"Make Good Trouble" by Jamia Wilson: A Call to Action for Changemakers of All Ages

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 1/23/2025, 10:02 a.m.
In an era where activism isn’t just encouraged but essential, Jamia Wilson’s newest book, Make Good Trouble, offers a compelling …
Jamia Wilson/Credit Aubrie Pick

In an era where activism isn’t just encouraged but essential, Jamia Wilson’s newest book, Make Good Trouble, offers a compelling handbook for anyone seeking to challenge injustice and create a better world. Perfect for both Generation Alpha and Baby Boomers, this vibrant work echoes the timeless call to action of civil rights icon John Lewis, inspiring readers to, quite literally, make good trouble.

Set for release on February 25, 2024, Make Good Trouble transcends generational boundaries, showcasing more than 70 powerful stories of activism from across the globe. From the Newsboys’ strike of 1899 to Greta Thunberg’s first School Strike for Climate, Wilson weaves together historical and contemporary tales that highlight the enduring fight for justice. Readers will delve into diverse movements, including the Freedom Summer Project of 1964, protests against book banning, and the courageous resistance of the White Rose during Hitler’s Third Reich.

photo  Make Good Trouble Discover Movements That Sparked Change Publishing February 25, 2025 Hardcover | 224 pages | $14.99 9780744092196
 



The book also sheds light on lesser-known, yet equally significant, efforts such as Bana Al-Abed’s advocacy for children’s rights in war zones and the Trans Kids Purple Rainbow Foundation, which champions acceptance and love for transgender youth. Through these narratives, Wilson empowers readers to believe in the transformative power of activism, regardless of their background, ability, or age.

What makes Make Good Trouble especially engaging is its design. Illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky and Devon Blow, the book is brimming with vibrant visuals that amplify its call to action. A Queer Mixed-Asian artist from Honolulu, Hawaii, Lukashevsky’s work has long been rooted in envisioning a world beyond systemic oppression. Blow, a multitalented Los Angeles-based artist, brings her passion for cultural diversity and social justice to life on the pages. Together, their illustrations complement Wilson’s message, transforming each page into a rallying cry for change.

Beyond storytelling, the book is a treasure trove of resources. Readers will find a glossary of activist terms, key dates commemorating global movements, and actionable advice for budding changemakers. Whether you’re organizing a local protest, lobbying for policy change, or simply trying to educate yourself on social justice issues, Make Good Trouble provides the tools to get started.

Jamia Wilson’s credentials are as impressive as her prose. An award-winning feminist activist, writer, and speaker, Wilson has contributed to major outlets like The New York Times, Teen Vogue, and The Guardian. She’s also the author of several acclaimed books, including Young Gifted and Black and Step Into Your Power. Her body of work is a testament to her commitment to fostering a more equitable world.

Illustrators Lukashevsky and Blow add yet another layer of depth to the book. Lukashevsky’s art has graced campaigns for racial and immigrant justice, while Blow’s clients include The Obama Foundation and the United Nations. Their collective talent ensures that Make Good Trouble is not just a book but a movement in its own right.

Houston readers, in particular, will find Wilson’s message especially resonant. In a city known for its rich history of activism—from civil rights marches to climate justice rallies—Make Good Trouble serves as a timely reminder of our collective power to drive change. It’s an invitation to stand up, speak out, and forge pathways toward a just and equitable future.

Whether you’re a seasoned activist or someone looking to take your first step, Make Good Trouble is an essential addition to your bookshelf. Pre-order your copy today and get ready to be inspired, informed, and ignited to make good trouble in your community and beyond.