Bigger Than Me

PreS-Gr 3–Luna and Zion are bombarded by “big words with big meanings” as they watch the television. Terms such as “pandemic” and “homelessness” seem like “a wad of gum too big to chew.” The overwhelming feeling is illustrated by words floating across the page or built into tottering alphabet block towers that loom over the children. But these children, who have brown skin, decide to take action. They gather supplies and friends to help spread better words, such as “courage,” “positivity,” and “truth.” More and more people, young and old, join their project, so that soon the sky is filled with brilliant kites, sidewalks are covered in colorful chalk messages, and a mural of humanitarians such as Representative John Lewis and Fred Rogers adorns a neighborhood wall. The makeshift parade includes children of various ages, skin colors, cultures, and ethnicities. Back matter includes an author’s note about the inspiration for the book and a listing of the figures from the mural.