In this breathtaking companion to the award-winning Grandfather Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus, tells a poignant, personal story of the damage of wastefulness.
At Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, each day is filled, from sunrise to sunset, with work that is done for the good of all. The villagers vow to live simply and non-violently. Arun Gandhi tries very hard to follow these vows, but he struggles with one of the most important rules: not to waste. How can throwing away a worn-down pencil hurt anyone? How can wastefulness lead to violence? With the help of his grandfather, Arun learns how every wasteful act, no matter how small, affects others. And in time he comes to understand the truth of his grandfather’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
★ “Asks a lot of young readers but carries important messages delivered in a personal and relatable manner.”―School Library Journal (starred review)
“Alternately direct and lyrical.... Aims to spark action on the part of listeners.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“As a vehicle for showing the human side of the seminal figure that is Gandhi, this is a valuable title for young readers.”―Horn Book
—Junior Library Guild 2016 Selection
—Green Earth Book Award Honor Winner
—CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book