Cheery but impactful, this book follows a diverse group of children in different eras as they follow their mothers to a variety of social justice marches: for civil rights, women’s rights, peace, clean water, and the environment. The children help make signs, pack food, and carry flags, as they ask their mothers about why they are marching and what to expect.
Each vignette offers a short dialog between mother and child, an explanation by the child (“Momma’s going to march. She says our laws should protect everyone”), and then a succinct encapsulation (“Momma’s marching for FREEDOM”). It’s a formula that works well, while the bold artwork adds warmth and visual interest.
A spread at the end offers a little more information on topics like why people make signs, wear specific colors, carry flags or banners or bring drums. The paragraph on flags is illustrated with a rainbow flag and a flag with a double women’s symbol on it.
An Author’s Note explains the five historical marches that inspired the ones in the story. I wish that one of the LGBTQ marches on Washington (or the 1970 Christopher Street Liberation Day March) was among them, and included among the vignettes in the book, though I recognize that picture books tend to have strict page limits and can’t fit everything. At least there is some nod to LGBTQ activism here—and perhaps there will be a follow-up volume (“Papa’s Going to Protest”???) that will explore additional marches and movements. This is a valuable volume nevertheless and should be a great springboard for further conversations about making change.
