Momma's Going to March

by Jennifer Maruno, Vivian Rosas (Illustrator)

Overview

We’re going to a peaceful protest because … Momma’s going to march!

Momma’s Going to March follows several children over time as they accompany their mothers to different peaceful protest marches, where they advocate for the environment, freedom, equality, peace and clean water. They help make signs and banners, decorate wagons, carry flags and beat drums. Momma shows them that advocacy can be fun … and that they can do it, too!

With accessible text and engaging artwork, Momma’s Going to March will empower a generation of young activists. Includes an author’s note, brief descriptions of a select number of historical marches, and further information on the use of signs, flags, banners, drums and more in peaceful protests.

Key Text Features

illustrations

author's note

historical note

historical context

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781773065519
Publisher:	Groundwood Books
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.00(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

JENNIFER MARUNO, retired elementary school principal, is the author of seven novels for middle grade and young adult readers as well as two picture books. Former Vice-President of the CANSCAIP, among other literary roles, Jennifer currently enjoys mentoring other writers. Her latest picture book, While You Sleep, published in 2022 by Pajama Press received starred reviews from Kirkus and Quill and Quire. She lives in Burlington, Ontario.

VIVIAN ROSAS is a Toronto, Ontario-based queer, Mestizx/Latinx multidisciplinary illustrator, dancer, and muralist. Feminism, empowerment, and diversity are recurring themes in her work. Her goal is to create imagery that expresses a sense of inclusiveness for underrepresented communities. She is the illustrator of Better Connected: How Girls Are Using Social Media for Good by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Julia Kyi.

Editorial Reviews

A colorful, joyful introduction to marches and their various facets.

Booklist

08/01/2024

K-Gr 3—Marching as a form of peaceful protest has a long history. This title captures the essence of several historic marches and uses the dual perspectives of a child and mother preparing for and marching in a variety of different protests. When the child on one spread asks, "Will there be bands and bugles?" the mother replies, "It's not that kind of march." A different pairing of child and adult appears on every spread, with the refrain, "It's not that kind of march," to direct the child's (and reader's) attention to the fact that the injustices are plentiful. The reasons and methods for marching are depicted in colorful, poster-like digitally created illustrations that effectively capture the power of peaceful protest for wide-ranging causes, from water and climate protection to peace and women's rights. Back matter adds to the story of marches with dates and specific events. VERDICT A recommended and useful introduction to the democratic right to protest, this title could be tidily included across curricula for sharing with children before they attend a march or to help build understanding for the role of common citizens in making positive change and speaking up for important causes.—John Scott

School Library Journal

2024-05-17
March with Momma for change!

Alongside their children, mommas of various sizes and skin tones “march / march / MARCH” for integrated schools, equality, peace, clean water, and more. Maruno’s gentle, straightforward text introduces readers to different mommas and their children making signs, putting on warm, woolly socks, packing bottles of water, and more. Children ask questions: “Will there be bands and bugles?” “Will there be balloons?” “Will there be ice cream and hot dogs?” The mothers each respond: “It’s not that kind of march.” At the various protests, they hold signs with brave messages, beat drums, and raise their arms to demonstrate solidarity. Though the families attend different marches, these events share a common goal as the mommas show their children how to push for change. Rosas’ warm, inviting palette of vivid purples, greens, and oranges portrays the smiling, friendly mommas standing with their communities; young readers and their families will be inspired to join social movements wherever they take place. The illustrations depict the mommas as distinct individuals, allowing readers to see themselves as activists. Backmatter offers additional insights into the meaning behind the objects and actions in the story as well as historical context for marches.

A beautifully illustrated, family-friendly guide to activism. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews