The Quote is the Thing! How the Words of Change series was inspired by quotes from some of the most inspirational speakers of our time, a guest post by Sharyn Rosart, Publisher of Spruce Books

“The things that make us different, those are our superpowers—every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.”—LENA WAITHE

Long before I was a professional editor, I loved quotes. Whenever I came across one that moved me, I’d write it down and then find out more about the person whose words they were. In doing so, I discovered countless writers and thinkers whose views rocked my world. Those quotes had real power—to make me see something or someone in a completely new light, to inspire me to act or make a change, to move me to tears or laughter—so I collected them, and over the years I’ve often used them in the books I’ve edited.

“One wonders just how many teaching moments we need for white people to no longer feel entitled to comment on or police Black bodies.”—ROXANE GAY

The Words of Change series came about in the spring of 2020, when I began thinking about all the quotes I had not yet read or heard, words from people who had powerful things to say but whose voices were supressed or ignored. What, I wondered, did those people have to say that might change the world? Could we publish their words for everyone to read, and could they inspire change, create connection, offer solace, and get people to see things in a different light?

Our publishing team at Spruce Books, which was then a brand-new imprint of Sasquatch Books, quickly got behind the idea, and the Words of Change series was born. We reached out to writer-activists whose work on social justice issues such as anti-racism, queerness, climate change, body positivity, and immigration put them at the heart of these movements and in touch with real people who had something true and powerful to say—but who were not always being heard.

“He said to me . . .‘You know what they say: You are what you eat.’ And I turned around to him [and] went, ‘Sorry, mate, but I do not remember eating a goddess.’”—JAYDE ADAMS

We hoped that these quotes could inspire readers, help them connect with a new generation of thinkers and activists, and maybe see the world differently. Students in particular are often presented with the words of the same few well-known thinkers—this series could introduce high school readers to a range of voices and different perspectives.

We made the books beautiful, setting the words on colorful backgrounds to emphasize their power. We included photos and bios, so readers could see and learn about the real people behind these ideas.

“Telling our stories, first to ourselves and then to one another and the world, is a revolutionary act. It is an act that can be met with hostility, exclusion, and violence. It can also lead to love, understanding, transcendence, and community.”—JANET MOCK

We hope that educators and librarians will find that the books in the Words of Change series: Anti-Racism, Queer, Climate, Immigration, and Body offer a fresh way to introduce readers to social justice topics, through the words of everyday activists who are out there living and fighting IRL. Fun to browse but also packed with ideas, these books are ideal classroom inspiration for writing and speaking projects.

“We must put life before profit.”

—DAVID WICKER

About the Words of Change series

Anti-Racism by Kenrya Rankin: Thought-provoking passages that enlighten and inspire readers to end racial injustice from Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi, Adrienne Maree Brown, Hari Kondabolu, Audre Lorde, Marian Anderson, and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

ISBN-13: 9781632173409

Publisher: Spruce Books

Publication Date: 7/23/2020

Age Range: 12+

Body by Maiysha Kai: No one should ever feel uncomfortable beacuse of their size, color, gender, ability, or age. Discover the joy of self-acceptance in the words of body-positive leaders including Demi Lovato, Amy Schumer, Jonathan Van Ness, Sonya Renee Taylor, Alice Wong, and Jessamyn Stanley.

ISBN-13: 9781632174062

Publisher: Spruce Books

Publication Date: 02/01/2022

Age Range: 12+

Climate by Christina Limpert: Celebrating youth activism, focusing on solutions, and rejecting apathy and pessimism, this book is an excellent reference for speaking or writing about the climate crisis with insights from Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Rachel Carson, Rosario Dawson, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Makasa Looking Horse, Aldo Leopold, and Greta Thunberg.

ISBN-13: 9781632173782

Publisher: Spruce Books

Publication Date: 03/30/2021

Age Range: 12+

Immigration by Anik Khan: From the founders of the United States, immigrants all, to the Dreamers of today, explore one of the most-talked about issues of our time with Kerry Washington, Nelson Mandela, Ali Wong, Zendaya, Riz Ahmed, Nicki Minaj, Rupi Kaur, and Yo-Yo Ma.

ISBN-13: 9781632173966

Publisher: Spruce Books

Publication Date: 11/02/2021

Age Range: 12+

Queer by Coco Romack:A curated collection of thought-provoking quotes from activists and allies in the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on diverse and previously unheard voices including Michelle Tea, James Baldwin, Megan Rapinoe, Emma Gonzalez, Billy Porter, Kate Bornstein, Vivek Shraya, and Tyler Ford.

ISBN-13: 9781632173775

Publisher: Spruce Books

Publication Date: 05/04/2021

Age Range: 12+

Filed under: new books