Walls

Walls have their uses, this book argues: they support houses, display art, etc. But some walls aren't so desirable: "They keep out the people / we'd like to meet, / or who'd like to meet us, / if it weren't for concrete!" Holdgrafer's rhymes disregard meter, but the book's (timely) message of inclusivity--boosted by blocky, jollity-filled art--is architecturally sound. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Walls surround us. Walls can divide as well as protect; include and also exclude.In Holdgrafer's rhyming text and Cover's minimalist illustrations, an unnamed person takes readers through the pages examining the different kinds of walls we encounter in the world. There are walls that keep animals safe, walls used for sportand walls meant to exclude. While young children will likely view this last wall quite literally, adults can't miss the greater symbolism of it. Clear, simple line drawings with blocks of color convey some of what the text cannot and provide readers an array of genders and races (and a little mouse, which kids will enjoy finding on each page). In one particularly effective illustration, the protagonist, who has beige skin and black hair, stands glumly propped up against the wall on one side, while on the other stand or sit a white person, a black person, and a brown person wearing hijab. The text exhorts readers to chant, "THESE ARE THE WALLS WE LIKE LEAST OF ALL!" and depicts the wall crumbling under the force of combined voices. Although well-intended, the book's heavy-handed treatment of a noble messagethe need to tear down wallsobscures it with clumsy writing and the occasional awkward rhyme: "Different kinds of people, / all working together. // Now, that's the sort of thinking / that makes the world better."A positive message with a modest execution. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.