Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights

Proudly progressive and unabashedly direct, this anthem is dedicated to "those who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School." Writing in stirring, crisp imperatives, Sanders (Pride) creates a to-do list for change: "Inquire. Invite. Inform. Imagine. Join others on the journey. Join others in the fight." While some of the suggestions are timeless ("STRIKE," written in big white letters on a black background), and a few illustrations reference specific movements (the 1965 Delano grape strike), much of the book feels timely. Placards that read "#RESIST" and "LOVE IS LOVE" are among the first images; in a later spread, a knitter creates a pink hat as she watches an African-American football player take a knee on television. It's a tribute to the potent rhythm of Sanders's text and exuberant cut-paper images by Schorr (Better Together) that the litany never grows wearying--in fact, the book relays useful, action-based suggestions as it moves along. Back matter details a short history of peaceful protests and defines related terms. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ruben Pfeffer, Ruben Pfeffer Content. (Sept.)

K-Gr 2--An alphabet book of advocacy-related phrases that misses the mark. Schorr's colorful collage illustrations pop off the page; visually there is much to absorb, but the overall tone of the work is uneven. Various signs and symbols representing specific movements are rarely explained, and nebulous suggestions such as "Be zealous" appear alongside hefty asks like "Pass laws." One of the text's largest oversights is its absence of discussion around institutional and anti-protest violence, particularly as a response to marginalized groups engaging in activism. Crafting a picture book encouraging peaceful protest that includes spreads with numerous people of color, without acknowledging the threat of violence for some regardless of how peaceful their actions, is an unrealistic and unsafe representation of social justice movements past and present. This book attempts to educate while remaining vague and relies on generic platitudes, making it likely that the overall messages will not land. Structurally, the text does not convey an alphabet theme. Each letter is represented by phrases, but the styling is inconsistent--there is no header on the page indicating the featured letter and corresponding keywords are not highlighted, meaning this component is likely to be overlooked by young audiences unless assisted. VERDICT An ineffectual depiction of peaceful protest with little context or clarity. Librarians should offer Innosanto Nagara's A is for Activist instead.--Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal