Speak Up

by Miranda Paul, Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)

Overview

When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.

Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard! From shouting out gratitude for a special treat to challenging a rule that isn’t fair, these young students show that simple, everyday actions can help people and make the world a better place.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358140962
Publisher:	HMH Books
Publication date:	07/07/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	26,782
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Miranda Paul is an award-winning author of many books for children, including Little Libraries, Big Heroes, illustrated by John Parra. She is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, and lives with her family in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Visit her at www.mirandapaul.com and on Twitter @Miranda_Paul

Ebony Glenn is the illustrator of several picture books. She lives and makes art on the quiet outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. Visit her at www.ebonyglenn.com and on Instagram and Twitter @artsyebby
 

Editorial Reviews

"This book encourages kids to speak up about injustice and bullying, but also about their own feelings. It's a great conversation-starter for this moment, with important words of wisdom for moments to come."—Today

"A thoughtfully inclusive cast of children encounter various situations throughout their school day that present opportunities for them to help themselves and others....The illustrations provide helpful context for younger children....The rhyming text and colorful, cartoon-like illustrations combine for a positive, uplifting message of empowerment.... A calm and creative look at everyday activism, recommended for all library collections."—School Library Journal
 

From the Publisher

07/17/2020

PreS-Gr 2—A thoughtfully inclusive cast of children encounter various situations throughout their school day that present opportunities for them to help themselves and others. Highlighted examples of advocacy include familiar scenes like showing kindness in the lunchroom and expressing thanks to a teacher, while others address issues such as clarifying the correct pronunciation of your name and being mindful of the environment. The illustrations provide helpful context for younger children. A spread encouraging examination of outdated rules smartly ties in portraits of social justice icons who stood up against oppression, reinforcing how one voice can make a difference. The rhyming text and colorful, cartoon-like illustrations combine for a positive, uplifting message of empowerment. The children are represented in a spectrum of skin tones and an array of intentional choices: One character wears a hijab, while another is shown with hearing aids. Helpful back matter includes an author's note, brief biographies of real kids who spoke up, examples of when to speak up, and nonverbal ways to participate in change. VERDICT A calm and creative look at everyday activism, recommended for all library collections.—Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL

School Library Journal

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