Last week I shared a book about the suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, and today I am still on the activist kick with a fun new picture book that encourages kids to speak up and change the world! The book is Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and is part of a collection called Rocket Says.
From the Publisher:
Plucky activist Rocket returns in another inspiring picture book, rallying her community to SPEAK UP! to save their town library.
When Rocket finds out that her town's library is closing, she knows something must be done. Inspired by the activism of Rosa Parks, Rocket rallies support from her peers, and together they lead a peaceful protest that spreads awareness and raises enough money to save their beloved library.Perfect for fans of Rocket Says Look Up!, Rocket Says Clean Up!, and Ada Twist, Scientist, this book is for any youngster—and parent—interested in community activism. Rocket Says Speak Up! will inspire readers of all ages to take a stand for what they believe in and will teach them that one small person can make a BIG difference.
Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola's Rocket Says Look Up! was honored as a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book!
From Me:
In this book a young girl, Rocket, who struggled with reading now loves reading and can't read enough books. Her favorite day is library day where she can check out new books for the week. Her favorite librarian invites her to a party to say goodbye to the library because it is not being funded for the next year. Rocket is upset and wants to do something. She tells all of her classmates interesting library facts as well as about the library closing. The kids with the help of parents and the librarian make signs and plan a peaceful protest, like Rosa Parks. At first it seems like their protest didn't change anything even though it made the news and was online. But then the mayor shows up at Rocket's house to let her know that the library will stay open and get improved thanks to her protest.
I love that the book is multicultural. The people in the library are different cultures, ages and abilities. It is a story that most kids can relate to as long as they have been to the library in their town. I also love that Rocket discusses struggling with reading at first, so she isn't seen as a genius or nerd. It makes the book more relatable to kids who have their own learning issues. I also love that it has fun facts thrown in. There are fun facts about books, Rosa Parks and libraries!
This book is perfect for anywhere. It can be read at home, a story time at the library or even in class where a discussion can be had about activism and/or libraries. It takes everyone to care to make our world a better place and this book opens kids to this idea. I hope you will check it out!
