l to r: Sonya Ballantyne (Credit: Mary Vallarta) and Rhael McGregor

Little by Little: You Can Change the World is the story of how Indigenous activist and speaker Michael Redhead Champagne found his calling. Readers are shown how his years as a child in the foster system affected him, and the manner in which his adoptive parents – who were foster parents to 300 children over the years – inspired him with their love and commitment to help as many children as possible. As a child, Michael is shown to be both sensitive and observant as he demonstrates concern for others and an early recognition of injustice. Through books, he learns about heroes who have worked to effect positive change in the world, and one day, he decides that perhaps he too can do something about the needs of those around him. He insists on attending a youth conference where he is confronted by a keynote speaker who places the burden of blame at the feet of those in need. Michael speaks up to disagree and realizes that his voice is a powerful tool.

Illustration: Rhael McGregor.

This inspiring story is told in graphic novel format – a collaborative effort between Michael Redhead Champagne and Sonya Ballantyne, Rhael McGregor, and Toben Racicot. The illustrations are expressive, and the text is spare. The result is a moving account of Michael’s childhood in an format that is accessible to a range of reading levels. Many children will identify with the loneliness of always being the new kid at school, of being afraid to make connections, and of feeling like a burden to others. These are all difficult emotions to work through, and it can help to know that someone else has been there and come through to the other side. Every reader will take notice of Ms. Holmes, the teacher who supported Michael, encouraged him to read and, in so doing, to believe in future possibilities. 

Through Michael’s story, readers see how one person has the ability to make a huge difference with small, everyday gestures such as speaking up for others, donating time to a charity, or simply giving someone the encouragement they need. For children wondering how they might help out in their own communities, there is a list of ideas provided at the back of the book.