Sarah Rising

A little girl begins her morning like any other, but when her father tells her she won’t be going to school, she knows it’ll be no ordinary day. The police “killed another Black person,” he explains, and says it’s time to stand up for what’s right. Tiny, amidst a swarm of people, she braves the crowds as the protesters proclaim, “No justice, no peace.” Amidst the chaos, she discovers a beautiful butterfly – a welcome symbol of life and hope. Innocently, she tries to catch it and is reprimanded by a nearby cop. His attitude confirms what her dad told her and reaffirms the urgency for change.

Appropriate for children ages six to nine, this is a thoughtful story about injustice in the wake of the George Floyd killing. Told through the eyes of a child, it portrays her perception of protesting during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. The mass of people overwhelm her, but what’s most salient is the insensitivity of the one with authority. The officer’s actions result in her feeling angry and insignificant, more fearful rather than less. Readers will admire her courage and resilience as well as her eagerness to help make the world a better place.