Speak Up

by Miranda Paul, Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)

When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.

Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard! From shouting out gratitude for a special treat to challenging a rule that isn’t fair, these young students show that simple, everyday actions can help people and make the world a better place.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Activism, Childrens, Social Justice, School, Friendship, Realistic Fiction

34 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 2020

About the author

Miranda Paul has worked as a teacher, volunteer zookeeper, and freelance writer--among other things. She is passionate about creating stories for young readers that inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. Miranda is also a thrill-seeker, and one of her bravest moments involved reciting poetry from inside a crocodile pit. (Yikes!)

In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sing-song rhymes about speaking up when the situation calls for it are paired with bright illustrations depicting a diverse range of children in this picture-book examination of civic responsibility. The reader is instructed (amongst other things) to speak out against unjust rules, to take the part of those being bullied, to acknowledge when they have made a mistake, to share a secret if someone is in danger, and to take the lead and set a good example. The book closes with an afterword giving more information about young people who did speak up, and a handy chart for determining when it is appropriate to do so...

Speak Up is a sweet little book, with a catchy rhyming text that would make for a good read-aloud, and cute, cartoon-style illustrations featuring children of all kinds. What really elevates it above the plethora of generic "do right" books I have seen, and makes it truly suitable for civics education, is that rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, it encourages the child to think about the situation they are confronting, and to consider what action is most appropriate for those specific circumstances. The chart contained in the afterword lists situations where speaking out is appropriate (someone is in danger, there is an emergency), and times where it isn't (bad behavior is accidental or unintentional). The latter is a very important ethical distinction, one that I often see being deliberately ignored by many self-identified social justice advocates, who argue that intention is irrelevant. It is therefore very good to see it being raised here, in a book for young children. Recommended to picture-book readers seeking titles that can be used to teach good ethical reasoning, and to help build good citizens.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speak Up encourages children, with bright illustrations and gentle rhyme, to speak up in situations where it is needed. The book highlights scenarios where it is important to speak out against actions as well as to speak up for actions. In the back of the book, the author shares stories of children who spoke up, and she differentiates for children the situations where it is important to speak up against situations where it is fine to be quiet.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether a rule isn't fair, an accident is caused, someone is bullying someone, kill rumors, share, Speak up!
A very diverse group of school-kids do just that.

What makes this book stand out, are the author's very personal note, as well as the 11 kids who spoke up: about name pronunciation, debate, racial equality, the Friendship Bench, environmental harm and saving, fuel exchange, sexism, and gender equality, many of whom you may have heard of: Malala Yousafazai and Ruby Bridges among them.

An awesome empowerment book for Kids and Families!

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didacticism at its best. A must for every school counselor and SEL discussions.

[Rachel Stine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overall message is sweet albeit a tad too...hopeful is the word, I guess? If one kid is teasing your friend (or a kid you don’t know), telling them to stop rarely works and sometimes telling a grownup only makes it worse. They’re trying though and I appreciate that. Also, I love the section in the back outlining when to involve a grownup and when to step away. We used to do a similar lesson on “telling VS tattling.”

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big lessons about big topics are not always handled deftly or in a sensitive manner. Thank goodness we have books such as Speak Up by Paul! The illustrations by Glenn are inclusive, warm, and inviting and show children in familiar settings. There are suggestions in the back of the book for where and when to speak up as well as a history of children who spoke out a variety of topics.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming picture book that gives examples with text and illustrations of when, how, and why to speak up in a school setting. This is a useful book to encourage discussions and provide real guidance in a wide variety of settings.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Julie]

a great way to talk to kids about speaking up and not ignoring injustices.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely art, simple but intelligent text, great and easy message for kids.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For older kids or K-1st. Rhyming text. Repetition of “When someone...Speak up! [insert explanation of why].” Teaches kids to speak up to make people feel welcome, make sure the truth is heard, ensure no one gets hurt, show thanks, ask for help, be kind, or to do what is right. Strong representation – different races, cultures (hijab), and family makeup shown (2 dads). Back matter includes a thoughtful note from the author, examples of real kids who spoke up, a chart about when to speak up or let it go, and ways to speak up without saying a word (actions). Colorful, cool illustrations!

“When you know a scary secret about someone getting hurt – Speak up! Tell a grownup. Courage sometimes makes you blurt.”

“While some people speak up loudly, and your words might whisper quiet, one voice can make a difference, so don’t hesitate to...Go try it!”

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great 'advocate for yourself and others book' that would be a good way to start out a school year, open discussions about hard topics like racism or bullying, and just generally a simple, lovely readaloud.

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for YA Books Central

A wonderful story to teach kids a powerful lesson.
They can make a difference. Their voice matters.
"Speak Up" takes the young reader through many scenarios in a lyrical way, telling them when it is the right time to say something, to talk to an adult or stand up for someone else. It deals with issues from racism to bullying to being grateful and giving compliments. There are so many times when it's right for kids to be seen AND heard.
The book is completely adorable, with a diverse cast of characters. It's colorful and engaging, perfect for the youngest readers and still important if they're a tad older. It's never too late for a kid to learn the lessons in these pages.

Final Verdict: A wonderfully written story, weaving an important message in with engaging illustrations to create a book parents and teachers will want to read to their children over and over.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text and illustrations in this book are beautifully tied together and together deal with many situations where someone should speak up for the benefit of another or for all. It deals with things as simple as speaking up to a classmate when they're about to step in a mud puddle (because they're reading and walking) to talking to a teacher when you look out the window and see something that causes you to "know a scary secret." There's really a lot of situations covered in this little book, some of the others are: speaking up when you know the truth of a rumor that's starting (that a boy pooped his pants when really he fell in a mud puddle playing soccer), helping someone who's been bullied, asking a new person to sit at your lunch table, apologizing when you make a mistake (even if it was an accident), and many more. A great little book with fun, diverse illustrations (racial, ethnic, and a character who wears hearing aids).

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up, because I think that we need to teach children to be more active in speaking up for what is right.

Encourages children to speak up when something is important. When you can make something better speak up. Whether it is the correct way to pronounce your name (because you are important) false rumors, When something isn't fair or is obsolete, when someone is hurting someone (safety comes first), someone is lonely or having a bad day, when you make a small mistake, showing gratitude, when times are rough, when trees or creatures suffer, scary secrets, or when you know someone is doing wrong, One voice can make a difference.

Author's Note explains how her own child told a teacher a student had brought a weapon to school.

Includes a list of children who spoke up and accomplished things. Backmatter also includes: A Be Quiet, Let It Go and Speak Up, Let Others Know lists and ways to Speak up with out using your voices lists.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

When you see something that doesn't feel right, when you make a mistake, when you can help someone in need, use your voice and speak up!

While this book's message is simple, it approaches kindness, activism, and using your voice in a tone perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders. The book shows real situations kids may face in school such as a teacher mispronouncing a classmate's name, kids spreading rumors that mud on a child's pants is really something else, litter covering the playground, classmates goofing around, and more. A diverse class reflects the faces of real kids who spoke up and made a difference, as shown in the last few pages along with brief information on how those kid's made a difference. Perfect choice for a kindergarten storytime.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are times we should be quiet. There are days for letting go. But when matters seem important — Speak up! Let others know.”

Whether it’s speaking up when your name is mispronounced or when someone is spreading a rumor, working for justice or helping someone who’s having a bad day, using your voice for a good purpose is always a positive thing to do. Standing up for ourselves, others, nature, or for the common good is the right thing to do!

Love this book. A definite addition to my school library. Author’s note in the back includes specific examples when “Real Kids Who Spoke Up.” It also outlines when to keep quiet and when to speak up as well as ways to speak up without saying a word.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book we want to share with children, the type of book we want children to read and listen to. The illustrations show a diverse cast of children and adults, with different skin colors, clothing, abilities, and body types. The text encourages them to speak up when something isn't right and gives examples children can actually relate to. The text flows well, and the phrase 'speak up' is repeated over and over. I like at the end how there is info about children who have spoken up, and a chart of when to speak up, and when to let something go, but it is small and not something a child would read on their own.
I think a child might choose this one once, but not over and over unless they connect with one of the characters in the illustrations.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this colorful, vibrant exhortation for children to SPEAK UP against injustice, for friends, for underdogs, when things are going wrong, when your name is mispronounced, when people are doing the wrong thing, in the face of injustice, and even when someone is keeping a scary secret. So important on so many layers.

A few of the rhymes were a bit forced, but it definitely made reading to a child more enjoyable, and it's rare for a book with a strong social justice and empowerment message to actually be lyrical, so that was great. Especially appreciated the very deliberate diversity in all of the inclusive illustrations.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't always have to use your voice to speak up. You can write it down, pick up trash, stand by a friend or make some art to show how you feel. Sometimes you do need to say something, though. If you make a mistake, say you are sorry. If a name or word is hard to pronounce, ask the person to help you pronounce it correctly. Don't tell lies. Don't spread false information. And if you know others are doing that, then try to find a way to show the truth.
The book includes ideas on how to speak up - both using your voice and not using your voice. And it provides examples of how one kid speaking up made a difference.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm impressed by this book! It has a lyrical voice. The illustrations are lovely; they take into account that children from different backgrounds see themselves represented in it. Another plus, they're full of life!

This picture book has an important theme: Kids' voices are powerful. They can make a difference. Each page shows specific ways to do it taking into consideration children's different styles and personalities.

This is a wonderful resource to start a conversation; be it at home or in school. Every library should have it! It can be a wonderful counseling tool! Hope to see it translated into many languages!

[Maribel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that teaches students the importance to"Speak Up!". Standing up for what is right & speaking up to help others makes a difference either big or small. This also teaches students to work with others, use their voice, take action when needed, and treat others with equity & equality.

With easy to follow along call/responses in the book, this is a great book to use when introducing social justice issues. Aimed towards the younger ages - in common situations students might not understand, this book makes it easy for students to realize when & how they can speak up for themselves & others.

[A Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written in rhyme and encourages readers to speak up "when matters seem important" such as "when someone gets your name all wrong" or "when a rule isn't fair". I really like the end of the book! There is information back there about "real kids who spoke up" such as Ruby Bridges. There are also two simple columns to help readers determine if they should "be quiet, let it go", such as when the situation is harmless, or if it they should speak up. Lastly, the end of the book includes ways to speak up without saying a word, such as writing a letter or refusing to join in negative behavior.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book takes readers through a school day with a group of students who discover there are many ways to make their voices heard. The realistic examples show students how to move from being a bystander to speaking up and letting others know what’s important.

The back matter is amazing. There’s an author’s note, examples of real people who spoke up when they were kids, and talking points for when you should speak up and how you can speak up.

A must buy for my 4/5th grade classroom library.

[Serena Gingold Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book with a great message that’s also enjoyable to read, this is the book for you. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the rhyming text makes it fun to read aloud. This book would work well in a classroom setting, particularly at the beginning of the year to help set expectations for the class. It would also be a great book for parents to share with their kids at any time to help them learn when speaking up the right thing to do. The back matter about real people who have spoken up is a fantastic finish for this book.

[Kylie Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to encourage kids to use their voices and speak up. I love how the author explains many different ways a student can speak and use their voice. I believe this is a very important book for children to read at a young age to understand the importance of speaking up and how it can help someone or how it can affect the world in general. I would encourage teachers of young students to use this book as a classroom read aloud to further encourage discussion about using your voice.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these days of social unrest and cultural awakening, Speak Up is a book that is not just a good and responsible read, it is almost a necessary one. It teaches younglings to speak up if they see injustice or wrong happening. The characters in the book represent a melting pot of skin tones, cultures, and abilities. Included are snippets of kids who spoke up as well as tips to help little ones know when to speak up and when to let it go.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked important conversations with my children around what it means to #speakup and why it is important. A beautiful reminder for both children and adults to find their voices and Speak Up!

Backmatter includes examples of real kids who spoke up, examples of when you should speak up, and ways to speak up without saying a word.

I highly recommend adding this one to your collection!

[Emily Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about advocating for yourself and others. There are a few lines that I think could be confusing to children that parents/adults should clarify. (For example, there’s a part that says “leaders don’t always obey.” It’s meant to encourage children not to follow the crowd if the crowd is doing something wrong. Adults will get that, but children may not because of the word “obey.”) Overall, it’s a good read with cute illustrations.

[Melena Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book from start to finish. Speak Up is about teaching children when it is appropriate to speak up in certain situations and when to stay quiet. The author suggests some situations to speak up and let others know are when someone is hurt, adult help is needed, and a problem is emerging. This book relates to social emotional learning and will teach children when something really matters one voice can make a difference!