By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
November 18, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — As a child, hearing you can change the world can be just the bit of inspiration needed to pursue a dream.

Last week, area middle school students heard that exact phrase from a former White House resident.

Speaking at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Chelsea Clinton shared the inspiration behind her new book, “It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going,” with sixth through eighth graders. After a brief presentation, Clinton took questions from the students, ranging in topics from bullying to researching her book, which shares stories of young people from around the world who are making an impact in their communities and around the globe. The daughter of Bill and Hilary Clinton was in town for a book signing. No matter what she was asked, she reinforced to the students that they can make a difference, no matter how old or young they are.

“When I talk to kids that age, I’m always struck by how curious they are about the world around them, how much they know about things we’re talking about and I think they’re so much more attentive that often adults give them credit for,” Clinton said. “And I already knew a few kids in that age group making an amazing difference by helping their families, their communities and our country.”

In the book, which is aimed at children between the ages of 10-14, Clinton breaks down some of the world’s biggest challenges and shares inspiring stories. Clinton combines facts, charts, photographs and stories to give readers a deep understanding of the world around them.

“I was able to spend a lot of time with kids throughout different parts of this book because I wanted it to resonate and be credible,” Clinton said.

She noted that the inspiration goes both ways; she trying to inspire today’s youth and the children she’s spoken with have inspired her. Regardless of who’s helping whom, Clinton alluded to the fact that children have more resources today if they become inspired to make positive change.

“Social media helps kids learn more about the things they care about,” Clinton said. “It’s also a pretty low cost way for kids to get engaged, the only cost is the cost of their cell phone, to lend their support a local campaign or an international campaign.”

A fan of reading and books since she was a young girl, Clinton said when she was a child in Little Rock, Ark., one of her favorite books was “50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth,” and as a teenager in Washington, D.C., she led her school’s service club. While at Stanford, Chelsea worked as a reading and writing tutor and volunteered at the Children’s Hospital. Today, she is Vice Chair of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation, where she helps lead the work of the Foundation across its various initiatives, with a particular focus on work related to health, women and girls, creating service opportunities, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Clinton left several copies of her book for KCPS libraries.