Hands Up!

We lift our hands for many reasons. However I the last few years the act of lifting both hands has appeared to signal an act of submission often in response to aggression and fear. The picture book, Hands Up by Breanna McDaniel, reminds readers that raising your hands can mean reaching for a book, go for a jump shot in basketball or even celebrating and accomplishment. With simple illustrations depicting everyday life, it is a book that can help young readers who may be aware of recent police involved incidents recognize that hands up is still an everyday action not coupled with brutality. The book ends by showing that hands up can also mean holding signs that speak about inequalities or injustice..

It is unfortunate that we have to address certain topics with children, but this books does so in a way that allows children to remain children while knowing that they too have a voice. I put my hands up and applaud this picture book that addresses social justice on a kid level!