Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice

Following an introduction that defines what it means to be woke, these poems combine clear declarations with easy-to-grasp metaphors to convey progressive values. Privilege is compared to a toolbox ("We can choose/ to use it to help people who don't have what we do") and gender to a rainbow ("There are so many shades between boy and girl"). Each poem's intended value appears next to its page number--including individuality ("Teeth Dance With Silver"), body positivity ("The Good Body"), and ableism ("The Ability to Be"). The text's direct style is matched by Taylor's clear illustrations, notable for their bold lines and bright colors. With its references to figures such as Janet Mock and Trayvon Martin, it's a useful conversation-starter on the topic. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Gr 3-6—This new book from the team behind Woke Baby introduces concepts and explains issues that concern activists of all ages. These 24 poems celebrate diversity and individuality, touching on issues of gender, physical ability, race, immigration, and protest. The authors recognize the complex web of discrimination and systemic oppression that impacts many marginalized people. The message is clear: We must fight against injustice, and our words can be our greatest source of power. The cover image (a young person of color wearing a pen behind their ear and gazing upward) reflects a hopeful solution: poetry. The poems, written by three different poets, function well (perhaps better) as read-alouds. Their rhythm and natural flow are reminiscent of spoken word poetry, and the way they appear on the page is important. The illustrations resemble the modern, color-saturated, stylized work of graphic novelists like Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson. VERDICT An important book that demands to be seen. It adds to the conversation of #OwnVoices and speaks to a young person's need for expression and social justice.—Shannon O'Connor, Unami Middle School, Chalfont, PA

This collection of poems by women of color covers topics relating to social justice, activism, discrimination and empathy, focusing on the need to speak out and inspiring middle-graders. -Vogue