Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate

At first glance, it may seem a stretch to include Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate in the “Orca Think” series. The stated goal of the “Orca Think” series is to introduce “us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens.” (Orca Think)

But a closer look at this book reveals that it is about encouraging readers to “explore the origins and impact of ideas and inventions, arts and technology, and learn about the developments and advances that change and improve the lives of everyone.” (Back cover) One of the biggest take-aways may be that everyone is different and that everyone has something to contribute. In the final chapter, “Chapter Eight: Good, Better, Best”, readers are introduced to “Mastery: Nine Steps to Getting Good at Almost Anything”. (p. 79)

The members of the target audience for this book, Grades 4-7, are usually examining their world to see where they can fit in. Students need to develop their self-efficacy, a belief in themselves and their ability to make a difference, if they are to “question, connect and take action for a better future”, the goal of the “Orca Think” series. Helping readers understand that people from the beginning of time used creativity to solve problems and make the world better may lead them to take creative risks.

Every expert at anything was once a beginner…
Helen Hayes, Actor (p. 80)

Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate covers a very broad spectrum of topics related to different forms of art throughout history around the world. Cultural appropriation, the McCarthy Era, creativity and religion, graffiti, flash mobs, YouTube, diversity, occupational therapy, our opposable thumbs, and our creative brains are all discussed. Several of the examples and role-models are Canadian, including singer Susan Aglukark.

The first musician of Inuk heritage to win a Juno Award (she has now won three), Aglukark uses her music to share her cultural heritage, language and traditional music. In the process she brings attention to social issues, including abuse and suicide, that disproportionately affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. (p. 13)

The book ends with a challenge.

My Challenge to You
One day on your way to school or gymnastics practice, or on an outing with your parents or caregivers, look around you. Make an inventory of everything you see or hear that reflects creativity — in gardens or store windows, on posters, signs and ads, in the sounds coming from open windows of homes, cars and school classrooms, on the clothing and jewelry of people walking down the street. You might compare notes with others you are with. Recognize and celebrate how everyone — including you —contributes to our world in so many creative ways! (p. 86)

Author Lois Peterson includes her own experiences from her childhood and her current life as an adult author, including this anecdote.

Valuing Creativity

On school visits I am often asked how much money I make. It’s understandable. In our society, people are often judged by their financial value as much as by who they are and what they do … Our creative efforts don’t always lead to money or fame. This may lead you to consider why our society values the work of doctors, property developers and hockey players over janitors and writers. And why some families push their kids into being lawyers or bankers rather than plumbers or musicians. (p. 82)

Interestingly, following the very short “Acknowledgments” at the back of the book is this statement: “25 percent of the author royalties from this book will be donated to Alexandra Neighbourhood House in Crescent Beach, British Columbia.” (p. 88)

Peterson also incorporates recognition of different family and lifestyle choices in our society.

Not everyone owns their own home. So how we arrange furniture and what we keep around us also puts a creative “stamp” on where we live — something we can adapt if we move or our tastes and interests change. (p. 37)

We often start with what’s available to us. Scribbling with paper pencil. Building with DUPLO or LEGO sets. Helping Dad or Grandma decorate a cake.” (p. 39)

Illustrator Madeline Yee’s colourful - and creative - artwork supports the text with whimsical people of different cultures, genders, and abilities. Photos, charts, sidebars, and collages add interest and appeal to an information packed book.

This review is based on an Advance Reading Copy. A “Glossary” and “Resources” including Books and Online sources are included. The “Index” is blank but will be included in the final version.
Although a book about the benefits of being creative may not at first seem as high a priority as a book about science or math or history or geography, take a closer look at your collection to make sure that it includes something that tells your non-science types that their interests and passions are worthy also. You may find that you need Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate.