?
How might the world be different if these actions had never happened?
What qualities do the protesters share across time and culture?
Can you think of a problem today that could use peaceful activism?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a family timeline placing each protest in chronological order.
Compare one historical protest to a current event your child knows about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Peaceful methods can overturn injustice
Explanation: Each vignette shows non-violent tactics achieving legal or social change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle conflicts with dialogue, petitions, or sit-ins rather than aggression.
Example Lesson: One person can spark a movement
Explanation: Figures like Rosa Parks ignite mass action.
Real-World Application: Kids see that refusing unfair rules at school can lead to improvements.
Example Lesson: Unity amplifies individual voices
Explanation: Boycotts, marches, and strikes succeed when communities act together.
Real-World Application: Group projects or clubs teach teamwork toward shared goals.
Example Lesson: Perseverance overcomes setbacks
Explanation: Many protests required months or years before change occurred.
Real-World Application: Sticking with a challenging task—like learning an instrument—yields rewards.