The Word Collector, by Peter H Reynolds

Book description (from publisher):

"Some people collect stamps.
Some people collect coins.
Some people collect art.
And Jerome?
Jerome collected words . . .

In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.

From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world."

OUR THOUGHTS:
A delightful book! A contagious celebration of the power of words to connect, foster self-expression and understanding, and the simple joy of words for their own melodious sake. A great book to prompt children to become word collectors–to notice and inquire about the meaning of the many new words they encounter. Given that a rich language environment will prompt children to learn approximately 3,000 new words each and every year (until they are well into college!), this book is a great one to celebrate that journey and the diversity and power of language. Also great for promoting development of voice. We were definitely "moved" and "delighted" by Peter H. Reynolds' new treasure of a book!

Let The Children March, by Monica Clark-Robinson

Book description (from publisher):

"I couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids. 
I couldn't go to their schools.  
I couldn't drink from their water fountains.  
There were so many things I couldn't do. 

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time. "

Just released, this new picture book presents the history of the 1963 Children's Crusade from the fictional perspective of the children involved. The story captures the love and concern of the children's families, but also their belief in the children's potential to affect change. Powerfully depicts the dignity of their cause and the strength they gained through solidarity and community.

A great book to teach about the role children can play in promoting justice through peaceful protest and creating/joining activist communities. Also a great addition to social justice and civil rights libraries. Proceed with caution when considering this book for younger children, as it contains illustrations of the violent police response against the children's peaceful march (water canons and police dogs). Despite the tough content, the positive outcome of the march makes the book a hopeful one to share with older students (second grade and up).