We Move the World

April 1, 2021
Small children learning and playing are juxtaposed with adults changing history. Children say first words, take first steps, stack blocks, and write the alphabet. Older people walk on the moon, build historic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and write letters to the president to effect change. Children jump and leap and sing, adults record "We Are the World" to benefit world hunger, and Misty Copeland becomes the American Ballet Theater's first African American principal ballerina. The children's activities are narrated in a simple first-person-plural voice, easy to read aloud with little ones. The corresponding historical events and profiles are written in a more expository style better suited for older readers. While both storylines are worth reading, the combination makes the read-aloud experience less than smooth, although creative workarounds (like having children read the children's parts and adults read the nonfiction parts) are possible. The adult achievements celebrated are progressive and diverse: Colin Kaepernick's protest, Brazil's Pride parade, Native American Code Talkers, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt are included, along with the Wright brothers, female Supreme Court justices, Mister Rogers, and the moon landing. Ali's joyful illustrations successfully convey continuity between the children's activities and the actions that changed history, infusing the narrative with an energy the text sorely needs to carry readers through. Endnotes provide further details about the events and individuals mentioned in the text. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 69.4% of actual size.) A moderate success. (timeline, notes, bibliography, resources) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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May 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-"In big and small ways, we move the world" proclaims debut author Lavelle, who offers a swift tour of 18 events and people from the past 130 years, from the Statue of Liberty to the COVID-19 pandemic. An initial pair of short sentences on each page or spread is in poetic second person ("We write the alphabet. We blaze a trail with words"); the tone then shifts to informational third person to focus briefly on an important figure or historical event. Lavelle includes familiar and lesser-known historical figures (e.g., the Wright brothers, Wangari Maathai) and contemporary figures (e.g., Colin Kaepernick). The book introduces young readers to people and events they may not be famliar with, which could encourage them to learn more from other sources; back matter includes a time line and "notes about the events" (some events, some biographies), selected bibliography, and further resources. Ali's digital artwork shines, full of graceful curves and movement. He juxtaposes images beautifully and effectively to show growth and connection, such as a Black baby girl who seems to be floating above astronauts stepping onto the moon as she takes her first steps. Unfortunately, the author sacrifices depth for breadth: She does not make a meaningful connection between kids' actions and adults' accomplishments, explore how these inspirational people and events came to be, or provide a theme to tie the whole together. VERDICT An additional purchase for nonfiction picture book collections.-Jenny Arch, formerly at Winchester P.L., MA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 This lovely little picture book offers inspiration to kids who want to make the world a better place. Bright illustrations show cute, roly-poly cartoon characters pursuing everyday actions, such as taking their first steps or working on a puzzle, and compare these simple actions to 18 moments in history, like Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon, or Native American code breakers developing secret wartime languages. Many of the cited incidents are timely and inclusive: jumping in puddles and leaping over obstacles connects to prima ballerina Misty Copeland; cheering on a friend invokes LGBTQ+ Pride parades; taking care of an injured pet parallels the fight of COVID-19 health care workers. The examples are relatable and feature a cheerful, diverse cast of youngsters and the highlighted movers and shakers. Back matter includes a time line, brief synopses of historic events, bibliography, and a list of additional resources. The final statement (""How you move just might move the world!"") works as an accessible introduction for lessons about caring and could give readers some great ideas.

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May 24, 2021
In this empowering nonfiction picture book, children’s everyday actions are presented alongside significant historical figures and events, showing how every achievement starts small. Employing brief free verse couplets relayed in a collective first-person voice, debut author Lavelle parallels actions including first steps and writing the alphabet alongside walking on the moon and writing the president for change, respectively. “We solve puzzles,” for example, is attended by facts on the following page: “Native American code talkers where critical in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.” Digital illustrations by Ali have a warm, painterly feel, with animation-style kids and historical figures of varying abilities, ages, religions, and skin tones. Dual voices vary tonally, historical figures appear out of logical order, and some events are insufficiently detailed—the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, is discussed in the past tense—making for a variable introduction to a range of historical luminaries. Back matter includes a timeline, notes about the events, and further resources. Ages 4–8.