Reviewed by Brad Manker
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Book Author: Shatyia Givens, Geralyn Hooks
During the summer of 2020, young Washington, D.C., resident Breonna laments her loss of freedom during the COVID-19 lockdown and loss of community during Black Lives Matter protests. One day while she and her family are watching a news broadcast, she magically travels through time to Oklahoma City in 1955, where she witnesses Marilyn Luper — Clara Luper’s daughter — passionately advocating for lunch counter sit-ins to protest segregation. Inspired by the girl’s commitment to non-violent protesting (and by an alarming vision of her future), Breonna returns to the present day and vows to fight for her community.
As with other Shout Mouse Press books, the four teenage authors worked with a coach to write a story that reflected their lived experiences. By finding similarities between the protests of the 1950s to those of the modern day, the authors show that the fight for racial equality has been an ongoing battle and that young people throughout history have challenged inequity. Artist Anthony White’s powerful illustrations reflect the anger and frustration sometimes felt by those protesting injustice. He honors victims of police violence by naming them: Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tamir Rice, and Sandra Bland.
A key element of social justice is participation. Taking action for social justice is both an individual choice and a group responsibility. This inspirational book shows that everyone, regardless of age, can participate as agents of change, and that even the youngest among us can make an impact on our communities.
Brad Manker serves as a fellow with Teaching for Change. He is an educator, curriculum designer, and independent researcher with a background in elementary education.
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Breonna Marches Through Time by Shatyia Givens, Geralyn Hooks
on November 19, 2020
Genres: Policing, Shout Mouse Press booklist
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781950807079
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Publisher's Synopsis:
Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast D.C. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she's determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?
The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press.
Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing and publishing house dedicated to amplifying underheard voices. Through writing workshops that lead to professional publication, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org
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