Bigger Than Me

July 15, 2023
When words are just too much.... Luna and Zion, two dark-skinned kids, are watching TV when they become overwhelmed by big, difficult words that represent hard-to-understand concepts. "Words like 'pandemic' and 'homelessness.' 'Inequality' and 'immigration.' " Appealing, softly rounded cartoons accompany text that leans heavily on the figurative language as Zion counts the syllables ("the words a wad of gum too big to chew") and Luna builds the words in towers of alphabet blocks that topple over. The two decide to work together to solve the problem, but they need help, so they enlist the help of diverse neighborhood children and even some adults to help them write new words on banners and signs--courage, strength, freedom--and march in a parade. Attached to kites, the celebratory words rise into the sky, and the children even paint a mural of inspiring individuals. While the goals of this book--to help children focus on the positive and build strength--are admirable, the execution doesn't quite work, as the text wanders too far into the abstract and ultimately provides substitutions for the difficult words rather than a true understanding of what they mean. Still, the idea that children can channel their frustration with the world into action is profoundly important, and this selection provides an opening to discuss big ideas like equity in a comforting context. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An ambitious foray into the world of words, labels, and social justice, sure to provoke conversation. (author's note, information about the people depicted in the mural) (Picture book. 3-6)

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July 17, 2023
Pandemic, homelessness, inequality—long words about significant problems swirl around Luna and sibling Zion, both
portrayed with brown skin. Next, the kids wonder if the terms, written out in alphabet blocks, are “big enough to swallow them up,” writes Turnipseed in often metaphorical text. But the children make “big plans” and rally friends—digital line cartooning by Bodegón-Hikino depicts an energized group inclusive of abilities, ages, and skin tones—to celebrate words of positivity and hope. A paper chain reading courage is tacked up, strength is chalked on a sidewalk, and the celebration culminates with the creation of a mural honoring “brave humanitarians who fill the world with words like ‘generosity’ and ‘perseverance’!” In the face of often overwhelming news, young readers will appreciate this look at how big love and action can take on big topics. Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-Luna and Zion are bombarded by "big words with big meanings" as they watch the television. Terms such as "pandemic" and "homelessness" seem like "a wad of gum too big to chew." The overwhelming feeling is illustrated by words floating across the page or built into tottering alphabet block towers that loom over the children. But these children, who have brown skin, decide to take action. They gather supplies and friends to help spread better words, such as "courage," "positivity," and "truth." More and more people, young and old, join their project, so that soon the sky is filled with brilliant kites, sidewalks are covered in colorful chalk messages, and a mural of humanitarians such as Representative John Lewis and Fred Rogers adorns a neighborhood wall. The makeshift parade includes children of various ages, skin colors, cultures, and ethnicities. Back matter includes an author's note about the inspiration for the book and a listing of the figures from the mural. VERDICT Perfect to have on hand for families seeking books to counter all the negativity their children face in the media, as well as for classroom use for lessons on cooperation and community action.-Suzanne Costner

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