Here is the story of a child born at the dawn of a social movement.
Children's book author and illustrator Innosanto Nagara's books
encourage children to grow up with confidence in themselves, and to
be proactive citizens who are passionate about causes from
environmental issues to LGBTQ rights and civil rights. Born and
raised in Indonesia, Inno moved to the US in 1988. After studying
zoology and philosophy at UC Davis, Inno moved to the San Francisco
Bay Area, working as a graphic designer for a range of social
change organizations before founding the Design Action Collective,
a worker-owned cooperative design studio. Inno lives in Oakland in
a cohousing community with nine adults and eight kids.
Inno's first book, A is for Activist, started a movement in social
justice book publishing for children. After it came Counting on
Community, then My Night in the Planetarium and The Wedding
Portrait. M is for Movement is the fifth title written and
illustrated by Innosanto Nagara.
Inno's books stand in solidarity with people of all ages, races,
gender identifications, and backgrounds. They suggest that your
family isn't only yourself and your parents but also the community
in which you live, the histories of those around you, and the
natural environment on which we depend for our food and water and
air. The ideas in Inno's books may sometimes sound controversial,
but they speak to us in a language that is pure common sense and in
tune with our natural wishes and inclinations as human beings.
"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)
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