Description: Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story" by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus is a poignant children's book that tells a story about the importance of living a life of nonviolence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. This book is a follow-up to their previous work, Grandfather Gandhi, and continues to share the wisdom that Arun Gandhi learned from his famous grandfather during his time living at the Sevagram ashram in India. Summary The story is centered around a young Arun Gandhi, who is living with his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, at the Sevagram ashram. Arun struggles with the concept of nonviolence, especially in relation to small, everyday actions. He becomes frustrated with his own behavior and his inability to fully grasp the idea of ahimsa (nonviolence). The turning point in the story comes when Arun casually throws away a small pencil. His grandfather notices this and teaches him a profound lesson: that waste is a form of violence against nature and resources. Mahatma Gandhi explains to Arun that all actions, no matter how small, have consequences, and that even the smallest acts of wastefulness or carelessness can contribute to larger forms of violence. Through this lesson, young Arun learns about the interconnectedness of life and how important it is to be mindful of one’s actions. The story ends with Arun realizing that he can embody nonviolence in his daily life by being thoughtful and respectful toward all things, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Themes and Lessons Nonviolence (Ahimsa): The central theme of the book is the idea of ahimsa, or nonviolence, not just in actions toward others but in all aspects of life, including how we treat objects and the environment. Mindfulness and Responsibility: The story encourages children to be mindful of their actions and understand the impact they have on the world around them. Respect for Resources: Arun’s lesson about the pencil illustrates the broader idea of respecting resources and understanding that wastefulness is a form of harm. Personal Growth: The book also touches on the journey of self-improvement, showing that learning from mistakes is an important part of personal growth. Illustrations The book is beautifully illustrated by Evan Turk, whose mixed-media artwork captures the emotion and depth of the story. The illustrations are rich with texture and color, reflecting both the vibrant environment of the ashram and the deep spiritual teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Turk's illustrations help to convey the story’s message in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. Educational Value "Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story" offers a valuable lesson in ethics and personal responsibility. It can be used as a tool to introduce children to the concepts of nonviolence and mindfulness in a relatable and understandable way. The book also serves as an entry point for discussing broader issues such as environmental stewardship, ethical living, and the importance of considering the impact of our everyday actions. Discussion Points for Students What does nonviolence mean, and how can we practice it in our daily lives? Why did Arun's grandfather care so much about the pencil? What does the pencil represent? How can small actions, like not wasting a pencil, make a big difference? Can you think of ways you can be more mindful of your actions and their impact on the world? This book is a touching and thought-provoking story that encourages readers to "be the change" they want to see in the world, a famous teaching of Mahatma Gandhi that resonates throughout the narrative.
Price: 12.75 USD
Location: Astoria, New York
End Time: 2025-01-29T13:25:43.000Z
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Unbranded
MPN: Does not apply
Book Title: Be the Change : a Grandfather Gandhi Story
Number of Pages: 48 Pages
Language: English
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Item Height: 0.4 in
Topic: Biography & Autobiography / Political, People & Places / Asia, Biography & Autobiography / Historical, Biography & Autobiography / General, Family / Multigenerational, Biography & Autobiography / Cultural Heritage
Publication Year: 2016
Illustrator: Yes, Turk, Evan
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
Item Weight: 20.5 Oz
Author: Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus
Item Length: 11 in
Item Width: 10.5 in
Format: Hardcover
