Review by Booklist Review
This colorful picture book showcases four young people advocating for positive change. Accompanied by naive-style watercolor illustrations, each spread employs the refrain, "Somewhere, out there, / in the wide, wide world, / a child like you is . . . ." and the spread depicts a child "watching," for example, observing plastic waste washing up on the beach. In another spread, a girl "like you is listening" as she hears the calls of refugees in an overcrowded raft seeking safety. Subsequent scenarios conclude the somber story on an upbeat note, depicting cheerful kids outdoors and working hard together to make the world better. In an appended note, readers learn that the characters are based on real-life Greta Thunberg, Yusra Mardini, Marley Dias, and Iqbal Masih, whose brief biographies provide some context for the main narrative's occasionally abstract visuals and text. While it seeks to inspire young people, this may be best read with adults, particularly for the complexities of the topics introduced (Iqbal Masih, for example, was murdered as a child for his efforts to end child slavery).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Encouragement for the future leaders and caretakers of our planet inspired by four real-life youth activists. As Robert points out, "the world can be a scary place sometimes." Climate change is wreaking havoc on our environment, refugees make perilous journeys in search of a better life, many children from marginalized backgrounds are unable to see themselves reflected in literature, and young people feel uncertain and afraid. Despite these painful realities, the book points out several reasons to be optimistic. Young people are protesting, participating, imagining, and fighting their way toward a better future. The book visually depicts environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Syrian refugee and Olympian Yusra Mardini, #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias, and child labor activist Iqbal Masih, though they aren't named directly until an endnote. Throughout, verses start with the refrain "somewhere, out there, / in the wide, wide world, a child like you"--which will spur young readers to make a difference. With watercolorlike blurring, Kaadan's illustrations give the blues and grays of the opening pages a somber appearance. Paler, brilliant blues give way to more color as the children work together and the world starts looking a little brighter. Rather than brushing over harsh realities, Robert and Kaadan acknowledge children's very real fears while empowering them and offering hope. Background characters are racially diverse. A meaningful call to action. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.