Beyond words

key selling points

• beyond words explores the history, meaning and impact of symbols around the world, challenging young readers to observe and understand the power of the symbols that they see (and use) every day.
• the book unpacks many kinds of symbols that go beyond illustrations. these include gestures (such as former national football league player colin kaepernick kneeling on one knee as an act of protest against police brutality and racial injustice against black people) and objects (such as a lamborghini as a symbol of wealth and status). other forms of symbols explored include people, characters, clothing, photographs and more.
• introduces critical social justice questions and connects young readers to historical and contemporary examples of symbols and their diverse intended uses.
• themes include social emotional learning, love and hate, prejudice, hate crimes, antisemitism, activism, racism, inequality, lgbtq+ themes, gender, protest, women’s rights, indigenous rights, climate crisis. 
• the author is an award-winning author, journalist and editor with other middle-grade nonfiction titles published with owlkids, groundwood and red deer press.
• features full-color illustrations and photos throughout.