Books & Publications

Project ABCs for Aspiring Changemakers

An award-winning illustrated book that turns complex project management principles into a story readers of all ages can follow.

Cover of Project ABCs for Aspiring Changemakers by Evelyn Chao
Evelyn Chao holding Project ABCs at the International Impact Book Awards ceremony
At the International Impact Book Awards ceremony for Project ABCs for Aspiring Changemakers — February 2025.

Embark on a captivating adventure with this award-winning book, Project ABCs, as you join three sisters in their quest to transform their communities for the better.

Through an engaging storyline, this book introduces complex project management principles into understandable pieces, making them accessible to readers of all ages. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into abstract leadership concepts, making them tangible and inspiring.

More than just a book

It is a catalyst for empowering the youth to apply project management mindsets and concepts to contribute meaningfully towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

It is a call for aspiring changemakers to dream big, take smaller actions for a greater impact and a brighter tomorrow.

In this sense, Project ABCs is for everyone.

Youth Voices of Change: Case Studies of Impactful Student Projects, edited by Evelyn Chao

Forthcoming · Early 2026

Youth Voices of Change: Case Studies of Impactful Student Projects

Supported by the Project Management Institute Washington, DC Chapter, this first-of-its-kind anthology gathers essays from over 30 youth leaders worldwide, showing how young changemakers applied project management to real challenges in their communities.

Learn more at pmready.org

Book reviews

What readers and leaders say

I'm thrilled with Evelyn's recently released book, which illuminates project management concepts for the younger generation—a topic currently explored by both IPMA and PMI. Her book answers critical questions about how these initiatives can truly benefit young learners and what roles we can play in their development. The insights she provides are relevant and reflect some of the wisdom I've acquired in my professional journey. The illustrations throughout the book add an engaging element that enhances the learning experience. Evelyn aligns well with the principles of PMBOK 7th Edition, especially with her focus on strategic thinking and the importance of empathy and well-being in project management. I recommend this book to every aspiring changemaker.

Dr. Yan Liu

Assistant Professor/Research Professor at Nanjing University (China); Researcher at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)

There is a new imperative for young people entering this new world in which change is increasingly the only constant. More than a premium on social responsibility, every young person must be skilled at social response ability. And learning to be a confident, practicing changemaker—a full contributor with the ability to tear down walls and bring unlikely sides together around complex challenges and opportunities—that is something that must start at a young age.

High school freshman, Evelyn Chao, has applied her expertise in project management and made the tools of changemaking available in this very easy change-by-letters project roadmap. The young changemaker, or the young changemaker in your life, can start here. Everything from leading with empathy, to planning for integration and inclusion, to placing a premium on transparency so everyone feels included—it's all here. Start by changing your world and you will change the world at the same time.

Henry De Sio

Author of Changemaker Playbook: The New Physics of Leadership in a World of Explosive Change

Ms. Chao has done a splendid job creating something that is so critical for younger readers. One way or the other, every child will be managing projects, even though they're not yet in the workforce - and have no job titles. And… when they get to the workforce, whatever their role, they'll need to lead projects for work, for home, for pleasure. A trip to another continent - that's a project. A wedding, a party, selecting a University… all are projects and are all about change.

So why not at least let them learn what a project is - what project leadership is - at an early age? This book does this in a clever, insightful way. Buy it for your aspiring changemaker.

Rich Maltzman

Boston University Master Lecturer of Project Management, Co-Author of Great Meetings Build Great Teams

Project ABCs for Aspiring Changemakers is an amazing book written by an outstanding individual. Evelyn is a multi-talented person with a knack for project management. It is not easy to convey sophisticated concepts of project management in a form that is easily digestible by high schoolers and an audience new to project management. A well written book with a lot of heart in it. Evelyn will go far with her passion for excellence in the field of project management. I am expecting another iteration of this book next year.

Dr. Abhay Trivedi

President at Dr. Trivedi and Associates