M Is for Movement

In this fictionalized memoir, Nagara (The Wedding Portrait) engages readers with a conversational approach, starting with his own beginning. "Born in the eye of a Monsoon Storm," a baby arrives in an Indonesia beset by political tempests and corrupt leaders; the Minister is a particularly looming figure, depicted as a cynical, sinister villain. Though dates are never specified, mentions of the Vietnam War, the Soweto uprising, the Irish Troubles, Space Invaders, and the Indonesian Reformasi movement may help contextualize the era. In both his words and his dynamic, textured artwork, Nagara skillfully connects personal experiences to larger themes of social justice: neighborhood kids unite against bullies and teach a larger lesson of solidarity ("If you band together with others you can win"), and a movement that removes the Suharto regime from power in Indonesia after many decades reinforces the idea that revolution is a long game. Through these moving vignettes, Nagara offers a powerful reminder to readers that "it's real people who make real social change movements a reality." Ages 8-12. (Nov.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--As an unnamed narrator (with no gender specification) is thrust into a growing Indonesian social movement, readers are presented with an array of social concepts that are integrated into the narrative without condescension or artificiality. Born to a well-known dissident and an American-born mother who protested segregation, the narrator has always felt different from other Indonesian children. When they and their friend learn about protesting university students being shot, they decide to investigate. Although no specific date is given, the mentions of Richard Nixon's resignation and references to the American Indian Movement, United Farm Workers movement, gay liberation, and the Soweto uprising place the narrative in the mid- to late 1970s. The diversity of Indonesian society and the lingering effects of Dutch colonization are impressively detailed. Indonesian and English words that are defined in the narrative are italicized. An impassioned epilogue about the types of people needed for "real social movement" (people "willing to fail," impatient, "loyal and united," and stubborn) concludes the story. VERDICT A unique and insightful read about the importance of public protest and speaking out against injustice. With its smooth read-aloud quality and vivid illustrations, this could be shared with a wide range of ages, from elementary school to adult.--Jennifer Schultz Angoli, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A powerful narrative that encourages long-term awareness, work, sacrifice, and patience in order to effect change for all people. Inspiring. —Kirkus Reviews

Timely and unique, this visually striking journey will encourage young people to fight for what they believe in. —Booklist

A unique and insightful read about the importance of public protest and speaking out against injustice. With its smooth read-aloud quality and vivid illustrations, this could be shared with a wide range of ages, from elementary school to adult. —School Library Journal

In this fictionalized memoir, Nagara (The Wedding Portrait) engages readers with a conversational approach, starting with his own beginning. 'Born in the eye of a Monsoon Storm, ' a baby arrives in an Indonesia beset by political tempests and corrupt leaders; the Minister is a particularly looming figure, depicted as a cynical, sinister villain. Though dates are never specified, mentions of the Vietnam War, the Soweto uprising, the Irish Troubles, Space Invaders, and the Indonesian Reformasi movement may help contextualize the era. In both his words and his dynamic, textured artwork, Nagara skillfully connects personal experiences to larger themes of social justice: neighborhood kids unite against bullies and teach a larger lesson of solidarity ('If you band together with others you can win'), and a movement that removes the Suharto regime from power in Indonesia after many decades reinforces the idea that revolution is a long game. Through these moving vignettes, Nagara offers a powerful reminder to readers that "it's real people who make real social change movements a reality." Ages 8-12. —Publishers Weekly

"Another powerful, empowering (dangerous, in a good way) book for readers of all ages by the incredible Innosanto Nagara, artist, writer, activist—a true superhero with superpowers of compassion, sensitivity, oodles of talent, and heaps of love. Who can resist Inno? . . . Best of all is the message Nagara delivers about the true superhero in the book, we, the people—we are a power to be reckoned with when we find each other and stand united. Read this book. Join the movement. See you on the streets!" —Julia Alvarez, author of In the Time of the Butterflies and A Wedding in Haiti

"Innosanto Nagara has done it again—and how lucky we all are for that! M is for Movement is another bold, bright, powerful book that uses a relatable personal narrative to relay a complex political history—and a necessary lesson in how ordinary people can create extraordinary change. It's a riveting, empowering, and visually stunning adventure." —Kate Schatz, New York Times-bestselling author of Rad American Women A-Z, Rad Women Worldwide, and Rad Girls Can

"This imaginative and highly appealing children's story, enlivened with brilliant artwork, focuses mainly on the shattering yet inspiring history of modern Indonesia, but has much broader resonance and outreach. Its lucid and powerful message is that ordinary people, with courage and dedication, can help create popular movements that change the world, even under the most onerous conditions. Lessons that could not be more pertinent for all of us today." —Noam Chomsky

In these days when a young school girl is leading the charge against our political leaders in relation to environmental issues, this book will be a welcome read to any other children with a desire to implement change. —The Bookbag (UK)