Let the Children March - by Monica Clark-Robinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Told from a child's point of view, this moving picture book focuses on a monumental moment in the civil rights movement: the Children's Crusade of 1963. Thousands of African-American children and teens marched through the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, to end segregation and to inspire change and hope for the future. Full color.

Book Synopsis

This powerful picture book introduces young readers to a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights. Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Award.

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world.

Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.

I couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids.

I couldn't go to their schools.

I couldn't drink from their water fountains.

There were so many things I couldn't do.

Review Quotes

Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2018 Chicago Public Library's Best of 2018 The Children's Book Review Best of Nonfiction 2018 *"A powerful retrospective glimpse at a key event." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

*"Much of the text will provoke questions and important conversations between children and adult readers. The experiences of segregation are sensitively depicted...A highly readable historical account which deserves a place on picture book and nonfiction shelves alike." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"This remarkable story remains relevant today as young readers think about their roles in the ongoing struggle for justice. Teachers who use this book might scaffold it with additional resources that teach about the intensive planning and organization that went into this and other activist campaigns." -- Booklist

"The art throughout is a vibrant representation of the determination and courage of the civil rights movement. A nuanced account that could inspire the youngest readers to make a big difference." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Clark-Robinson's stirring debut unfolds through the resolute voice of a (fictional) African-American girl participating in the 1963 Children's Crusade...The narrator's conclusion, "Our march made the difference," serves as a powerful reminder for today's readers about their own ability to fight for justice and equality." -- Publishers Weekly

"The text is taut and clear, making its greatest impact through its simple, even understated, specifics." -- BCCB

"The book's message is clear and bracing: King understood that it's children who will lead the way, and the man's faith in the future is reassuring even now." -- New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Monica Clark-Robinson is a writer, part-time professor, and professional actor who has been writing for over fifteen years. This is her picture book debut.

Frank Morrison is the illustrator of more than twenty books, including a John Steptoe Award winner, Jazzy Miz Mozetta, and a Coretta Scott King Honor book, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone.