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Gandhi: a March to the Sea
Mohandas Gandhi's 24-day March to the Sea, from March 12 to April 5, 1930, was a pivotal moment in India's quest to become an independent country no longer ruled by Great Britain. With over 70 marchers, Gandhi walked from his hometown near Ahmedabab to the sea coast by the village of Dandi. The march was a non-violent means to protest the taxes that Great Britain had imposed on salt ? not the salt that the Indians could get from the sea, but the salt that Great Britain forced them to buy. Gandhi believed that peaceful protests were an effective way to challenge British law, and his peaceful but ultimately successful movement became known as Satyagraha. In free verse echoing the marching rhythm of Gandhi's historic journey, Alice McGinty recreates Gandhi's famous march, enhanced by Thomas Gonzalez's powerful paintings that capture the determination of a people longing to be free.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
20 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Alice B. McGinty
78 books35 followersAlice Blumenthal McGinty is an American writer of children's books.
McGinty was born in 1963 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended Indiana University and the University of Illinois. McGinty is Jewish. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
McGinty was born in 1963 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended Indiana University and the University of Illinois. McGinty is Jewish. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 1, 2016
Children's picture book about defining episode in Gandhi's campaign for India's independence from Britain; the march to the sea to collect salt. For a picture book bio try Gandhi or for a book that captures both Gandhi's spirit and a child's imagination try Grandfather Gandhi.
November 27, 2021
Ideal for a child after they have read a general bio. It details just one episode of Gandhi's life. It does place it in some context. The artwork is lovely.
October 14, 2016
Lyrical non-fiction narrative of Gandhi's march to the sea. The illustrations and artful prose combined for a moving portrait of this Great Soul. A fine introduction to the power of civil, non-violent protest for young readers.
May 8, 2013
It's a storybook detailing what began as one man's journey and turned into an affair far bigger than himself, a non-violent demonstration...all in the name of freedom; a worthy cause indeed. His name is recognized near and far for many reasons but today we will focus on this one act, this one march for a country's people to call the shots within their own borders. It's not a method of protest chosen often in today's world, sad but true, but it does speak volumes without ever having to hear that fateful shot ring out across a land.
For those well versed in the works of author Carmen Agra Deedy, the illustrations in this book may ring a few bells. Recall for a moment her work entitled, 14 Cows for America....have it pictured in your mind's eye? Good. Now, compare the images. Look familiar? The painted illustrations are were created by the same hand, Mr. Thomas Gonzalez. Personally I think they fit well with the open verse style of the writing featured here. They give you the images so you have a starting point but only so much detail so that as you are reading you can sharpen the softer points with the text. It's quite the "marriage" of words and images; definitely worth more than a quick glance.
In summary, I would say this is a bite sized history lesson great for readers of all ages with a little something more. You'll not only walk away with new found knowledge (or a refreshed memory if you were already well versed in these events) but also an appreciation for a people's non-violent quest for a better life and a respect for the actions taken in peace. Of course, the inclusion of those wonderful illustrations add yet another facet of wonder to entice the eyes of readers young and old...just try turning a page without gazing at the images before you. From a simple sunrise to a nation gathering together for a cause, the intricate details of their ethnic costumes to a handful of salt; each one was created with care and made to be marveled at. Enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.
**review copy received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be seen on my site**
For those well versed in the works of author Carmen Agra Deedy, the illustrations in this book may ring a few bells. Recall for a moment her work entitled, 14 Cows for America....have it pictured in your mind's eye? Good. Now, compare the images. Look familiar? The painted illustrations are were created by the same hand, Mr. Thomas Gonzalez. Personally I think they fit well with the open verse style of the writing featured here. They give you the images so you have a starting point but only so much detail so that as you are reading you can sharpen the softer points with the text. It's quite the "marriage" of words and images; definitely worth more than a quick glance.
In summary, I would say this is a bite sized history lesson great for readers of all ages with a little something more. You'll not only walk away with new found knowledge (or a refreshed memory if you were already well versed in these events) but also an appreciation for a people's non-violent quest for a better life and a respect for the actions taken in peace. Of course, the inclusion of those wonderful illustrations add yet another facet of wonder to entice the eyes of readers young and old...just try turning a page without gazing at the images before you. From a simple sunrise to a nation gathering together for a cause, the intricate details of their ethnic costumes to a handful of salt; each one was created with care and made to be marveled at. Enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.
**review copy received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be seen on my site**
May 29, 2013
This nonfiction picture book focuses on Gandhi’s 24-day March to the Sea in 1930. Joined by over 70 others, this was a nonviolent protest of British rule of India and the taxes they had levied on salt. Told in verse, this picture book explores how the march united the different faiths and castes of India into a common cause. The book and journey ends with Gandhi scooping salt from the sea, inspiring many others to do the same. Many were imprisoned for their actions, but they proved too numerous for the prison system and had to be released. This is a profound and impressive look at a nonviolent action that was noticed around the world and still serves as inspiration today.
McGinty’s verse is free and flowing. She nicely integrates imagery that is moving and speaks volumes about the situation. Just one line from when Gandhi reaches the sea: “white salt dusting dark sand.” McGinty also weaves in the way that Gandhi inspired others to spin their own thread rather than relying on British cloth, how he prayed together with all faiths, truly how he created a single community out of so many different ones.
The illustrations by Gonzalez are exquisite. His paintings capture the stones on the path, the crowds that gathered, and finally Gandhi by the sea, alone and strong. All of the images show a man of strength of conviction and a spirit that was unfailing. They are stunningly evocative of the man and his mission.
This is a top-notch picture book that truly conveys the difference one man can make in the world being nonviolent. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
McGinty’s verse is free and flowing. She nicely integrates imagery that is moving and speaks volumes about the situation. Just one line from when Gandhi reaches the sea: “white salt dusting dark sand.” McGinty also weaves in the way that Gandhi inspired others to spin their own thread rather than relying on British cloth, how he prayed together with all faiths, truly how he created a single community out of so many different ones.
The illustrations by Gonzalez are exquisite. His paintings capture the stones on the path, the crowds that gathered, and finally Gandhi by the sea, alone and strong. All of the images show a man of strength of conviction and a spirit that was unfailing. They are stunningly evocative of the man and his mission.
This is a top-notch picture book that truly conveys the difference one man can make in the world being nonviolent. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
March 26, 2022
A March to the Sea by Alice B. McGinty, Illustrator- Thomas Gonzalez Hindi language translation by Vidushak- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- In the end of this book it has been written that this book is a re-telling of the story of March to the Sea by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as told by Rajmohan Gandhi, Professor, University of Illinois, USA and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. The book narrates that British Government had levied tax on cotton cloth and salt so that Indian cloth and salt could be costlier than Indian homemade cotton cloth and salt. Indians were poor and could not afford to pay taxes. They preferred to eat their food without salt. Gandhi’s opinion was that “Next to air and water, salt is perhaps the greatest necessity of life.” In order to show his opposition to British tax laws, Mahatma Gandhi planned a peaceful march from 12 March, 1930 to 06 April, 1930. This twenty-four day march campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly. Gandhi wishes to inspire people to follow his example. Gandhi started this march with 78 of his trusted volunteers. The march spanned 239 miles (385 km), from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, which was called Navsari. Growing numbers of Indians joined them along the way. When Gandhi broke the British Raj salt laws at 8:30 am on 6 April 1930, it sparked large scale acts of civil disobedience against the salt laws by millions of Indians. This is an inspiring book for all. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.
June 29, 2018
This book depicts Mahatma Gandhi's epic journey, the March to the Sea that occurred between 12 March and 5 April 1930, which publicized his call for civil disobedience of Great Britain's laws and taxes which repressed the Indian people.
The book has a brief introduction that sets the stage for the book's narrative about the March. The story in verse is followed by additional information that shows the route of the March, provides additional information about his call for Indian independence from British rule, and source notes and books that offer the reader more resources for additional study.
The illustrations, "rendered in mixed media consisting of pastels, watercolors, color pencils, and ink," complement the narrative nicely and provide up-close and expressive images of Gandhi as well as the people he encountered during his trek.
I appreciated the author's mention that Gandhi strove to unite all of the people of India, despite religion, caste, or location to support his cause.
Overall, it's an informative book and is appropriate for children of all ages. I really enjoyed reading it. I really liked that it shows how Gandhi was "a quiet child, once a lawyer too shy to talk," but was able to summon the courage to follow his convictions and speak out for what he thought was right.
The book has a brief introduction that sets the stage for the book's narrative about the March. The story in verse is followed by additional information that shows the route of the March, provides additional information about his call for Indian independence from British rule, and source notes and books that offer the reader more resources for additional study.
The illustrations, "rendered in mixed media consisting of pastels, watercolors, color pencils, and ink," complement the narrative nicely and provide up-close and expressive images of Gandhi as well as the people he encountered during his trek.
I appreciated the author's mention that Gandhi strove to unite all of the people of India, despite religion, caste, or location to support his cause.
Overall, it's an informative book and is appropriate for children of all ages. I really enjoyed reading it. I really liked that it shows how Gandhi was "a quiet child, once a lawyer too shy to talk," but was able to summon the courage to follow his convictions and speak out for what he thought was right.
June 2, 2020
This book is beautiful! It starts out with a concise introduction about Gandhi, the basic oppression placed upon India by British rule, and Gandhi's work to end the unfair laws and free India without violence: everything a child needs to know to grasp the basics of the book they're going to read. What follows is a lyrical recounting of highlights from the journey and the goals he and his followers hoped to achieve. This book probably won't tell the reader everything they need to know about Gandhi and his march, but it will certainly introduce Gandhi and whet their appetite to know more about India, freedom, and a great leader and man. The illustrations were especially gorgeous!
March 25, 2020
Fascinating story, beautifully illustrated.
April 15, 2022
Gandhi: a March to the Sea is a wonderful introductory book into the life and ideals of Gandhi. In his peaceful "fight" for independence against Great Britain, Gandhi demonstrates how choosing the path of non-violence can lead to extraordinary changes within his own nation, and even the world at large. We get a glimpse of Gandhi's exceptional morality in this book as he marches toward the sea in protest of the British's taxes on Indian salt. This book would be ideal for 3rd grade and higher.
March 30, 2017
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (later known as “Mahatma,” a Sanskrit honorific meaning “venerable” or "great soul"), born in 1869, was a prominent leader of the Indian nationalist movement. He preached non-violent methods of civil disobedience, preferring the tactics of boycotts, marches, and fasts.
Gandhi’s most famous campaign was a march of about 240 miles from his commune in Ahmedabad to Dandi, on the sea coast, beginning March 12, 1930, and ending April 5, 1930. The march is usually known as the Dandi March or the Salt Satyagraha. [Satyagraha means passive political resistance.] At Dandi, Gandhi and thousands of protestors made their own salt from seawater. They were breaking the law; the British did not allow Indians to get salt from the sea but rather, they had to purchase it from the British and pay high taxes on it. This book tells the story of of that famous march.
The prose is simple, but evocative:
"British officers
mix with the crowd,
watching every move.
Worries rumble. Rumors brew.”
"He finally stops
at the far edge of town,
where the Untouchables live.
Outcasts of the Hindu faith,
dirty, ragged, poor,
pushed away by all —-
but Gandhi.”
"He tells Muslims, Hindus, and Untouchables
that they are different but the same.
India needs them all
to work as one
for freedom.”
And finally he leads his marchers to the Arabian Sea: “white salt dusting dark sand.”
It is the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez as much as the text that conveys what kind of man Gandhi was. With pencils and pastels the soft edges of his images suggest the peacefulness of Gandhi’s movement, even as they convey the quiet strength of the participants, particularly Gandhi.
At the back of the book, one map shows British India and another displays the route of the salt march, along with some additional background information.
Rating: 3.5/5
Gandhi’s most famous campaign was a march of about 240 miles from his commune in Ahmedabad to Dandi, on the sea coast, beginning March 12, 1930, and ending April 5, 1930. The march is usually known as the Dandi March or the Salt Satyagraha. [Satyagraha means passive political resistance.] At Dandi, Gandhi and thousands of protestors made their own salt from seawater. They were breaking the law; the British did not allow Indians to get salt from the sea but rather, they had to purchase it from the British and pay high taxes on it. This book tells the story of of that famous march.
The prose is simple, but evocative:
"British officers
mix with the crowd,
watching every move.
Worries rumble. Rumors brew.”
"He finally stops
at the far edge of town,
where the Untouchables live.
Outcasts of the Hindu faith,
dirty, ragged, poor,
pushed away by all —-
but Gandhi.”
"He tells Muslims, Hindus, and Untouchables
that they are different but the same.
India needs them all
to work as one
for freedom.”
And finally he leads his marchers to the Arabian Sea: “white salt dusting dark sand.”
It is the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez as much as the text that conveys what kind of man Gandhi was. With pencils and pastels the soft edges of his images suggest the peacefulness of Gandhi’s movement, even as they convey the quiet strength of the participants, particularly Gandhi.
At the back of the book, one map shows British India and another displays the route of the salt march, along with some additional background information.
Rating: 3.5/5
June 29, 2018
This was a wonderfully illustrated and informative look into life in India during the 1930's under English rule. Ghandi's example of having your voice heard through peaceful protesting has never wavered in its importance over the decades. A beautiful read to share with young students to introduce them to this remarkable selfless man who is a fantastic example of how one person can truly make a difference.
June 27, 2015
Before I read this book I didn't know about Gandhi but now I understand why he is such an important historical figure. I would like to read more about him. He was an inspirational person.
May 5, 2018
This picture-book is about Gandhi's famous non-violent protest against the British and their law which forbade Indians from taking salt from the sea and against the high taxes they paid on cloth. Each of the illustrations in the book are soft water color two page illustrations which almost evoke the epic film about the man in their look or make Gandhi appear God like. Along his journey he teaches the people of India how to spin their own cloth, he teaches them that they are all the same be they Hindu Muslim or 'Untouchable' the lowest level of the Indian caste system. He leads his march to the sea where he and his followers "make" and are arrested en mass, but since so many are arrested the British cannot hold them all and set them free. The illustration is interesting for this particular page, it depicts Gandhi as God like, a giant looking down upon his people. He's in a pose that one would be in if one were spinning cloth, except the cloth he is spinning has turned into a giant modern day flag of the nation of India. Gandhi had achieved the impossible, he set his people free of the most powerful empire on earth through non-violent protest, a lesson not lost on America's own Martin Luther King Jr.
February 20, 2019
"Gandhi: A March to the Sea" by Alice B. McGinty and "The Button War" by Avi are March, 2019, selections for Chapter and Verse Book Club.
For two centuries, the British ruled India. "Gandhi: A March to the Sea" is a non-fiction picture book that looks at the 24-day peaceful march, led by Mohandas Gandhi in March and April of 1930, to protest laws and taxes that the British imposed on salt. The book includes an introduction and back matter, positive additions to this true story.
Thomas Gonzales' watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and pastel illustrations beautifully capture the event, the time period, the people of India, the land, and Gandhi himself. The sweeping, double-page renderings are breathtaking. The use of color, stunning. I especially loved the illustration of the lines: "Long wooden bridges/over marshy land/lead by marchers to the sea./The Arabian Sea-/white salt dusting dark sand."
The text is free verse poetry. It tells the story, but the language could have been stronger, more lyrical and rhythmic.
This is an important story, in that it provided inspiration (and continues to provide inspiration) for activists, demonstrating what non-violent protest can achieve. Highly recommended.
For two centuries, the British ruled India. "Gandhi: A March to the Sea" is a non-fiction picture book that looks at the 24-day peaceful march, led by Mohandas Gandhi in March and April of 1930, to protest laws and taxes that the British imposed on salt. The book includes an introduction and back matter, positive additions to this true story.
Thomas Gonzales' watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and pastel illustrations beautifully capture the event, the time period, the people of India, the land, and Gandhi himself. The sweeping, double-page renderings are breathtaking. The use of color, stunning. I especially loved the illustration of the lines: "Long wooden bridges/over marshy land/lead by marchers to the sea./The Arabian Sea-/white salt dusting dark sand."
The text is free verse poetry. It tells the story, but the language could have been stronger, more lyrical and rhythmic.
This is an important story, in that it provided inspiration (and continues to provide inspiration) for activists, demonstrating what non-violent protest can achieve. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2023
"Gandhi: A March to the Sea" is written by Alice B. McGinty. The book tells the story of Gandhi's Salt March, a peaceful protest against the British Empire's monopoly on salt production in India. The book describes a turning point in the Indian independence movement. It can help to introduce children to this important historical event in a way that is engaging. This book will open up students' worldviews. A lot of history learned in the classroom in based around America, but there is so much more for students to discover. It can help to teach children about the importance of leadership and perseverance in the face of adversity. Gandhi's Salt March was a long and difficult journey, but he continued to lead his followers.
March 25, 2020
This book provides a very brief but informative introduction to the life work of Gandhi. Young readers will be introduced to the concepts of taxes, peaceful protest, and the caste system. Notes at the beginning and the end place the march to the sea in chronological context and show the route of the salt march. Some of the illustrations potently express the danger of marching to break an unjust law.
Not a hugely exciting read, but a good one to cover the importance of Gandhi and to, possibly, inspire deeper reading. A good one to include in explorations of colonial rule, social stratification, and protest movements.
Not a hugely exciting read, but a good one to cover the importance of Gandhi and to, possibly, inspire deeper reading. A good one to include in explorations of colonial rule, social stratification, and protest movements.
January 3, 2020
This picture book details an important event in the life of Gandhi--leading a non-violent march to the sea in protest of the British tax on salt. The text is simple but informative, and the realistic illustrations are beautifully rendered in color pencil, watercolor, pastel, and ink. Most American children will not have heard of Gandhi; this title provides an excellent introduction.
Recommended for 5th grade social studies to compare with the protests in colonial American against British taxes.
Use further in studies of populist movements, non-violence, and colonialism.
Recommended for 5th grade social studies to compare with the protests in colonial American against British taxes.
Use further in studies of populist movements, non-violence, and colonialism.
May 4, 2018
I like this book because it taught me great words and about a great person as well. (May)
I enjoyed this book because we learned new things about how to get freedom. (Champion)
I thought this book is interesting because it talks about how Gandhi fought a peaceful battle. (Nunu)
This book gets 5 stars because it teaches us about religion and how unfair it was their life in the past. (Amber)
I found it interesting because this is connected to our unit and it teaches about fairness. (Bieber)
I enjoyed this book because we learned new things about how to get freedom. (Champion)
I thought this book is interesting because it talks about how Gandhi fought a peaceful battle. (Nunu)
This book gets 5 stars because it teaches us about religion and how unfair it was their life in the past. (Amber)
I found it interesting because this is connected to our unit and it teaches about fairness. (Bieber)
October 30, 2021
The illustrations are gorgeous.
Quibble with the text: It says they sing songs to their God. That seems to imply a singular (mono-theistic) god, which is NOT a Hindu belief.
Emphasis is on non-violent breaking of bad laws, but also making peace among Christians, Muslims, and Hindus (totally ignores Sikhs?) and violating caste lines.
Muslims affected by Partition have a different view of Gandhi that doesn't match with the peace & love pan-religion story here.
Quibble with the text: It says they sing songs to their God. That seems to imply a singular (mono-theistic) god, which is NOT a Hindu belief.
Emphasis is on non-violent breaking of bad laws, but also making peace among Christians, Muslims, and Hindus (totally ignores Sikhs?) and violating caste lines.
Muslims affected by Partition have a different view of Gandhi that doesn't match with the peace & love pan-religion story here.
July 13, 2017
Amazing
What an amazing story. The illustrations were wonderful and the details rich. I look forward to sharing with my class and reinforcing details and a good storyline in addition to a wonderful message.
What an amazing story. The illustrations were wonderful and the details rich. I look forward to sharing with my class and reinforcing details and a good storyline in addition to a wonderful message.
February 5, 2020
Good teaching
You should read this book it has good information.
I like it because it has good inspiration and details.
Gandhi inspired MLK, which stands for Martin Luther King.
Written by my six-year-old.
You should read this book it has good information.
I like it because it has good inspiration and details.
Gandhi inspired MLK, which stands for Martin Luther King.
Written by my six-year-old.
October 7, 2017
Gorgeous illustrations paired with a simple and informative text. Beautiful!
February 25, 2019
A beautiful look at Gandhi's salt march. Less detailed but more focused than I am Gandhi.
April 17, 2020
Amazing
Very inspirational book.Good book! Taught my daughter a lot! I would just recommend the words to be bigger.Overall great 👍
Very inspirational book.Good book! Taught my daughter a lot! I would just recommend the words to be bigger.Overall great 👍
May 17, 2020
i know some about Gandhi ...not much ... so i found this great learning for me. great illustrations. i enjoy it so.
June 30, 2020
Good story to introduce Ghandi to children
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March 23, 2022An early elementary biography of Ghandi and his march to the sea to protest taxes. easy to follow and moving.
February 28, 2017
An Illinois Reads Book : K-2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews