★ "Visually captivating, inspiring, and informative all at once."–Kirkus, Starred Review
A lyrical tribute to changemakers past and present, Run. Sing. Dream. empowers young readers to discover their own courage, raise their voices, and shape a brighter future
From Rosa Parks to Greta Thunberg, from James Baldwin to Malala Yousafzai, the world has been shaped by those who found the courage to stand, speak, sing, and dream. In Run. Sing. Dream., Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park brings together a stirring collection of voices—activists, artists, leaders, and visionaries—who refused to be silent in the face of injustice. With spare, poetic text and vibrant illustrations, this inspiring book celebrates the many forms bravery can take: a quiet act of resistance, a powerful song, a determined march, or a single dream carried forward. At once a moving tribute to history's changemakers and a call to action for readers of today, this book invites children everywhere to ask themselves one vital question: What will you do to be brave?
Praise
One of the Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2026
—BookPage
? "A sweeping portrait featuring some of history’s bravest changemakers. Newbery Medalist Park relies on straightforward, lyrical phrases and powerful visual metaphors as she dedicates each page to just one or two individuals at a time: “Rosa sat. Martin marched.” . . . Thoughtfully crafted backmatter fills the gaps, offering concise, engaging paragraphs about each featured changemaker. The book is visually captivating, inspiring, and informative all at once. . . . Featured individuals represent a broad and diverse range of backgrounds and accomplishments. Henderson’s dynamic illustrations possess a textured richness with softly layered pencil strokes that create a dreamlike sense of movement across the pages. Bold manipulations of scale place monumental figures amid tiny details, while compositions move fluidly between close-up and panoramic views, emphasizing the relationship between a single person and the change they inspired. Warm, almost otherworldly hues lend the artwork a reverent quality that allows history, memory, and hope to shine through. History meets possibility in this profoundly empowering read." STARRED REVIEW,
—Kirkus Reviews
“Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park, author of A Long Walk to Water and Prairie Lotus, joined by powerhouse illustrator Nik Henderson, writes of a diverse list of influential leaders and activists from years past in this inspiring new picture book. Young readers will draw hope and courage from Run. Sing. Dream.”
—BookPage
“The book’s beautiful design and striking individual illustrations enhance the reading experience for all ages, as the striking illustrations brighten each double-page spread.”
—Booklist
“Unadorned and poignant, this picture book highlights the courage of everyday heroes. Mildred and Richard Loving, Harvey Milk, and Alice Wong are but a few of the activists, athletes, politicians, and beyond populating the detailed, color-saturated, intimate illustrations, which are paired with simple text (“Sally rocketed”; “Malala dreamed”). Greta Thunberg, for instance, is depicted in a paper boat on an icy sea while a distant skyline spews smoke. Biographies of those featured round out the text.”
—Foreword Magazine
