Gandhi: The March to the Sea

McGinty crafts a subtle yet expansive portrait of Mohandas Gandhi, centering on his leadership during a 24-day march to perform the forbidden act of taking salt from the Arabian Sea (a response to the British government's control of resources). Melodic free verse ruminates on the symbolism behind Gandhi's actions: "With his own hands,/ Gandhi draws water,/ from the Untouchables' well,/ to wash his dusty body/ cool and clean.... He tells Muslims, Hindus, and Untouchables/ that they are different but the same./ India needs them all/ to work as one/ for freedom." The great majority of Gonzalez's lavish paintings emphasize modesty and quiet integrity: Gandhi walks the dry earth, barefoot and in solidarity with India's poor. A striking profile of a luminous human rights activist. Ages 6-up. (Apr.)

Gr 1-4--This lyrical picture book tells the story of Gandhi's role in the 1930 Salt March, a peaceful protest of the British-imposed taxation of salt in India. Gandhi and 78 others walked more than 200 miles to gather salt for use and sale in direct violation of a British law that they felt was unjust. The flowing text describes how the marchers faced soldiers, were encouraged by villagers along the way, and how Gandhi's consistent and gentle confidence kept them on the right path. Stunning mixed-media artwork portrays the journey in brilliant hues with a soft touch. Gandhi's familiar figure is included in every painting, in unique and inspiring ways; sometimes just his feet, or close-ups of his face, but most often silhouetted against the dramatic landscape of India. While this book shares only a small part of Gandhi's legacy, it is a key moment in India's fight for independence, an excellent example of his life and work, and an intriguing introduction to the man. Demi's Gandhi (S & S, 2001) may provide more detail and a broader scope, but this gorgeous, thoughtful account should be in every biography collection.--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA