My post this week is a review of Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen. The storyline of this book teaches readers the importance of standing up for what is right and what that looks like for many people in many situations. Allen chooses to discuss a variety of situations in which people may face injustices. Some of these topics include: climate change, gender inequality, war, racial inequality, and many more. The author also portrays the many ways people many choose to stand up for what they believe in – marching is only one example.
The book goes through many different scenarios where individuals may face injustice. It begins discussing how ants, bands and people “march.” I believe the author chooses this introduction in order for children to make a connection to what they already know, and they may be able to understand more of what is discussed in the rest of the book. I particularly like how the story puts big ideas and more complex issues into a perspective that a child could understand. Problems like climate change as seen as “something that needs to be fixed” and the fight for gender and racial equality is needed because “we care about others and their freedoms.” Most of all, each page shows people working together to stand up for what they love, value, and believe in.
This book is important to education because it gives children the opportunity to decide what they value and where they see changes needed. I think every child can find something in this book that they feel effects them or those around them. The author doesn’t touch on words like “protest” or “fight” – language that could infer violence or aggression. It is important for students to know the difference between standing up for what is right and acting out on anger. I believe it is also important to remember that although we may have the opportunity to “stand up” that should not come at the cost of someone else’s health, freedom, and overall life. We should always be striving to put others before ourselves, and we must take a step back when we realize that our movements towards justice are not healthy for everyone. I think there are many examples of unpeaceful, unwelcomed, and uncontrolled “marching” and this is why we must teach those who are the voices of the future, how to properly handle situations in which they may face injustice.
I would love to include this book in my own classroom library. It embodies very much of where we should be headed in the future.
brianmajic
Hi Kali,
What a great review! This sounds like an incredible read, especially as educators who must teach in the current world’s climate. I like the metaphor of marching representing taking a stand and am happy with some of the issues this book tackles such as climate change. As I read more of your responses, I get inspired and add more books to my list as a future educator. What you are doing must be very rewarding for you, but it is also very rewarding for me as an individual who views your blog.
Looking forward to your next book review!
oliviafryer
Hi Kali!
This book sounds amazing! It seems like a great book to read to young students, especially given the language used and the way the author is able to make connections to things they already know. I think this would be a perfect book to read to students to introduce them to social justice and equality. Thank you for sharing!