I don’t know about the rest of you, but this past week I’ve experienced feelings of profound disbelief, sorrow, outrage, anger, and so much more. As I perused my bookshelf looking for books that may empower others to action and/or bring healing, these two stood out.
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Magdalena Mora
Publisher/Date: Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division/2020
Ages: 5-8
Themes: voting rights, activism, people of color, rhyming, non-fiction
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Learn all about the history of voting rights in the United States—from our nation’s founding to the present day.
A right isn’t right
till it’s granted to all…
The founders of the United States declared that consent of the governed was a key part of their plan for the new nation. But for many years, only white men of means were allowed to vote. This history of voting rights looks back at the activists who answered equality’s call, working tirelessly to secure the right for all to vote, and it also looks forward to the future and the work that still needs to be done.
Read a review at Miss Marple’s Musings.
Peace and Me: Inspired by the Lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates
Author & Illustrator: Ali Winter
Illustrator: Mickaël El Fathi
Publisher/Date: Lantana Publishing/2018
Ages: 7-11
Themes: peace, peace builders, non-fiction
Short Synopsis (from publisher’s website):
What does peace mean to you? This illustrated collection of inspirational ideas about peace is based on the lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates of the 20th and 21st centuries, among them Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa and Malala Yousafzai. A must for anyone interested in exploring this essential issue of our times, this child-friendly exploration of what peace means to you and me is a book for every bookshelf.
Amnesty International endorses this book because it shows how standing up for other people makes the world a better, more peaceful place.
Read my review.
I paired these books because they highlight differing aspects of the issues facing us today and how they have been dealt with by those with the courage to fight racism, injustice, and inequality.
Looking for similar reads? See, People of Peace, Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights.
Wander, Ponder, Write 