Equal parts inspiration and instruction, here is a solid guide for young adults on how to channel their inner social entrepreneur to make a positive impact on their community, or even the world.

The book's premise is that anyone can make something happen. That's easy to say, but Thompson supports it through real accounts of young "changemakers" turning ideas to reality in ways both big and small. Two girl scouts turned a modest service project into Project ORANGS to raise awareness of endangered orangutans. A group of teens started a volunteer group to respond to people in crisis in their community. High school friends started an organization that provides ultimate Frisbee camps for at-risk Cambodian youth. In each case, Thomson shows how change began with an idea, then one simple action, and then another.

The book is easy to read and provides concrete steps readers can take right now to make his or her own difference. In easily digestible bites, it addresses such things as how to identify and recruit a team, approach a mentor, write a business plan, fundraise and budget. It also covers more advanced topics like building a press kit, speechwriting and leveraging social media.

Young adults can make a difference, and they can start today. Laurie Thompson tells them how.