Peace Begins with Me:
Channeling Anger & Being the Change
Brattleboro Literary Festival
Saturday, October 15
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Centre Congregational Church
Brattleboro, Vermont
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How do we live our lives as light? How do we be the change we wish to see in the world? As a young man, Arun Gandhi explored these very questions with his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. Those philosophical and political explorations are now featured in the illustrated books for all ages, Grandfather Gandhi and Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story. Creators, Arun Gandhi, his co-author, Bethany Hegedus and illustrator Evan Turk will take us on the journey of these stories as well as help us set our path to “be the change.” The conversation will be moderated by Kirsten Cappy of Curious City.
Listen to the WKVT Podcast on the upcoming event…
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ABOUT THE BOOKS
Grandfather Gandhi
A Picture Book for All Ages
By Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus
Illustrated by Evan Turk
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Hardcover, eBook
Locate a copy at IndieBound
Amazon | B&N | Local Library
Description
Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson tells the story of how his grandfather taught him to turn darkness into light in this uniquely personal and vibrantly illustrated tale that carries a message of peace.
How could he—a Gandhi—be so easy to anger?
One thick, hot day, Arun Gandhi travels with his family to Grandfather Gandhi’s village.
Silence fills the air—but peace feels far away for young Arun. When an older boy pushes him on the soccer field, his anger fills him in a way that surely a true Gandhi could never imagine. Can Arun ever live up to the Mahatma? Will he ever make his grandfather proud?
In this remarkable personal story, Arun Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus, weaves a stunning portrait of the extraordinary man who taught him to live his life as light. Evan Turk brings the text to breathtaking life with his unique three-dimensional collage paintings.
Acknowledgements
New Illustrator Honor, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015
Notable Books for a Global Society 2015
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2014
2015 Texas Bluebonnet List
The New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
The 2014 Non Fiction Picture Book Nerdy Award Winner
Chicago Public Library’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2014
Huffington Post’s “Best Picture Books of 2014” Honorable Mention
Reviews
“Dynamic visuals and storytelling create a rousing family story that speaks to a broad audience.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Never burdened by its message, this exceptional title works on multiple levels; it is both a striking introduction to a singular icon and a compelling story about the universal experience of a child seeking approval from a revered adult.” —Kirkus Review, Starred Review
“Collaborating with first-time picture-book author Hegedus, Arun Gandhi recalls his own childhood experiences, relating the stories in an immediate first-person voice. Working in mixed media, with pieces of fabric clothing and hand-cut, hand-painted figures, Turk mixes carefully detailed renderings with abstracted expressions of emotional struggle, achieving a powerful balance. A personal portrait of a legendary figure.” —Booklist
“Mahatma Gandhi, as seen through the eyes of one his grandsons…this one stands out for its unique point of view and gorgeous art, and makes a fine supplement to any collection.” – School Library Journal
“Unusual for its child-centered and intimate portrait of Gandhi (we learn, for example, that he smelled like peanut oil), the graceful narrative is nearly outdone by the vivid mixed-media illustrations…” —Horn Book Magazine
Be the Change
A Grandfather Gandhi Story
A Picture Book for All Ages
By Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus
Illustrated by Evan Turk
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Hardcover, eBook
Locate a copy at IndieBound
Amazon | B&N
Description
In this breathtaking companion to the award-winning Grandfather Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus, tells a poignant, personal story of the damage of wastefulness, gorgeously illustrated by Evan Turk.
At Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, each day is filled, from sunrise to sunset, with work that is done for the good of all. The villagers vow to live simply and non-violently. Arun Gandhi tries very hard to follow these vows, but he struggles with one of the most important rules: not to waste.
How can throwing away a worn-down pencil hurt anyone? How can wastefulness lead to violence? With the help of his grandfather, Arun learns how every wasteful act, no matter how small, affects others. And in time he comes to understand the truth of his grandfather’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Acknowledgements
A Junior Library Guild Selection
CDC Diversity: Favorite Illustrations from Representative Reads
Reviews
“Constantly shifting perspective moves from small to large and close to far, reiterating the theme of a small action having larger consequences. Another repeated motif is the use of frames within larger images to demonstrate connectedness…This handsome book asks a lot of young readers but carries important messages delivered in a personal and relatable manner.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
“As in the previous books, Turk’s mixed-media images create a vibrant, dazzlingly imagined backdrop for the weighty philosophical discussions at play.” —Publishers Weekly
“Turk’s artwork is stunning in composition and color throughout…As a vehicle for showing the human side of the seminal figure that is Gandhi, this is a valuable title for young readers.” —Horn Book
“Exaggerated, stylized shapes and intriguing perspectives complement the complexity of the ideas being explored and illuminate the subdued action of the text…the book aims to spark action on the part of listeners, making it a title best shared by adults who are interested in the topic and motivated to continue the conversation.” —Kirkus Reviews
