Essential and Inspiring: Review of Stand Up for the Future: A Celebration of Inspirational Young Australians

First there was Shout Out to the Girls, then High-five to the Boys and now there’s Stand Up for the Future to add to the collection.

Stand up for the Future continues the stories of highly inspiring, immensely motivating and creative leaders but this time we’re hearing about young Australians. Their stories are nothing short of remarkable and they challenge their peers to find role models in their own lives. These leaders not only provide the example of how to make the most of your talents but also how to give-back while doing so.

More and more frequently we are seeing amazing young people take the lead in addressing both local and global problems. The recent student climate change protests are a great example of this – children and young adults that want a say in their future and are more than willing to step up and take responsibility and demand change.

The diligent contributors from the Penguin Random House team have scoured the country and brought you amazing sports people, environmentalists, designers, advocates for a wide number of causes, actors, inventors, leaders in the not for profit world, and the list goes on.

Meet inventor Amelia Fox who was a daily witness to the struggles her parents had lifting her disabled brother out of his wheel chair. At the age of eight she invented a pulley system that not only helped her parents lift her brother, but her award-winning design also has the potential to help carers and care workers the world over.

Then we have Basasam Maaliki who is the founder of #uBelong a project designed to help refugees and migrants feel welcome in their new communities. Remarkable charity founder Campbell Remess has given back by making over 1700 bears to comfort children in Australian hospitals and for people overseas who have been victims of terrorist attacks. There are also entries on a Paralympian and disability advocate, a rapper and dancer, and an environmental campaigner.

If that’s not enough to get you off to the bookshop then note that all proceeds from the book will go to The Smith Family. This is also a stunningly beautiful book with illustrations done by a wide range of highly talented illustrators. The colourful, vibrant and unique illustrations are all works of art in their own right.

This should be your go-to gift for the young people in your life – they’ll enjoy it, no doubt be inspired by it and you can feel that you’ve done your part too – it’s a win-win all round!

Purchase a copy of Stand Up for the Future