I really enjoyed this collection, it was a very quick read that I picked up while waiting to board my flight home from NYC. There were a lot of writers and creators I hadn't seen or read from before, so I am interested in checking out some more works from a few of them! What I enjoyed the most about this anthology was its diversity in theme and presentation, each entry was unique and I loved getting more exposure into some of the poetry and artwork styles that were included.Overall, I really enj...

Above all, this collection leave me with the feeling that there are caring adults who truly see children, who know how difficult these times can be, and who admire all the ways that our children walk in this world. Authors ask questions, share wisdom and provide support. By doing so, they open the window to talking about these difficult times. In the opening poem, Wade Hudson asks:"What shall we tell you when our world sometimes seems dark and uninviting?What shall we tell you when hateful words...

⁣“The storm is coming.⠀There is always a storm⠀But we’ve got you.⠀We’ve weathered the fury⠀you’re heading into.⠀And we know how to shelter.⠀How to gather force.⠀We’ve seen where the storm ⠀ is weak.We’ve got you.⠀⠀⠀So tuck in,⠀ stay close,⠀ grow strong.⠀We’re here. Your wind.⠀⠀And you?⠀You’re our coming storm.”⠀— Pat Cummings⠀

Wonderful concept, lovely art.

50 stories to inspire, to motivate, to offer love and hope in our current tumultuous environment and, most importantly, to encourage young activists to find ways of making a difference (it could just start in the home, offering to help clear the dinner table for example). The stories are a variety of poetry and prose, and the illustrations are so fantastic. My hope is for young readers to come across books such as this, and at least become aware of the world at large. And perhaps, if I haven’t y...

With a country so divided, children naturally notice the tension and fear the future. Editors Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson wanted to combat this hopelessness, so they asked many diverse artists to create works that would address the future. The result is a magnificent collection of creative works--poems, letters, essays, illustrations--that give hope and impart wisdom to today's children, especially children of color. It is a tender embrace of encouragement and hope from today's artists

Perhaps to describe this book, I will use words from the forward by Ashley Bryan: "I'm sure just to touch this book, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, will lift your spirits." Editors Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson tell in their introduction that they were inspired by their seven-year-old granddaughter who was so upset by the result of the 2016 presidential election. They write that she was frightened and confused, worried that her world would change. They asked themselves what coul...

A collection of short stories, poems, and songs about fighting for social justice. The works are intended for children and young adults, but adults can get a lot out of it, too. A giant glass of hope for all readers, I recommend it to anyone who needs some of that right now. One of my favorite lines from the collection is from Kwame Alexander’s poem “A Thousand Winters”: “if we can’t survive this storm, how can our children?”

I asked my students to think of a time they were made fun of, and for what reason. Then I read Ellen Oh's letter (two pages from this great book) to my students. They sat there - listening! We need to read and share these stories full of great advice.

Powerful poems, stories and letters to remind us and our children that a path is still ahead, as difficult as it sometimes seems during these current years of political turmoil.

We Rise We Resist We Raise our Voices edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, forward by Ashley Bryan. PICTURE BOOK. Crown Books for Young Readers, 2018. $19. 9780525580423BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - OPTIONALAUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGEThis book is offered, per the forward, as a safe place to unpack what it means to be a young person of color. The introduction makes reference the 2016 elections and how it was confusing to young listeners to hear speeches about “taking our country bac...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 for WE RISE, WE RESIST, WE RAISE OUR VOICES.〰️〰️WE RISE is a gorgeous collection of poetry, art and essays on the topic of social justice. This inspiring and affirming anthology encourages students to believe in themselves, be kind, stand up and speak out. A love letter to young people struggling in a season of hate and exclusivity, this book is sure to have something for everyone who is struggling -- immigrant children who fear their parents will be deported, young black children who ha...

Wait??! Hold up! I'm talking about collections again? Yes, yes I am. These collections are superb, this one focused on a middle grade voice, but absolutely relevant for all ages. Poems, verse, short stories, design and illustration to compliment the words. Actions and voices raised. Moments of resistance and topics to speak up about? All boxes checked. Fabulous and timely authors, check. Vibrant front cover, check. Did I already hand it off to others? Check.It's got some of my favorite people in...

What a wonderful insightful collection of poems. Despite being a short collection it is heavy and thought provoking, and left me feeling both hopeful and sad. The message is simply a reminder of strength and call of courage...two ideas that are anything but simple. Highly recommend for anyone and everyone.

I haven't finished reading every word of every page, but it seems prophetic to open this book (library copy--will be buying multiples for my classroom) right after finishing TROUBLEMAKERS, which gives us a new lens and new ways to define the students who RISERESISTandRAISE THEIR VOICES.I can't wait to begin shining a spotlight on the ways voices have historically been raised in response to the wrongs of the world. Thank you to the authors and illustrators of this collection for giving us just wh...

Heartfelt advice and inspiration for young readers feeling discouraged by the current atrocious political climate and/or dealing with bullying based on their heritage and/or skin color. There are a variety of authors, formats, and illustrations/photographs that bring encouragement and motivation for kids to lift their voices and get involved, but to also know at the end of the day that you're loved and not alone.

Beautiful content. I wish the text size was larger.

“This book is for you! To inspire you, motivate you, offer you love and hope, and encourage you to help make a difference.”The introduction tells you everything you need to know, this book is like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. It wraps inspiring and loving words around you, creating a warm safe place of hope.I choose this book to fit the anthology prompt for the 2020 pop sugar reading challenge, as who doesn’t need a little more light in their life. I’m so glad I did too. Every story was beaut...

I am in love with this book and its gorgeous art. It’s a series of short stories, essays, letters, and more from various authors (many children’s, middle grade, and YA). This compilation is perfect to help explain what is going on in the country these days, while grounding today’s struggles and resistance in history (especially the civil rights era). I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of middle grade readers, who are struggling to talk to kids about the racism, murder by police,...

Full of messages ranging from comforting to inspirational, with carefully paired artwork for each entry. The range of written work means there's something in here for everyone, and the single-spread format makes the collection approachable for upper-elementary students while not off-putting for high-schoolers. The line-up of creators is a who's-who of contemporary diverse creativity for children.A lot of modern resistance 'manuals' are hitting the shelves; this one will truly resonate with reade...