Published by Balzer + Bray

Summary:  “Sometimes ants march. Sometimes bands march. Sometimes people march.” People march to stand up for freedom or against injustice, to support people they love, or when they notice the need for change.  They might resist by speaking out, writing a song or letter, standing up, or taking a knee.  Just like ants are stronger together and bands are louder together, people march to amplify and strengthen their voices.  Includes two pages entitled “Movements, Marches & Key Figures in the Art” that tell the historical events that correspond to the illustrations.  32 pages; ages 4-9

Pros:  Although the text is spare, it conveys a lot of information about marching, which is complemented by the charming illustrations of diverse individuals and crowds standing up and speaking up for what they believe.  The real-life connections listed in the back make this a good starting place for additional research.

Cons:  I was surprised there weren’t any anti-war protests depicted, particularly Vietnam.

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Published by Enchanted Lion Books

Summary:  It’s 2012, and world leaders have gathered in Brazil for the Rio+20 Summit to discuss climate change and the environmental crisis.  “One after another, they gave speeches, but no one says anything new.”  Then José Mujica, president of Uruguay, steps to the podium.  Described as “the world’s poorest president” for donating 90% of his salary to charity and choosing to live on his farm instead of in the presidential palace, Mujica questions the whole system of capitalism, asking the participants if they were really committed to living in harmony with nature, as they said, or driven by production and consumption.  “Shared human happiness is the greatest treasure of all,” he concludes.  “If we appreciate the beauty of nature and life itself and care for our world, we will be able to continue to live well as humans on this planet.”  40 pages; grades 3+

Pros:  Mujica’s speech is as timely today as it was eight years ago, and will resonate with older readers (middle school and up) at least as much as with the picture book crowd.

Cons:  The title makes Mujica sound like an object of pity when really he seems to have figured out a lot more about life and happiness than most other world leaders.

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Published by Simon and Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Summary:  The story begins with an empty lot filled with trash, across the street from a school, P.S. 175.  A man named Mr. Tony came to their school.  When he saw the lot across the street, he had an idea.  He and the kids cleared the lot, then filled it with clean soil and started to plant.  They grew vegetables, fruit, and herbs.  When some plants died, they planted new ones.  Mr. Tony built raised beds.  They watered and weeded, and finally had tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, berries, and more to take home and enjoy.  Includes a note from the author, who is Mr. Tony, about how this single lot has grown to twelve sites around Harlem with 22 full time staff; a photo of him standing outside one of the gardens; instructions on how to start a garden; and additional resources.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  An inspiring true-life story of how one man moved from a difficult situation (he started volunteering at P.S. 175 when he had to close his business in 2010) to create something that benefits many people in his community.

Cons:  I would have loved more photos.

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