A is for Activist

This is honestly my new favorite children's book. These few pages contain the most important lessons a child will ever need to learn. This is an alphabet book full of words kids really should know, like F is for Feminist and J is for Justice. I will also admit to being a queer/trans librarian and admit to having a bad day. Well, seeing LGBTQ on the L page and Trans on the T page *really* brightened my day.

"Trust in The True
The he she They That is you!"

I need to get that framed and mounted over my mirror.

This is not a typical alphabet book. It focuses on equal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, peaceful protests, wealth inequality, immigrant rights, democracy, and other social issues. I loved the rhythm of the book and the alphabetical organization. I thought it was a bit odd that it introduced Democrats and Republicans in the beginning because there are social issues that exist outside the U.S.'s. two-party system

"Not your typical alphabet board book, this one packs a powerful message both visually as well as verbally. Each spread presents a letter and a bit of social commentary urging children to take a stand against war and violence, develop an awareness of our environment, and promote acceptance and equality for all cultures, races, religions, genders, and walks of life. For example, "A is for Activist./Advocate. Abolitionist. Ally./Actively Answering A call to Action." "Y is for You. And Youth./Your planet. Your rights/Your future. Your truth./Y is for Yes. Yes! Yes! Yes!" Despite the format, this introduction to social justice is best suited to older children, who will need plenty of explanation and discussion to help them understand issues show more such as feminism or workers' rights. Nagara relies upon colorful illustrations—many representing the energy behind activism with arms and fists raised—lots of alliteration, and rhyming for each letter and idea. An ever-present black cat hiding or prowling on each letter's page seeks to hold listeners' interest as well. An unusual offering that may plant the seeds for and spark discussions about activism.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE" show less

Not for me!

I’m so disappointed because I’d seen this book on someone’s (real) shelves and jumped to reserve it at the library to see if I’d want this for giving new baby gifts. What a great idea!

The most stars I would have given anyway is 3.

This is a board book, so presumably geared toward babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and their adults. The illustrations are colorful and interesting and while I’m not a huge fan of their style, I think many readers will like them, including young readers/listeners. However, the vocabulary is so advanced that while babies to preschoolers might enjoy the pictures and the cadence of the language, they’re not going to understand much of the text. Older kids will but they don’t need board show more books.

However, I am such a fan of the idea, and I’m all for parents, teachers, babysitters, etc. adults enjoying kids’ books, that I could have forgiven the not so friendly for young kids vocabulary.

Then I got to H.

“H is for Healthy food – a human right. Honeydew, jicama, nature’s delight. Hummus, Hot dogs, Havarti cheese. Hot dogs!?! Yes! Healthy hot dogs please! (And pizza.)”

That was it for me. Hot dogs, even vegan ones, aren’t really that healthy. And this is a book that touts rights for all varieties of humans, and I agree with that. But not only nothing about animals but a point is made to eat what is definitely animal derived cheese and probably animal flesh. What about non-human animal rights?! What about animal rights activists, most of whom are also human rights activists. Anyway, that lost me. I will never give or read this book to anyone, and certainly not any child. If I’m reading a book about activism it doesn’t have to mention animals but if it does it has to be for their rights, not for their use and abuse by activists and would be activists.

Great idea but not for me! show less

Genre: Picture book 2

I know this is technically an ABC book but it wasn't on your list so I used it for one of the picture books.

Summary: The book uses a letter to introduce children to different forms of social justice and acceptance, including love for the earth and equality.

Review: I bought this book without even reading the whole thing. I love introducing children to parts of the social justice movement because it's something I believe in entirely. Many will say this book is brain washing, but there is nothing radical in this book. There is nothing radial about self love, acceptance, and respect of all people. I don't think that's brain washing, I think that's appropriate parenting.
Something I noticed was the use of a cat on every show more single page, making children find the hiding cat is their favorite part of the book.
I love books that start a conversation. Books are such a powerful learning tool. Kids are such visual people that many of them benefit more from reading a book before a valuable discussion takes place. The girl I nanny for is huge into American history and concepts in social justice, so this book was great for talking to her about things like the importance of equality and kindness.
I think the theme of this book is justice. There are many things that are discussed in the text but the main point is equality and justice. What I like about this book is that it celebrates differences, not just pretends they don't exist.
I don't think this book could be used in a school setting because of it's mention of feminism and aspects of the LGBTQ community. It could probably cause problems from parents, which is annoying. I am happy to have this book at home! I wish it could be shared with more children in a school setting, but this is the world we live in. show less

Note that some of the negative reviews complain that it's not suitable for a board book, or for tots. Well, there is a hardcover. And it's fine for preschool on up, though of course it'll lead to richer discussions with older children. But even the youngest can appreciate the diverse characters, the rich & powerfully vivid illustrations, and the concept. It's not an ABC primer, of course, but it's great for anyone who wants the world to be more inclusive and more sane. (It even includes carnivores.)

Goodreads *really* needs half-stars. 3.5/5 reluctantly rounded up to 4. Amazing concept, so-so on the execution.