As I was preparing this post, I couldn’t help but think of the ticker-tape parade occurring just a few miles or so (as the seagulls fly) from my home. The feting of the world champion US women’s soccer team included not just a celebration but a call for equal pay for female soccer players and the recognition by these athletes that they could use their success to advocate for social good. While I have no evidence that these women read today’s Perfect Picture Book, I have every reason to believe that they would support its message.
Title: Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights
Written By: Rob Sanders
Illustrated By: Jared Andrew Schorr
Publisher/Date: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: protest, equal rights, concept book, multicultural
Opening:
Assemble. Take action. Create allies.
Brief Synopsis:
A concept book that explores the various ways to fight peacefully for equal rights.
Links to Resources:
- Make a banner or sign to show an idea that you support or that you want to protest;
- Think of three things that you and your family or classroom can do to help the environment, support a favorite cause, or welcome a refugee;
- Download the Educator’s Guide to discover more ideas.
Why I Like this Book:
From A to Z, Sanders provides concrete examples of ways to advocate peacefully for equal rights. With short but lyrical text, Sanders prompts young readers to ask questions, become informed, and take action for what they believe. I love the many verbs used that encourage action. I also love that so many options are offered, including giving time, having hope (and being hope), praying, and voting, among many, many others. Finally, I love that the vocabulary stretches young listeners, especially as there’s a comprehensive Glossary with pronunciation guide, so that children can learn the language of protest. A note about the history of Peaceful Protests rounds out this wonderful concept book that will have families and classrooms excited to take positive action.
Schorr’s cut-paper illustrations are vibrant and add so much context to the sparse text. I found the two-page spreads with one word or phrase particularly powerful, especially “unite” with its many hands of varying hues raised in peace signs.
A Note about Craft:
A book about taking action should leave its readers and listeners ready to take action, but how does an author do that? I think with his sparse text, in short, choppy sentences, all starting with verbs, Sanders encourages people to get up and do something. The low word count also has the effect of leaving space for the illustrator, which Schorr utilizes to include a wide range of diverse characters and cultural and historical references that adults will appreciate and enjoy sharing with youngsters.
This Perfect Picture Book entry will be added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Yes, I’m sure those fabulous soccer players would endorse this book in less time than it takes for Rapinoe to score a goal from 30 feet. Great choice! And I love that the book is a call to action, along with your activities!
Thanks Jilanne. These soccer players are so inspiring. Can’t wait to read picture book bio’s of them!
I’ve seen this one and you’re right—’tis perfect.
You find great books! What a perfect book for the times in so many ways! I love it. Going on my list.
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