Review by Booklist Review
The spunky, pig-tailed girl and her adorable dog from The Pink Hat (2017) return, this time taking on climate change. Like the original book, black-and-white illustrations set the scenes, but this time, splashes of green, such as the girl's green-striped shirt, emphasize her focus on the earth. (Astute readers will still find a few pink hats.) Simple phrases, all with the word up, narrate the budding activist's story. After waking up, she meets up with friends to attend a climate change rally with protesters of diverse races, religions, and ability levels. After holding signs with "Save the Earth," an image of Greta Thunberg, and related messages, she's cheered until she sees more devastation to the earth on the news. Realizing that activism is not a one-time protest but an ongoing movement, the girl thinks up more ideas, speaks at a town hall, and signs up volunteers. A final gatefold with "SHOW UP!" reveals neighbors recycling, composting, and caring for their community. A round up of other young climate change activists concludes the book. Uplifting!
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Everyday is Earth Day and young people around the world are using their voices to demand attention to climate change. In this seemingly simple introduction to activism, Joyner captures the enthusiasm, anxiety, and action of a young activist in digitally rendered illustrations with a limited color palette that has a retro feel. The young person, who is white with side ponytails, joins a large and diverse group of other marchers; but her work doesn't stop when the march is over. When she watches the news on television with her family, her worries prompt her to further action, which takes many forms, including speaking up at Town Hall and community organizing. Back matter includes profiles of 14 young people from around the world who have taken action to speak out on issues of environmental concern. Even the jacket is a potential tool for a marcher; instructions direct readers to remove the jacket and use the underside--where it reads "Marching for My Future"--as a sign. This title would be appropriate for young activists to prepare for their first demonstration but it also could serve older readers as a discussion on the full scope of activist work. This title provides a plethora of suggestions for the "what next?" question that often comes after an energizing march with a call for policy work, community organizing, and much more. VERDICT Highly recommended, this book could change lives, and maybe the world.--John Scott, Friends School of Baltimore
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A story for every budding activist. Using sparse text made up of two-word sentences that all end in "up," the story follows an elementary-age kid who attends a climate change rally predominantly attended by other children. While the rally is well attended and positive, the protagonist watches the evening news and is disheartened to see stories of environmental destruction following the spot about the day's rally. After a sleepless night, the young activist is motivated to be a force of positive change in the community, a decision that culminates in a final double gatefold that shows local change in action. (This scene includes a child in a pink pussy-hat, a nod to Joyner's earlier work about a kid marching for change, The Pink Hat, 2017.) The story reads aloud smoothly and well, but the cartoon illustrations--black and white with pale gray tones and pops of, primarily, green and a few other muted colors--may not be easily seen from the back of a room. The final spread presents brief biographies of children working internationally to promote ecological activism. The book is a solid first step in discussing activism with young children, but caregivers and educators should be prepared to answer questions. The diversity of city characters, from ages to sizes to skin tones, is realistic and appreciated. The protagonist has straight, black hair and paper-white skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.2-by-20.4-inch double-page spreads viewed at 88% of actual size; the double gatefold was viewed at 44% of actual size.) Should encourage readers to stand up and speak up as well. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
