No Voice Too Small
Written by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley
Illustrated by Jeanette Bradley
Social Justice Element 6: Social Action
Summary:
No Voice Too Small is a compilation of poems honoring 14 young American activists who rallied for change to be made in their communities. These activists advocated for a wide variety of issues of social justice that young people across the country and beyond face, from environmental rights, like those Jasilyn Charger advocated for--believing everyone deserves clean water--to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, mental health matters, and more. Across the 14 instances it narrates on, it showcases youth's ability to inspire change.
Social Justice Aspect:
This book showcases how young people are able to rally social change and social action starting with just their own unique voice and perspective. With the 14 young activists it highlights, it demonstrates precisely how and why these young people were able to inspire the social action that they did--across a broad spectrum of issues that young people experience and are impacted by. By highlighting figures like Marley Dias who, as a young African-American 6th grader, started the successful #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign for more black female protagonists in children literature, young readers are able to be emboldened to inspire the change and social action they desire in their own communities.
Classroom Use:
I think this picture book would be compelling for elementary school students from 1st through 5th grade, though the supplementary class material would need to be adjusted based on grade level. A lesson that could be based off of this book is having all the kids share a topic of social injustice they are passionate about, helping them find and research their topics as is age appropriate, and then having all the kids presenting either something they would like to do to inspire social change relevant to that topic, or what movements have taken place in the past that gives us the justice/representation/solution/etc. we have today.
Teacher Resource:
The "Meet the Artist" worksheet included in this activity guide could be used for the lesson I described. This resource also includes other activities related to the topics in this book and teaching social action.
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