This page not only emphasizes revolution and resistance, and the danger of centralized power, but also counters gender norms by showing a little girl in pink pigtails playing with a sword. On the “K” page the words read “ Kings are fine for story time/ Knights are fun to play/ But when we make decisions/ we will choose the people’s way!” with an image of two kids playing with toy swords. Nagara covers everything from feminism, to LGBTQ rights, interracial tolerance, to environmental justice and across it all, the ability to think critically: “ Q is for Question/ Querying Qualities counter false assertions”.

In emphasizing these values, Nagara also directly calls attention to contemporary topics in social justice.įrom A to Z, each page is dedicated to a different value or movement, with colorful, emotive illustrations to match. Each page follows a theme of civil rights and political activism, while promoting values such as peace, acceptance and independent thought. Written in a format usually meant to teach kids their ABCs, Nagara takes this intention of educating a step further. A is for Activist, written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara, takes your classic alphabet book and adds a twist of political motivation. Saludos, everyone! This week I will be reviewing a board book that perfectly embodies this month’s theme of “New Tellings/Versions of Familiar Stories”. “ I’ve discovered a whole world of like-minded people who are working tirelessly to broaden the definition of children’s books.” –Innosanto Nagara

A is for activist book