Review of Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen: A Journey through Resistance
Sometimes a book catches your attention not just for its title, but for the conversations it promises to spark. Tessa Allen’s Sometimes People March intrigued me with its exploration of activism and resistance. Yet, as I delved into its pages, I found myself grappling with a mix of admiration and hesitation about its execution.
The opening lines, “Sometimes ants march. Sometimes bands march. Sometimes people march,” set a rhythmic tone, but the connection felt a bit forced. As the narrative unfolds, Allen offers a broad introduction to the many reasons behind various marches, from historical protests to modern movements. This sweeping overview taps into the rich history of resistance and engages readers, especially young ones, in understanding that protest takes many forms. Illustrations peppered throughout the text beautifully underscore this idea, making room for curiosity and discussion.
One of the book’s significant strengths lies in its ability to illustrate the diverse methods of resistance. From individuals using their voices in chants to artists creating impactful murals, Allen emphasizes that activism isn’t confined to just marching. I particularly appreciated the depiction of different protest actions — the powerful imagery of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee and the vibrant call-and-response at rallies invites readers to reflect on their own participation in society. The narrative encourages children to see themselves as part of these movements, fostering a sense of agency early on.
However, while the bulk of the content resonates well, I found the execution occasionally faltered in its depth. The backmatter, which outlines key movements and figures in resistance history, is a helpful addition, but I encountered some frustrating details. My library copy, missing page numbers, made tracking references difficult, and certain wording choices raised eyebrows—like the use of “people of color” in contexts where specificity could add clarity. It’s crucial to acknowledge the history of these movements accurately, especially when mentioning the suffrage movement, which predominantly benefitted white women.
Despite these nitpicks, the heart of Sometimes People March speaks strongly to its mission. The way Allen conveys that resistance doesn’t always mean standing in the street is a valuable lesson—one that many young readers could benefit from learning. It emphasizes a nuanced understanding of activism, which is necessary in today’s world.
In conclusion, while I found a few aspects of Sometimes People March didn’t quite land for me, the book offers an engaging entry point for children into the complex world of activism. It’s perfect for educators and parents looking to introduce discussions around social justice and collective action. If you’re interested in a resource that invites young minds to learn about the power they hold, this book deserves a spot on your shelf. For me, it was a reflective, if imperfect, reminder of the myriad ways we can march together toward change.
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