From the creator of the New York Times bestseller The Word Collector comes an empowering story about finding your voice, and using it to make the world a better place.
From the creator of the New York Times bestseller The Word Collector and I Am Human comes an empowering story about finding your voice, and using it to make the world a better place.
The world needs your voice. If you have a brilliant idea... say something!If you see an injustice... say something!
In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are... what you are thinking... and what you believe. And how you'll make it better. The time is now: SAY SOMETHING!--from the publisher
40 pages 978-0545865036 Ages 4-8
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“Oh, look outside the window, there’s a woman bein’ grabbed
They’ve dragged her to the bushes, and now she’s bein’ stabbed
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
But Monopoly is so much fun, I’d hate to blow the game”
--Phil Ochs, “Outside of a Small Circle of Friends” (1967)
“So we are speaking up for those who don’t have anyone listening to them, for those who can’t talk about it just yet, and for those who will never speak again.”
-- Emma González (2/26/2018)
“You don’t have to be loud.
Powerful words can be a whisper.
You can say something in so many ways.
With words, with action, with creativity.
If you see someone lonely…
SAY SOMETHING…
...by just being there for them.
If you see an empty canvas…
SAY SOMETHING with your brush.
If you see an empty lot…
SAY SOMETHING by planting a seed and watching it bloom.
If you see someone being hurt…
SAY SOMETHING by being brave.
‘HEY STOP!’”
When you’re trying to get a kid to do something, it’s often much more effective to simplify your message so that it’s clear and right in his or her face. Otherwise, you risk coming off like the trombone sound used to represent the adults in Peanuts animated specials: WAH WAH WAH.
In a picture book dedicated to young hero Emma González, and designed to encourage kids to speak up for what is right, Peter H. Reynolds employs simple messages that will be readily understood by Pre-Ks and early elementary students.
I like that Reynolds goes beyond urging kids to speak up when something is wrong. It will be fun for young people to embrace and act upon messages like, “If you want to show the world who you are…SAY SOMETHING with style.” The illustration accompanying this spread shows a girl dressing up in cool, stylish garb.
Reynold’s conclusion is perfect:
“Some people find it easier to SAY SOMETHING than others…
...but everyone has something to say.”
It’s tough being a lone voice. It’s much more effective when you’re part of a chorus for change. This is a fun book for getting the youngest voices to chime in. That’s what I say.
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA
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