Together We March: 25 Protest Movements that Marched into History by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Tyler Feder

 

Together We March: 

25 Protest Movements that Marched into History 

by Leah Henderson

illustrated by Tyler Feder

Review Copy from Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Henderson and Tyler have created a superb chronicle of an important aspect of social activism, presenting twenty-five marches chronologically in an accessible format with engaging illustrations. In her introduction, Henderson tells readers, "marches both great and small have been an invaluable tool to help bring about social change for many marginalized groups. By bringing together people with different perspectives and experiences under a unified umbrella, the demand that the public, the media, and the government work towards something better for everyone - not just a select few - rings louder and clearer." 

Starting in 1903 with the March of the Mill Children, Henderson's author's note shares that, when doing her research, she was struck by the "overlapping themes that continue today from as far back as the nineteenth century - fair pay, safety, fairness, freedom, survival a voice, and a place to belong." While most of the marches happened in America, there are several international, even global marches, like the the 1943 march of Bulgarian Jews, the Cape Town Peace March of 1989, the 1998 Global March Against Child Labor, and the ongoing Fridays for Future Youth Climate Strikes originating in Stockholm, Sweden. This scope gives readers an understanding of what people around the world are fighting for as well as how it affects us here in America.

Importantly, eight of the twenty-five marches featured are from the last ten years. Along with details on where the march happened and how long it lasted, Henderson gives readers a good basic understanding what the marchers were protesting, changes that were realized and threats that continued. As Henderson writes, "Sometimes the marches brought about enormous change, greater awareness, or started determined movements. Other times a march was simply a moment of togetherness, where a group of people collectively took a stand for what they believe."

Back matter includes a conclusion, author's note, excellent illustrated timeline, selected bibliography and recommended reading for general books about activism.