Being an ally is about learning and action. It's a constant, ongoing willingness to engage in the hard, confronting work of standing alongside those who don't have the same privileges.
As a young person, it can be difficult to take a stand for others when the need to fit in is so strong. But everyone can be an ally. Learn to acknowledge the privileges you have based on your identity, the difference between allyship and being a performative ally and how to address mistakes when we make them. In this book, young readers will work through realistic scenarios that show allyship in action and develop tools to become the best allies they can be.
Key Selling Points
• Introduces young readers to allyship, what it means and what it looks like, and gives them practical, age-appropriate tools to be better allies.
• Includes key definitions, realistic scenarios that display messy situations young people may encounter, and reflection questions and activities that could be helpful to individuals and in the classroom.
• Discusses topical themes including SEL, self-awareness, social justice, bullying, othering, oppression, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and privilege.
• The gentle, non-judgmental voice is meant to guide and invite discussion and reflection on allyship rather than lecture or talk down to young people.
• Includes colorful and vibrant illustrations throughout to bring the scenarios to life.
• Tanya is a teacher and award-winning YA author. She identifies as a queer woman of color and says her relationship to allyship is strong and ever-evolving. She prioritizes decolonization and anti-oppressive practices in her classroom, as well as in her role as the SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Lead at her school.
Part of the nonfiction Orca Take Action series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young readers to what it means to be an ally and realistic actions they can take to practice allyship in their own lives.
Tanya Boteju is a teacher and writer living on unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, BC). Her debut novel, Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens, was named a Top Ten Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association and her second book, Bruised, was selected as a Gold Standard book by the Junior Library Guild. Tanya holds a Master of Arts from Columbia University's Teachers College and earned her English and Education degrees from the University of British Columbia. As an educator committed to anti-oppressive teaching and learning, and as an imperfect ally herself, she hopes her books bend the universe even the tiniest bit toward justice.
Bithi Sutradhar is a Bangladeshi illustrator and graphic designer who holds a Master of Publishing degree from Simon Fraser University, as well as an MFA and BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Dhaka. Alongside her professional illustration work, Bithi enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills through teaching. Her contributions have been recognized by educational institutions and government bodies such as the Ministry of Agriculture in Bangladesh. In 2024, she joined Orca Book Publishers, where she continues to bring stories to life through her illustrations. Bithi lives in Vancouver and loves exploring the vibrant outdoor scenes in her spare time, finding inspiration in the city's natural beauty. What can you do? The problems facing the world today are big. Orca Take Action helps you understand important issues and shows how you can make changes. A better future for everyone starts with you! Show up, speak up, take action!
