FICTION

Thoughts Are Air

by Michael Arndt (text) & illus. by Irena Freitas
Dial. May 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781984814364.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–A young white girl (in an all-white world, beyond the tan skin of a teacher) transforms her thoughts into actions as she engages her community in environmental activism. With expressive lines and a motif of flowers, leaves, and other natural elements to capture the flow of ideas coming from the main character’s mind, the illustrations will engage young readers. There is a disconnect between the art and the text that makes for a clunky read; this call to action is abstract, forcing the illustrations to carry the burden of storytelling alone.
VERDICT While there is potential for this book to be used to engage in a classroom discussion on the nature of ideas, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, adults will have to work to help students make the connections.
Reviewed by John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore , Jul 01, 2021

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Hoot Hoot
by Georgette
BOOKS

My Dinosaur Shoes
by Tassopoulos Wehner, Eleni
BOOKS

The Smushkins: ABC Zoinks
by Rueda, Claudia
BOOKS

Our World: Vietnam
by Tran-Davies, Nhung
BOOKS

Happy Chinese New Year, Little Red Panda
by Wood, Amanda
BOOKS

One Night In Bethlehem
by Lord, Jill Roman
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?