Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing (April 2, 2013)
Source: Copy for Review
Nonfiction * Biographical * Polictical Activitst
Description from Amazon:
Mohandas Gandhi’s 24-day March to the Sea, from March 12 to April 5, 1930, was a pivotal moment in India’s quest to become an independent country no longer ruled by Great Britain. With over 70 marchers, Gandhi walked from his hometown near Ahmedabad to the seacoast near Dandi. The march was a non-violent means to protest the taxes that Great Britain had imposed on salt-not the salt that the Indians could get from the sea, but the salt that Great Britain forced them to buy. Gandhi believed that peaceful protests were an effective way to challenge British law, and his peaceful but ultimately successful movement became known as Satyagraha.
My thoughts on the book:
In Gandhi: A March to the Sea, McGinty has written about one of the most significant events in India's history with a special spotlight on the brave leadership provided by Mohandas Gandhi when he embarked on a 24 day march that proved instrumental in India's fight for independence from British rule. The story is not meant to be a comprehensive biography on Gandhi nor a detailed report of all of his civil rights work in India. However, with that said, young readers will be able to form some idea of who Gandhi was and what he believed from reading the story.
I truly appreciated that way this story highlights the important elements of Gandhi's march. The text and illustrations communicated the power of Gandhi's message as well as the work of others who joined Gandhi.
Readers will recognize the Thomas Gonzalez' distinct illustrative style from his beautiful work in 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy. His paintings depicting Gandhi's march and the format of the book places this squarely alongside the works of fellow painters, Kadir Nelson and Bryan Collier.
The end of the book provides readers with a few source notes and some additional books. Though there are not extensive facts at the end of the book, the curriculum guide mentioned below does contain additional information.
This book definitely earns its place on the shelves of school and classroom libraries, and should be read to children.
Resources:
Amazon Children's Publishing has created a curriculum guide. Click here to check it out.
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