Inspiring the next generation of activists, Jennifer Maruno and Vivian Rosas share the reasons behind peaceful protest in Momma’s Going to March.

Throughout the story, different Momma’s and their children prepare for a march. Together they march for different causes: equal rights, clean water, safety and peace. Each time, the child asks about things that will be at the march, things that would be exciting for the child, but Momma reminds them that they are marching for a special reason.

Jennifer Maruno reflects on the past in this story while also looking to the future. Throughout the story, she alludes to peaceful protests in the past which unfortunately are still relevant now in 2024. I love how the text was kept very straightforward and simple so that the youngest readers can understand what is happening in the story. I also love the questions asked by the children, reflective of what children would think about when they thought about a march or parade. I also love the thread of the words “March, march, march” through each of the different marches featured in the story. The repeating text invites young readers to join in the telling of the story, allowing for a little participation.

I love how the story ends with the child taking the lead on going to a march. In the last case, it's a march for the Earth. Many readers are in their eco-warrior eras, The Bee included. It’s a beautiful reflection of how children can participate and take a leadership role in the causes that mean a great deal to them.

In the backmatter, Jennifer Maruno shares the significance of some of the things featured in the text like banners, flags, drums and signs. She also shares the years and a little tidbit of history for each of the significant marches that are highlighted in the story so that older readers and adults can take this reading a little further by doing their own learning about the different marches.

Vivian Rosas’ illustrations are graphic and simple. Readers can easily make connections to the pictures and their own experiences. I love all of the joyful faces and the different bodies throughout the story demonstrating the strength of a march when everyone comes out in support of the cause.