1963, Birmingham, Alabama. After hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Simple text and emotive illustrations bring to life this historic event, when-- facing fear, hate, and danger-- these children used their voices to change the world.

"Richard can't wait to show off his skills at a friend's skateboard birthday party, but a note home from his teacher threatens to ruin his plans"--

Lola reads story books to her new baby brother Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.

A boy is teased for looking different and wishes he could be more like everyone else, so his mother helps him see how beautiful he really is.

Lola loves to hear Daddy read a new library book each night, an activity that spurs her imagination and results in inventive play the next day.

A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things.

For young Jay Jay, Sunday dinner at Gran's house is full of hugs and kisses, tasty dishes, all kinds of fishes, happy faces, and love.

Jamie describes his mood throughout the day, using colors and rhythmic text, as he changes from an "easy green mood" while drawing a picture for his sister to a "brooding black mood" when he is teased for doing so.

"By heeding their wise grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover the ability to lift themselves up and imagine a better world"--

When her grandmother takes in a stranded family at Christmas, Grace is reluctant to share her favorite holiday with strangers, even though the visiting family includes a "real live ballerina."