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. ( )