Review by Kirkus Book Review
Speak up, out, and often; be heard! This book clarifies that your voice isn't just the sound issuing from your mouth when you're speaking aloud. Using your voice means expressing your ideas, thoughts, opinions, and personality. Some use their voices even if they can't verbalize and must rely on assistive devices, while others express themselves through sign language. Readers will discover that they can use their voices by making art, voting, cheering for a favorite team, working with others, and more. "Some voices are hesitant or shy--or go unheard," Murphy and Groman tell us. "Those voices might need yours / to speak up, get loud or lead the way." They add, "Your voice can be your superpower." It's an empowering message, and one that bears repeating, though the straightforward, somewhat didactic text likely won't hold children's attention for multiple reads. Still, they'll appreciate the lively, realistic illustrations, which depict characters who are diverse in terms of race, body size, age, and physical ability; many youngsters are depicted using wheelchairs. Rainbow-hued swirls fill the pages as a group of people take part in a protest--an especially effective way of raising one's voice. An important, if heavy-handed, lesson, paired with stirring visuals. (authors' and illustrator's note) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
