The Artivist - by Nikkolas Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

Motivated by the realization of global inequities, a young boy embraces his dual identities as an artist and activist, becoming an "Artivist" to make a difference by using his viral mural as a catalyst for positive change.

Book Synopsis

An inspiring picture book about how children can combine art and activism in their daily lives.

"They say I'm an artist. They say I'm an activist."

When a young boy realizes the scope of inequities in the wider world, he's seized with the urge to do more. He decides to bring together the different parts of himself--the artist and the activist--to become. . . an Artivist. After his mural goes viral, he sets out to change the world one painting at a time.

With inspiring text and stunning illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, The Artivist is a call to action for young readers to point out injustice in their lives and try to heal the broken bones of the world through their art.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THE ARTIVIST by Nikkolas Smith:

A 2024 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor
USA Today Bestseller List (2023)
A 2023 Common Sense Selection for Familes
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2023
A Kirkus Most Empowering Book of 2023
Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2023 List
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbons Best Books of 2023
American Public Health Association's Early Climate Optimists (ECO) Bookworm selection for January 2024
ILA 2024 Notable Books for a Global Society
NCSS-CBC 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
ALSC 2024 Notable Children's Books for Younger Readers
2025 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf Sustainability title

Three starred reviews!

★ "A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A meaningful portrait of artistic advocacy."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Evocative language...dynamic, emotional art."--Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Illuminates the heart of an artistic Black boy desperate to make the world a better place. The text reflects on the concept of "artivism" and what it can achieve."--The Horn Book

"This stunning picture book offers young children and adults a special opportunity to engage in a meaningful reading experience around important social justice issues...The painted illustrations gently push gentrification, environmental negligence, and social injustice to the fore, in a way young readers can understand." --Common Sense Media

About the Author

Nikkolas Smith is an Artivist, picture book author, and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the author-illustrator of The Golden Girls of Rio and My Hair Is Poofy & That's Okay. He also illustrated the picture books I Am Ruby Bridges, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, That Flag, and the New York Times bestselling The 1619 Project: Born on the Water. Many of Nikkolas's viral and globally published sketches that have sparked important conversations and inspired meaningful change are included in his book Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas. He speaks on his Artivism at conferences, workplaces, and schools around the world, and he also leads workshops about digital painting. Born in Houston, Texas, Nikkolas lives in Los Angeles, California. Learn more here: NIKKOLAS.art