The March for Hope

A youth’s first foray into activism proves transformational in Bolling’s bright-eyed narrative. Compelled by Mama to attend a Women’s March, young Hope initially expresses uncertainty. While attendees eagerly chant, and hold signs aloft, the brown-skinned protagonist is pained by an incidence of bias that occurred at school. “Do girls really have power?” the subject mulls. Realizing she’s part of a long tradition of protest, Hope is inspired to confide the experience to Mama as well as to come up with a plan for a school girls’ march. Newly energized, Hope pivots to engagement, proudly creating and carrying a poster that reads “My voice, my power!”—a dictum she commits to follow until “all girls and women are treated fairly.” Mikai’s warm, sunrise-toned artwork amplifies the text’s optimism; backdrops forego detail, focusing attention on the protagonist and fellow marchers, depicted with various abilities and skin tones. Contextualizing back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)