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If You're Going to a March
“If you’re going to a march, you’re going to want a sign”—and this inspiring handbook, which introduces children to the world of action and activism.
As more and more children attend the growing number of marches across the country, this cheerful guide serves as a great reference tool and conversation starter for youthful participants. Inspired by author Martha Freeman’s own experiences, this picture book addresses many of the questions kids might have: What should I wear? How will I get there? Where will I be able to go to the bathroom? Is it okay to dance? (Yes, it is!). All the while the text stays focused on the fact that the right to assemble is a Constitutional part of our life as Americans . . . whatever our political point of view.
As more and more children attend the growing number of marches across the country, this cheerful guide serves as a great reference tool and conversation starter for youthful participants. Inspired by author Martha Freeman’s own experiences, this picture book addresses many of the questions kids might have: What should I wear? How will I get there? Where will I be able to go to the bathroom? Is it okay to dance? (Yes, it is!). All the while the text stays focused on the fact that the right to assemble is a Constitutional part of our life as Americans . . . whatever our political point of view.
26 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
163 people want to read
About the author
Martha Freeman
52 books66 followersMartha Freeman was born in Southern California in 1956. It is not actually true that pterodactyls ruled the skies then, but her three children believe this.
Martha graduated from Glenoaks Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Glendale High School. Until Martha came along, Glendale High's most famous graduate was a fellow named Marion Michael Morrison. He later went into the film game and changed his name to John Wayne, which you might very well do, too, if you were a boy named Marion in unenlightened times. In 1978, Martha graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history. She remains Stanford's most illustrious graduate if not its most wealthy.
Stink Bomb Mom
Martha's First Book.
Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, copy editor, substitute teacher, college lecturer, advertising copywriter, and freelance magazine writer before she found her true calling as a writer of children's books in 1994. Her first book was "Stink Bomb Mom," now, tragically, out of print. She has since published 14 more books for children and as you read this, she is probably working on another one. Besides writing and visiting schools to talk to students, Martha teaches occasional classes at Penn State University, volunteers as an emergency medical technician, and works for a wonderful little company called Wall Street Communications. She is a very busy person.
Martha graduated from Glenoaks Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Glendale High School. Until Martha came along, Glendale High's most famous graduate was a fellow named Marion Michael Morrison. He later went into the film game and changed his name to John Wayne, which you might very well do, too, if you were a boy named Marion in unenlightened times. In 1978, Martha graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history. She remains Stanford's most illustrious graduate if not its most wealthy.
Stink Bomb Mom
Martha's First Book.
Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, copy editor, substitute teacher, college lecturer, advertising copywriter, and freelance magazine writer before she found her true calling as a writer of children's books in 1994. Her first book was "Stink Bomb Mom," now, tragically, out of print. She has since published 14 more books for children and as you read this, she is probably working on another one. Besides writing and visiting schools to talk to students, Martha teaches occasional classes at Penn State University, volunteers as an emergency medical technician, and works for a wonderful little company called Wall Street Communications. She is a very busy person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 8, 2018
Definitely an oversimplified look at marches. I think this shows a very white look at how people are at marched. I would love to pair this with Let the Children March to really talk about the reality of matches and how society can push back against marginalized people who are speaking up.
August 31, 2019
American children's author Martha Freeman and Korean illustrator Violet (Jung Ah) Kim pair up in this cheerful picture-book guide to participating in one of the fundamental activities of American democracy: the protest march. The narrator lists the things a young marcher will need to bring with them, gives advice on how to get to a march and how to conduct oneself while marching, and concludes with the instruction to be ready. One will want, inevitably, to march again...
As someone who participated in my first march at the age of thirteen - I went with church friends, rather than with my parents - I appreciated Freeman's positive, upbeat take on childhood involvement in protest. I like to see books which encourage young people to get involved as citizens, and I particularly like that Freeman models good behavior for such activities. Protests are often, by their very nature, chaotic and full of conflict, so I appreciate the fact that Freeman emphasizes peaceful protest activities, and that she discusses how to behave toward those who hold different views, and aren't happy to see the protesters. One wishes today's marchers, on whichever side, and for whatever cause, followed her advice. Recommended to anyone looking for children's books which address political involvement and activism for young people.
As someone who participated in my first march at the age of thirteen - I went with church friends, rather than with my parents - I appreciated Freeman's positive, upbeat take on childhood involvement in protest. I like to see books which encourage young people to get involved as citizens, and I particularly like that Freeman models good behavior for such activities. Protests are often, by their very nature, chaotic and full of conflict, so I appreciate the fact that Freeman emphasizes peaceful protest activities, and that she discusses how to behave toward those who hold different views, and aren't happy to see the protesters. One wishes today's marchers, on whichever side, and for whatever cause, followed her advice. Recommended to anyone looking for children's books which address political involvement and activism for young people.
September 9, 2019
Fairly didactic - written more as a how-to manual that leaves some important considerations out (mainly concerns those from marginalized communities may have seem erased).
September 17, 2018
A wonderful introduction for young budding activists explaining the reasons why many people choose to protest and how to be best prepared to march. Bright, detailed illustrations complement the sage advice suggesting a recycled pizza box for a sign, double-knotted sneakers to avoid tripping and that politeness is the way to go when marching past those with opposing views. A unique and timely addition for your little one’s Library.
December 4, 2019
A very kid-appropriate (for any age from preschool on up, I would say, and maybe even for younger toddlers) practical guide to protest marches, just as the title says. Do note that it says there will be police at marches, which not everybody welcomes (but the text "their job is to keep people safe" allows room for talking about police who do not do their job); similarly there's a page about the press and how their job is to tell the truth, which of course you can use to start a conversation about how that doesn't always happen either.
This book is very feel-good and empowering, which is great for young kids, but with older ones (or even younger ones, depending on where you stand) you'll have to have your own conversation about the more difficult, demoralizing topics related to protesting, democracy, etc.
This book is very feel-good and empowering, which is great for young kids, but with older ones (or even younger ones, depending on where you stand) you'll have to have your own conversation about the more difficult, demoralizing topics related to protesting, democracy, etc.
December 15, 2020
This book is a lukewarm alright. Offering a friendly introduction to the basics of going to a march, this book might be useful pre-reading for a family attending their first march together, but it's also unfortunately limited: this book paints police as helpful agents who always have marchers/protestors' best interests at heart, doesn't acknowledge that marches can sometimes become scary or violent; and doesn't really honor that we march because we believe in something passionately, or because a miscarriage of justice has happened in our community. Not my first pick.
Themes: Protest, Speak up, Community
Age range: Preschool, Early school age
Themes: Protest, Speak up, Community
Age range: Preschool, Early school age
December 28, 2018
This picture book focuses on the how-tos of attending a march, for children. Cutely illustrated, but the audience feels like progressive parents who want to take their kids to a march and need to explain it to them, rather than kids who are interested in going to a march of their own volition. That's all good - sometimes if parents want to do something, kids have to come along for the ride, but it just seemed really specific. I think I would have preferred the whys to the hows. I did like this quote: "Sometimes democracy looks like disagreement, too".
August 30, 2021
I love everything about this book and can’t wait to use it in my classroom! From the beautiful diversity represented throughout, to the inclusive language (“your grown-ups”) to the positive light of law enforcement intended role in marches, to the description of reporters…
Finally to the closing comment: it is our right to protest, and it is our responsibility, too.
Gah! It is so so good.
Finally to the closing comment: it is our right to protest, and it is our responsibility, too.
Gah! It is so so good.
August 11, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is If You’re Going To A March, written by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Violet Kim, a child-friendly introduction to the do’s and don’t’s of peaceful demonstration.
If you’re going to a march, you’ll need to make a sign – a leftover pizza box is perfect. There are quite a few rules to follow: dress for the weather, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, bring snacks and water. Stay with your grown-ups, but have your phone number and address memorized in case you get separated. There might be speeches (this part can be boring) and there might be music (this part can be fun). There might be police, there to “keep people safe”. There might even be people who disagree with you, but they’re allowed – what you are doing can help to change minds and change the world.
This was very cool. Presented as a introductory guidebook of practical advice for children attending marches, the text intersperses solid advice for kids while giving them an idea of what makes peaceful protest such an important part of our democracy. The illustrations are colorful, clean, and bright, following four families and their young children through their day at a march for a nondescript cause (marches for causes like women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, etc. are briefly shown in the backmatter). There is no mention in the story of how marches can have destructiv or violent outcomes, but it’s tough to say if that would be appropriate in this context. Also, the message of police presence is appropriate for children, but may feel disingenuous to many adults. However, the length was good, JJ enjoyed it, and it’s mostly a great primer for children who are interested in exercising their civil rights or political voice, and we enjoyed it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
January 30, 2020
I like the idea of this but somehow I don't like the result. In this era of renewed activism, it makes sense to have a children's book about it. Most of this is practical advice, some of which is better directed at parents, or just adults, than kids.
This is about going to a march but not much about why. Something like this is going to be political, but this just skirts the edges of the motivation for marching. It fails to be inspiring but it also fails to be neutral. If this wanted to be completely neutral, I think it would have been better off showing both sides of an argument rather than trying to avoid the argument at all.
This is about going to a march but not much about why. Something like this is going to be political, but this just skirts the edges of the motivation for marching. It fails to be inspiring but it also fails to be neutral. If this wanted to be completely neutral, I think it would have been better off showing both sides of an argument rather than trying to avoid the argument at all.
September 23, 2018
As social activism becomes a meaningful part of children’s lives, Martha Freeman’s newest book provides some valuable advice. Going to a march or protest can be in turns invigorating, exhausting, joyful, and fearful. Hearing simple advice addressed directly to young readers can help alleviate worries and prepare the participants. Freeman goes through basics- from signage to outfits to emotions- and keeps the advice specific enough to be useful but general enough to apply to various marches. Likewise, the artwork from Violet Kim keeps the diverse students at the forefront while showing many of the realistic operations happening in the background. Advice for recognizing officers, reporters, and even counter-protestors is succinct and relevant for children heading into these situations. Most importantly, Freeman wants readers to know that their voice matters, their ideas can help make a difference, and a little protest can march our country in the right direction!
THOUGHTS: Even students who may not be heading into a march will find value in the concept of this book and the insight that it provides. There are plenty of subjects that students feel passionate about, and this gives them one outlet for sharing their opinions respectfully and sincerely. Knowing what to look for in advance can go a long way toward creating a positive experience.
THOUGHTS: Even students who may not be heading into a march will find value in the concept of this book and the insight that it provides. There are plenty of subjects that students feel passionate about, and this gives them one outlet for sharing their opinions respectfully and sincerely. Knowing what to look for in advance can go a long way toward creating a positive experience.
November 22, 2018
I don't consider myself a cynic but this book makes claims that I find doubtful; the book tells readers that reporters are there to tell the truth and police are at marches to keep you safe. It bothers me that Freeman is making grand generalizations about reporters and police; an individual reporter or police officer's intentions are not the same as the next person and can't be known by this book. For example, I imagine many reporters are there to get a story and spin it in a way that'll draw an audience. The book also completely ignores the unease that many people feel around police and the valid concerns backing that perception. For a book about protesting, this book played it too really safe.
November 27, 2024
A young person's guide on how to plan, prepare for and conduct themselves during their right to exercise the right to peacefully protest.
May 10, 2024
Very practical! No matter how political the adult members of the family may be... No child is born knowing exactly what to do at a political demonstration. Let's teach 'em.
Ideas are very appropirate to young demonstrators. For instance:
* If you're going to a march
* You are going to want a sign.
* A recycled pizza box works well.
Early Training Like this Informed Kamala Harris
Now she's America's first female (and black, and biracial) Vice President.
Here on Goodreads I've also reviewed a terrific picture book by her sister Meena Harris about playground activism, done by these girls in a manner that was persistent. And effective.
That book is "Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea."
Here I'd Like to Add this Story
It comes from the memoir by Vice President Harris, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." (Also reviewed by me, here on Goodreads.)
As a toddler, Kamala was sulking. Her mother grew impatient. She asked, "What is it that you want?"
Little Kamala lisped, loudly: "Fweedom!"
FIVE STARS for this book by Martha Freeman, illustrated by Violet Kim.
Ideas are very appropirate to young demonstrators. For instance:
* If you're going to a march
* You are going to want a sign.
* A recycled pizza box works well.
Early Training Like this Informed Kamala Harris
Now she's America's first female (and black, and biracial) Vice President.
Here on Goodreads I've also reviewed a terrific picture book by her sister Meena Harris about playground activism, done by these girls in a manner that was persistent. And effective.
That book is "Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea."
Here I'd Like to Add this Story
It comes from the memoir by Vice President Harris, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." (Also reviewed by me, here on Goodreads.)
As a toddler, Kamala was sulking. Her mother grew impatient. She asked, "What is it that you want?"
Little Kamala lisped, loudly: "Fweedom!"
FIVE STARS for this book by Martha Freeman, illustrated by Violet Kim.
January 26, 2024
And this one is going on my book shopping list for my nephew. Note: This is directed at an American audience but many points are important no matter where someone is protesting...Unless it's illegal to protest. How apt that I picked this up just before I'd read that a Federal Judge of the Canadian Court ruled that JT's use of the Emergencies Act was "unreasonable".
People in democratic nations have the right to preaceful protesting. It's in Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and If You're Going to a March outlines and teaches children how to safely prepare for, attend, and behave at a march (spoiler: it's all peaceful). It's a book that also, in small ways, highlights being environmentally friendly, promotes equal rights for all, and especially focuses on the right to protest as protests have been the way that so many of our rights and civil liberties have been won. Ahhh, such a great book! I can't wait to pick this one up for my nephew :)
[Physical, borrowed from the library]
People in democratic nations have the right to preaceful protesting. It's in Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and If You're Going to a March outlines and teaches children how to safely prepare for, attend, and behave at a march (spoiler: it's all peaceful). It's a book that also, in small ways, highlights being environmentally friendly, promotes equal rights for all, and especially focuses on the right to protest as protests have been the way that so many of our rights and civil liberties have been won. Ahhh, such a great book! I can't wait to pick this one up for my nephew :)
[Physical, borrowed from the library]
July 24, 2020
This is a very simple, young-child-friendly explanation of protest marches, and I think it’s great. Yes, it’s a bit sugar-coated, but I think it would be excellent for families who are thinking about taking their young children to a protest for the first time. It’s vague because it’s not directed at a certain issue, but it’s refreshing to have a light, encouraging book for kids on the topic. This is what democracy looks like. Protest marches do not equal riots. This is a message getting muddled recently. And there is a page in here about how police will be at the march to protect people. A message that is also getting muddled recently, based on certain actions. This would be very good in conjunction with other books where children protest, such as “All the Way to the Top” and “We Shall Overcome”.
August 2, 2021
"The people divided, will never be ... defeated" ?!!! How can you get such a famous, RHYMED chant wrong? Apart from that, tired feet, boring speeches, and "people who disagree" (arms folded, looking angry) are about the only downsides presented in this how-to for young children participating in political marches. Even the police are portrayed as friendly and utterly benign. It's a good idea for a picture book -- will help children taken to marches understand and see themselves as part of a national narrative. And the practical advice (double-tie your shoes, take snacks) is interspersed with the right political message that protest marching is a patriotic duty. I look forward to a follow-up book: Yeah, we marched, now what?
October 30, 2018
I think this is great for young kids who have been or will be participating in any marches. It's the perfect planning book for a young child and also gives a light understanding of what marches are for and how to bring love and kindness to a march. It doesn't delve into any specific march, rather it includes a low-level summary of different kinds, and things people might want to march for. It's probably too simple for an older child, but perfect for age 5-10ish. My 6-year old granddaughter has been to several marches starting with the Women's March and she's going to love getting this for Christmas.
May 13, 2019
Advice for youngsters who want to participate in the democratic process through protest. Everything from what to use for signs, to keeping your shoes tied, to talking to reporters ... even going to the bathroom. “If you see people who disagree, be polite. Sometimes democracy looks like disagreement, too.”
A book that gives adults a chance to talk to kids about the importance of being an active participant in a democracy. With all the protests that are currently in the news, kids might have questions and this book helps to explain things in a kid friendly way. Although I like the line “it’s not healthy to be serious all the time” to let kids know that it’s okay to be a kid, too.
A book that gives adults a chance to talk to kids about the importance of being an active participant in a democracy. With all the protests that are currently in the news, kids might have questions and this book helps to explain things in a kid friendly way. Although I like the line “it’s not healthy to be serious all the time” to let kids know that it’s okay to be a kid, too.
November 8, 2019
I guess this book was trying to be “nonpartisan” or something, but it did so by erasing the negative impact of police and by appealing to a nationalist and USA-centric worldview. The book also assumes that a family going to a march has access to an incredible range of transportation options to get there, which doesn’t match the experience of most families I know with young children outside of major cities. The illustrations are lovely but it’s hard to think the diversity of people represented in those images reflects the diversity of readers for whom this book would fit their experience, and especially with the unchallenged pro-cop mention, I can’t really recommend it.
November 9, 2018
This book teaches children the importance of marches and protests and also prepares them for participating in one. It discusses making signs, how to dress, proper etiquette, and what to expect once there. The book even talks about how is ok if someone disagrees with you.
This book is very culturally inclusive, it features people of many races, ages, and family dynamics. All of the signs feature messages of positivity and peace. The illustrations are done in a folk art style. The tone of the book is optimistic. This is a great book to read with a child before their first march.
This book is very culturally inclusive, it features people of many races, ages, and family dynamics. All of the signs feature messages of positivity and peace. The illustrations are done in a folk art style. The tone of the book is optimistic. This is a great book to read with a child before their first march.
March 20, 2019
Good, but not great. It was a practical guide on what to expect and why, but a bit simplistic. Something that stuck with me: journalists are there to tell the truth -- while that's certainly true of most, telling a child to trust a journalist automatically seemed like a bad take. I did really enjoy the "democracy looks like disagreement sometimes, too" part, but wanted more out the discourse and how disagreement factors into the whole march experience.
October 20, 2018
10/17/2018 ~~ Didactic. Lots of characters of many colors. Many issues represented in the illustrations of the posters (women's rights, LGBTQ, peace, no hate here), BUT, no posters written in languages other than English. The book works to avoid politics, instead working to emphasize that peaceful marches are an important way to exercise democracy.
December 27, 2018
Freeman does a good job of presenting a basic overview of a protest march for youngsters either learning about or embarking on their first with their parents. Practical suggestions and tips on what to bring, wear, and how to get to and from the event. illustrations depict a diverse group of protestors and law enforcement and the overall tone is encouraging and supportive of peaceful activism.
December 13, 2020
The idea is a good one, but I am not totally a fan of all the language ...
"but it is not healthy to be serious all the time..."
"If you're careful you won't get lost..."
Police officers "their job is to keep people safe"...many people may not agree with this given the many incidents of tear gas etc at marches - which there is no mention of the possibility of violence and what to do.
"but it is not healthy to be serious all the time..."
"If you're careful you won't get lost..."
Police officers "their job is to keep people safe"...many people may not agree with this given the many incidents of tear gas etc at marches - which there is no mention of the possibility of violence and what to do.
December 31, 2018
Children can have a voice in democracy. This book shows kids (of all ages) how to march and protest peacefully. Everything from wearing sturdy shoes and carrying snacks to making signs, singing, dancing, and being polite to people who disagree with you (after all that's part of democracy too).
January 18, 2019
A great book teaching children how to March with dignity and respect to themselves and those around them. It teaches truth about the people they may encounter if they choose to protest. This books shows a side of goernment in which we the people are empowered.
February 27, 2019
This is beautiful. It starts with an almost If-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie vibe, but then is really just a really practical guide for children on how a march works. The illustrations are gorgeous and inclusive and this book literally made me cry. Read it.
March 4, 2019
My 3 year old has been to protests and demonstrations since she was an infant. This book seemed to help her contextualize those experiences. She's been walking around for days chanting, "The people united will never be defeated!"
March 23, 2019
The world we live in today needs people who will stand up and speak for others who maybe cant or who need our help to make a positive change. That's why I love this one.
The words itself sounds similar to "If you give a mouse a cookie he's going to want..." which was a fun connection to make.
The words itself sounds similar to "If you give a mouse a cookie he's going to want..." which was a fun connection to make.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews