by Heather Dean Brewer, author; and LeUyen Pham, illustrator
review by Anne Stokes
Heather Dean Brewer is a writer, artist, and art director who designs books for kids and adults and loves to ride her bike in the woods. About this book she says, “I’ve often felt quiet and small and that no one could hear me. But when I joined others in the Women’s March and saw my friend Mari lifted above the crowd and heard her voice echo down the streets of New York City, I learned that even the smallest voice has the power to change the world. She lives in Michigan with her family.
The title says it all. Love is powerful.
Based on a true story from the Women’s March in 2017, we meet young Mari whose mother helps her make a sign and takes Mari and her sign to a protest march-a march to oppose unkind speech and injustice. Mari worries that her sign is too small and no one will see it. She worries that her voice is too small and the hundreds of people she sees won’t hear it.
But, when Mari sits on her mom’s shoulders, raises her sign and reads out “Love is Powerful!” someone hears and repeats it. Then others join in, and soon the whole crowd is chanting “Love is Powerful!”
This book is beautifully illustrated, and carries the message that every voice matters, that love can stamp out hate, that we can all use our voices and words to peacefully advocate for change.
After reading this book children may want to make signs with kind speech and practice raising their voices in an at-home march. They may explore other kind words that they can use.
As a Faith Reflection you may want to read:
Psalm 33:5
“He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.”
Discuss where you might see signs of justice and peace in the world. Where might you see signs of God’s love in the world?
Mark 12:30-31
“… you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Discuss ways to show love in our family, in our community, in the world.
Short prayer
“Bless us with Love, O God. May we love as you Love! Help us show patience, tolerance, kindness, caring and love to all!”
— Anne H. Stokes