Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Knit pink caps dot the pages of this picture book, which marks the fifth anniversary of the 2017 Women's March. A first-person narrative delivers the lead-up to the initial march through the eyes of Lina, who learns to knit as her grandmother works up protest hats for the whole family. Along the way, the light-skinned figures discuss the reasons for the march ("Sometimes the men in charge disrespect women and make us feel small. But we are not small," Zimmerman writes), while the appearance of a family cat hints at, but does not contextualize, the term flipped on its head by participants ("Pussycat! Pussyhat!"). A strand of pink yarn winds through DePalma's collages, which employ textiles, speech bubbles, and multidimensional vignettes with a handmade feel. Depictions of the variously inclusive crowd, protest signs, and a sea of pink hats combine with Lina's observations to re-create the event in this intergenerational story of female empowerment. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--The 2017 Women's March is the climactic event in this warm, loving story about a family who knits hats together to wear for the march and discusses the value of gender equity. Lina's grandma loves to knit and takes her grandchildren with her to the yarn store to pick out special pink yarn for a march in Washington, DC. Lina learns how to knit and, in doing so, the motif of diligence, togetherness, and support are emphasized, exploring feminism in a candid, open way. Gender norms, such as whether men can be feminists or wear pink, are gently shattered by the men in Lina's family and the positive repetition of phrases like "you are strong and smart and beautiful." While it lacks some transitions between scenes, the illustrations provide a continuity of movement and balance. Mixed media collage draws the eye toward text placement and art. As an extended metaphor, it adds to the theme that equity and dignity are ideas individuals do not stop working towards together. Includes an author's note. VERDICT Highly recommended for collections serving youth for its demonstration of feminism, equity, and exploration of gender norms.--Rachel Zuffa
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Knitting and stylish headwear frame the 2017 Women's March in a new light for young readers. Lina is confused. Her grandmother owns scads of pink yarn yet insists that they go out and buy even more. The shade of pink Grandma requires is a "grown-up pink" necessary to make the pussyhats she's knitting for family, friends, and strangers in preparation for the upcoming Women's March. As Lina learns how to knit a hat of her own, her dad explains the significance of the headgear, her mother imparts knowledge about feminist movements to her and her brother, and Grandma shares her experiences participating in past women's rights protests. Lina isn't sure her small voice can make a difference in the struggle, but when she and her family attend the historic march, she becomes emboldened to work even harder for positive change. Newell DePalma's deft and creative mixed-media illustrations incorporate appliqués of real-life pussyhats that showcase meticulous stitchwork. A single pink piece of yarn weaves and winds between the feet of the characters, drawing them forward toward the march and beyond. Knitting metaphors are worked into the text, such as when Lina suggests that she and her grandmother loop elbows at the march, "like we are knitting." A closing author's note gives background and context to the 2017 global demonstration. All main characters present as White. A timely nod to female empowerment that knits together generations of girls and women and raises a hat to activists everywhere. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
