Intersection allies We make room for all

Chelsea Johnson

Book - 2019

A handy book about intersectionality that depicts the nuances of identity and embraces difference as a source of community.

Saved in:

Children's Room Show me where

jE/Johnson
2 / 2 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
Children's Room jE/Johnson Checked In
Children's Room jE/Johnson Checked In
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

The concept of intersectionality, widely known in academia but less so in children's literature, is here broken down with ease and clarity. The premise defined in the back matter is that our identities are comprised of a multitude of parts, all of which influence our perspectives and life experiences. Some parts come with privilege and others with marginalization, but they all can coexist. By describing their own backgrounds, nine different characters show us that not only do aspects of our identities intersect but our lives do as well. Privilege can be used to connect with and make room for others, thus someone with English-language skills can translate for another, and a gender-fluid person has something in common with a girl who wears a hijab, and so on. Cheerful, vibrant illustrations depict a diverse population standing together in solidarity, be it on the playing field, in a gender-neutral bathroom, or at a protest rally. A preface by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw and endnotes provide additional information.--Amina Chaudhri Copyright 2019 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

With a foreword by civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term intersectionality, this celebration of solidarity, allyship, and community is spoken in the voices of children of varying backgrounds, abilities, and identities. Paper cutout-style images in bright colors show the children in empowering moments, described in upbeat, rhyming verse. Alejandra uses "a chair, but it doesn't define me/ Instead, it allows me to zzzip/ glide/ and/ play." A child called Kate, whose "friends defend my choices and place," prefers a red cape to "skirts and frills." Gloria, who speaks Spanish and English, describes herself as "a daughter, a partner, and an entrepreneur," and Heejung, born in Seoul, helps her mother by "translating for her one word to another." Spreads show allies helping each other in daily life, asserting their individuality, and standing together during protests, while repeating text urges readers to "make room for all." Back matter and a discussion guide invite readers to learn more about intersectionality as a framework for understanding themselves, their peers, and their broader communities. A welcoming resource for conversations about equality and social justice that shows readers how identities are made up of myriad influences. Ages 6-12. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 4--A cheerful, diverse cast of friends describe living the ally life in this progressive picture book. Told in simple rhyming text, the book shares the stories of each child in the group. Though they're all the same age, the friends are otherwise very different. Allie uses a wheelchair; her friends make sure she is included in all their games. Kate identifies as nonbinary; her friends make sure she feels safe in all spaces, including school bathrooms. Adilah wears her hijab proudly; her friends love and support her religious expression. Nia's family marches in a Black Lives Matter protest; all her friends join in solidarity. The Dakota Access Pipeline protests are also highlighted by Dakota and her tribe. Immigrant stories are included as well, with Gloria, Heejung, and Yuri sharing their experiences and receiving loving encouragement from their friends. Their unwavering support for one another helps readers understand what intersectionality means and looks like. The bright, sweet illustrations have a charming silk-screen look that perfectly complements the heartfelt snapshots of the kids. A foreword, an afterword, book notes, discussion questions, and a letter to adults thoughtfully elevate this rhyming story of solidarity. VERDICT The book's core message--"Where there's room for some, we make room for all. Friends can be allies no matter how small!"--offers a memorable refrain caregivers and educators will be eager to integrate into daily mantras. Highly recommended.--Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My name is Alejandra, but I go by Allie. I use a chair, but it doesn't define me. Instead, it allows me to ZZZIP, GLIDE, and PLAY. When I need to get through, friends help make a way.   Where there's room for some, we make room for all. Friends can be allies, no matter how small!   Hello, I'm Parker! After school every day, Allie's family takes care of us both while we play. My mom works hard to provide for me. Her love's the source of our stability. Not toys or money, nor treasures untold-- Community care is more precious than gold.   Skirts and frills are cute, I suppose, but my superhero cape is more "Kate" than those bows. Some may be confused that a kid like me  can wear what I want and be proud and carefree. My friends defend my choices and place.  A bathroom, like all rooms, should be a safe space.   My name is Adilah, and just like Kate, what I wear inspires endless debate. Some give, some chant,  some sing, and some pray. My hijab is my choice-- you can choose your own way. Excerpted from IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.