Peaceably to Assemble! If You're Going To a March by Martha Freeman

CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW ABRIDGING THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.--Article I, Bill of Rights

One of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship is to assemble to protest an injustice, and children may sometimes find themselves going on a march. There are several things they need to know.

You will need a sign. A recycled pizza box works well.

Check the weather. Wear sturdy, comfy shoes. Double tie your shoes. Wear sunscreen. Pack snacks and water.

There may be big crowds, music, singing, and chanting. There may be long speeches.

It's possible this part will get boring.

There may be people there who don't agree with you. They may have signs and loud chants, too.

Smile. Be polite. Sometimes democracy looks like disagreement.

Protest is patriotic.

Martha Freeman's just-published If You're Going to a March (Sterling Books, 2018) primes youngsters on the privileges and responsibilities (as my third-grade teacher put it) of citizenship in a democracy, one of which is to remain civil during the process of forming a more perfect union. Author Freeman offers pragmatic and philosophical advice to young people engaging in their first civic action, while the endearing faux naif illustrations of children and families by artist Violet Kim prepare youngsters for the sights and sounds of a citizen's march, right down to parking problems, counter protesters, loud shouts, tired feet, and rows of port-a-potties along the way. Says ""Kirkus Reviews says, "This introduction tries hard to present a neutral point of view, encouraging everyone to participate in appropriate political action."