• Age: 6 to 10
• Grade: 1 to 5

One morning, Meerin Hoy looks out her window to Carson's Field. There to her shock stand two big development signs - for sure spelling the end to her community's most beloved park.

But nine-year-old Meerin is no ordinary girl. She is determined to act. But when she confronts the mayor in person who dismisses her as "just a kid," it's time for Meerin to take on the tools of a local activist and save an important community asset from the powers that be.

Just a Kid is a reflection of movements that are occurring in many parts of the world today - some of them inspired by the advocacy of Greta Thunberg, the students of Parkland in Florida, and many others. For that reason, but also because this is a winningly told story, Just a Kid is a timely novel for young readers to learn about the possibilities of influencing the adult world, even when it seems no one wants to listen.

Rie Charles was born in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia and has recently returned there. She spent much of the intervening time in other parts of Canada and the world, including Ontario, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Australia. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work, plays the harp, teaches yoga, and reads voraciously. Over the years she has worked at many jobs, including teaching in classrooms from kindergarten to Grade Eight, learning from a group of Australian Aborigines, working as a site researcher on a project for disadvantaged children and as a co-facilitator of groups for abused women. Her not-so-secret passion is writing children’s books. She always has several on the go. No More Dragons is her debut novel for young people.

Rie Charles' profile page

"Just A Kid by Rie Charles is a timely and entertaining novel for young readers with the underlying message that they can influence the adult world, even when it seems no one wants to listen."
— Midwest Book Review

"What did you like about the book? The book did a good job of modeling what kids can do to make a difference in their community. I liked seeing how 9-year-old Meerin went through the expected emotions of an activist, which could help prepare readers for similar emotions as they are becoming more active. . . I also like how the author did a good job of showing the importance of hearing both sides of the issue. Though you as a reader wanted Meerin to save the park, we could understand why the struggling businesses wanted more homes to bring in more customers. Readers can also learn strategies from Meerin's experience. For example, when Meerin was able to offer an alternative solution, the mayor was much more open to her perspective.
"To whom would you recommend this book? There are many nonfiction books and picture books about kids helping to save the environment, so I'm glad to see more chapter books for kids who have enjoyed those already but are looking for something longer."
— Youth Services Book Review

"The book's topic is such a timely one. . . A good read to illustrate what advocacy is and the numerous ways children can get involved."
Recommended"
— CM Magazine