Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All

With a foreword by civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term intersectionality, this celebration of solidarity, allyship, and community is spoken in the voices of children of varying backgrounds, abilities, and identities. Paper cutout-style images in bright colors show the children in empowering moments, described in upbeat, rhyming verse. Alejandra uses "a chair, but it doesn't define me/ Instead, it allows me to zzzip/ glide/ and/ play." A child called Kate, whose "friends defend my choices and place," prefers a red cape to "skirts and frills." Gloria, who speaks Spanish and English, describes herself as "a daughter, a partner, and an entrepreneur," and Heejung, born in Seoul, helps her mother by "translating for her one word to another." Spreads show allies helping each other in daily life, asserting their individuality, and standing together during protests, while repeating text urges readers to "make room for all." Back matter and a discussion guide invite readers to learn more about intersectionality as a framework for understanding themselves, their peers, and their broader communities. A welcoming resource for conversations about equality and social justice that shows readers how identities are made up of myriad influences. Ages 6-12. (July)

PreS-Gr 4--A cheerful, diverse cast of friends describe living the ally life in this progressive picture book. Told in simple rhyming text, the book shares the stories of each child in the group. Though they're all the same age, the friends are otherwise very different. Allie uses a wheelchair; her friends make sure she is included in all their games. Kate identifies as nonbinary; her friends make sure she feels safe in all spaces, including school bathrooms. Adilah wears her hijab proudly; her friends love and support her religious expression. Nia's family marches in a Black Lives Matter protest; all her friends join in solidarity. The Dakota Access Pipeline protests are also highlighted by Dakota and her tribe. Immigrant stories are included as well, with Gloria, Heejung, and Yuri sharing their experiences and receiving loving encouragement from their friends. Their unwavering support for one another helps readers understand what intersectionality means and looks like. The bright, sweet illustrations have a charming silk-screen look that perfectly complements the heartfelt snapshots of the kids. A foreword, an afterword, book notes, discussion questions, and a letter to adults thoughtfully elevate this rhyming story of solidarity. VERDICT The book's core message--"Where there's room for some, we make room for all. Friends can be allies no matter how small!"--offers a memorable refrain caregivers and educators will be eager to integrate into daily mantras. Highly recommended.--Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI