
Mightier Than The Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing
Written by Rochelle Melander
and illustrated by Melina Ontiveros
ISBN-13 : 978-1506466408
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Hardcover List Price: 22.99
I’ve been eagerly awaiting my opportunity to share a review of this book for months. My timing is entirely in support of leading as many readers to find it, read it, share it, and celebrate it as possible. The release date is July 27, 2021, and I’m excited to host an interview with Rochelle here on July 30. I was honored to host the cover reveal post (HERE) for MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing (I think you’ll enjoy learning more about the backstory of this book in that interview.)
If this introduction indicates that I’m a fan of the book, I’ve succeeded. I would have LOVED to have and work with this book while still teaching and planning writing activities in my classrooms. Even though my writing workshop opportunities with young people are fewer since I retired, I’ve already added it to lists of recommended books and will share examples from it during future school visits.
Rochelle and I are members of the same writing group, so I had the joy of hearing about this project in its early stages. That includes reading this the final result before it became available for sale. I expected wonderful writing, remarkable content, and a book I would love. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is all that, and more, including colorful illustrations and an appealing book design. In fact, I was privileged to offer a blurb, which I include here:
This remarkable book is packed with inspiration, motivation, and information. Writers who are featured within its pages range across millennia, gender and gender identity, culture, race, age, and professions. A consistent four-page structure for each profile provides facts in highly readable narrative, includes appealing art in bright colors, defines the writer’s purpose, suggests contemporary comparisons, and invites writers to apply those purposes in ways that are relevant to young lives. From famous (Anne Frank) to little-known (Qiu Jin, Chinese Revolutionary for Women’s Rights), the writers’ lives and mighty-mastery of the written word are revealed through brief quotations, with citations and a bibliography in back matter. A brief concluding chapter presents familiar tips (Writers read. Writers listen. Writers explore.) with each described through quotations from writers featured in earlier chapters. Whether reading from front to back, or dipping into the profiles using the helpful Table of Contents, this is a must-have resource for teachers and young writers. Honestly, writers of any age will want this book.
I admire Rochelle’s commitment to this project and her belief in and outreach to inspire and empower young writers. I particularly appreciate the depth of research that is her foundation for the range and reach of individuals she included, across time, geography, circumstances, gender, and fame (or lack of it). Every reader will find connections among the many examples included.
If this sounds as appealing to you as it does to me, it is available for preorder from Amazon, HERE, from Barnes and Noble, HERE, and from the publisher, Beaming Books, HERE. You might also support your local independent bookseller by asking them to pre-order for you. However you choose, even if that means waiting for the publication date and requesting it form your library, I urge you to read and share this book.
And check out more about Rochelle Melander:
rochelle@writenowcoach.com
Twitter: @WriteNowCoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteNowCoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenowcoach/