Stand up for the future: A celebration of inspirational young Australians

Puffin Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780143794394.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Young Australians, Achievements, Diversity, Overcoming difficulties, Resilience, Aspirations, LGBTIQ, Sports stars, Arts, Environmentalists, STEM. There has been a plethora of bright biographies released about successful people recently. This book distinguishes itself in that it feels more like a presentation night with each individual appearing on the Australian stage as a young Australian achiever. As each biographical detail is introduced, a colourful introduction double page invites the reader to 'stand up for . . . ' the latest young Australian of note. The stories of achievement are inspiring. Each young person highlighted has made their mark in a diverse range of fields. Within the 'stage' of this book there are entrepreneurs, STEM enthusiasts, social or environmental activists, sports stars and successful singers, poets, writers, and the list goes on! Each young person is extraordinary, but some of them have very ordinary backgrounds, and have just been able to break through into the public arena in some way.
With an illustration of the young achiever that is merely 'a suggestion' of their appearance and utilises a variety of artistic style features, different artists and lots of colour, this book is almost a conversational biography rather than a reference book of biographical information. (It would be impossible to recognise the young Australian in the street from their illustration!) The purpose of the book is to inspire, and the purchase of the book also creates a charity donation towards the Smith Family charity to enable them to continue to support young people to be the best version of themselves and to aspire for a positive future.
Carolyn Hull