Engaging little alphabet book with big, real-world messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Language
very little
Mild negative language is used on the "R" page to underscore the importance of the right to protest. "Ruinous," "rabble rousing," and "riff raff" are used above an image of a candlelight vigil, in which various activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez appear.
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People of different ages and skin colors are depicted in the illustrations interacting, working together, playing, and as families. Many are shown holding signs of protest, and with raised fists. Other forms of protest shown include: playing instruments, growing food, participating in a candlelight vigil, and installing solar panels. Kids are very much a part of activism here: a stroller at a protest, a child sits on an adult's shoulders holding a NO WAR sign with a raised fist, etc.
Positive Messages
a lot
Activism can take many forms, big and small. Feel empowered to make positive change in your community, where sometimes even a small idea can make a big difference.
Diverse Representations
a lot
There is mention of LGBTQ identities on the "L" page, and there are different skin colors, body sizes, and age depictions throughout the entire book. There are two illustrations of wheelchair users. Author-illustrator Innosanto Nagara was born and raised in Jakarata, Indonesia, and now calls California home. He wrote this book for his own baby as a book he'd actually enjoy reading over and over again that also reflected his values, but friends encouraged him to self-publish and eventually it got picked up by a publisher and became a bestseller.
This journey through the alphabet is a great way to practice letters and to introduce big terms to little ones. The overall message of encouragement to be an activist, whatever that might look like, is clear and well-conveyed. There's a good balance between recognizable ideas ("story time," "fairness," "love") with likely unfamiliar ones ("agitate," "grassroots," "immigrant"). Multiple vocabulary words -- simple to complex -- appear on each page with vibrant, inclusive illustrations that bring the text to life. There are no explanations of any of the terms. Young kids will not understand many of them on the first or even later read -- which presents an opportunity for families to teach, talk, and learn together.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A is for Activist follows the style of a traditional alphabet book while introducing big concepts for budding activists along the way. It was written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara initially just for his children as an educational tool -- but the positive responses he received from friends encouraged him to publish it for the wider public. There's a mix of concepts young kids will recognize and be unfamiliar with, and a cute black cat hiding on every page for curious eyes to find. There's some angry looks on faces in a couple illustrations about a protest and the words "riff raff" and "rable rousing" are the extent of negative language. Families can expect questions to arise from some of the vocabulary words, and many meaningful conversations to follow. Parents should know that the author is very public about this book promoting a progressive political vision of the world.
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What's the Story?
Every page of A IS FOR ACTIVIST has a short verse with vocabulary words that start with each letter of the alphabet. Various concepts are introduced through text and highlighted through illustrations. As a fun bonus, and possibly to encourage a closer look at the illustrations, at least one black cat can be found on every single page.
This important addition to the alphabet book world is also an incredibly appealing book for little readers. A is for Activist has plenty to unpack on every page, making this book a multifaceted learning tool that can function as a read-aloud, a nap time or bedtime book, and a conversation starter. Innosanto Nagara's colorful, detailed art is done with inclusive intention, allowing kids of all backgrounds to recognize themselves in the images. Though the pages are text-heavy, the pictures are so colorful and immersive that toddlers and young kids will reach for this book over and over. Adults can choose what parts to read to the littlest listeners depending on their patience, and as readers mature, more text can be read. Young readers of all ages will love hearing the rhythmic text and finding the hidden black cats. Familiarizing children with the more complex vocabulary, some of which they may not ever hear in a classroom, is a fantastic way to begin lasting, fruitful conversations about social change.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways they see teamwork in A is for Activist. How can people work together to make a difference in the world?
Activists often need to have courage to stand up for what they believe in. Have you ever needed to be brave?
Change sometimes takes a long time, which can be frustrating. We often have to persevere through many challenges to make a positive change. What are some of the ways you've worked hard for a long time to achieve something and shown perseverance in your life?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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