23 March 2019 SAY SOMETHING by Peter H. Reynolds, Scholastic/Orchard Books, February 2019, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-545-86503-6

“Oh, look outside the window, there’s a woman bein’ grabbed

They’ve dragged her to the bushes, and now she’s bein’ stabbed

Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain

But Monopoly is so much fun, I’d hate to blow the game”

--Phil Ochs, “Outside of a Small Circle of Friends” (1967)

“So we are speaking up for those who don’t have anyone listening to them, for those who can’t talk about it just yet, and for those who will never speak again.”

-- Emma González (2/26/2018)

“You don’t have to be loud.

Powerful words can be a whisper.

You can say something in so many ways.

With words, with action, with creativity.

If you see someone lonely…

SAY SOMETHING…

...by just being there for them.

If you see an empty canvas…

SAY SOMETHING with your brush.

If you see an empty lot…

SAY SOMETHING by planting a seed and watching it bloom.

If you see someone being hurt…

SAY SOMETHING by being brave.

‘HEY STOP!’”

When you’re trying to get a kid to do something, it’s often much more effective to simplify your message so that it’s clear and right in his or her face. Otherwise, you risk coming off like the trombone sound used to represent the adults in Peanuts animated specials: WAH WAH WAH.

In a picturebook dedicated to young hero Emma González, and designed to encourage kids to speak up for what is right, Peter H. Reynolds employs simple messages that will be readily understood by Pre-Ks and early elementary students.

I like that Reynolds goes beyond urging kids to speak up when something is wrong. It will be fun for young people to embrace and act upon messages like, “If you want to show the world who you are…SAY SOMETHING with style.” The illustration accompanying this spread shows a girl dressing up in cool, stylish garb.

Reynold’s conclusion is perfect:

“Some people find it easier to SAY SOMETHING than others…

...but everyone has something to say.”

It’s tough being a lone voice. It’s much more effective when you’re part of a chorus for change. This is a fun book for getting the youngest voices to chime in. That’s what I say.

Richie Partington, MLIS

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