Pedal to the Metal

PEDAL POWER is the story of the people who led protests against the unsafe streets and took over a vehicles-only tunnel on their bikes, showing what a little pedal power could do! When Amsterdam became crowded with bicyclists the people in the community decided they needed to enact change. The changes they made in their community sparked change around the world.

As a resident of Maryland, I see bike lanes popping up everywhere! I wonder if the changes noted in this book had anything to do with it.

This book is useful when teaching rights of citizens, participating in government or to even spark a conversation about safety and rules.

Another great read is Maybe Something Beautiful!

Based on the true story of the colorful transformation of the East Village neighborhood in San Diego, California, this picture book shows how art impacts life and how people in a community can change it. Mira lives in a gray city where she tries to share her art and change things, but her art is too little to make big changes. Then she meets a man who is creating huge murals and who allows Mira to help him. Soon other neighbors are helping and colors begin to fill the streets, creating a close-knit neighborhood. The people in the book volunteer to help and support the community.

Whether you are an art teacher or parent, this book can be used to highlight how art, color, pictures add depth and meaning to the world. Have your class work with the art teacher to create a mural or visit some of the murals in your own community,

I really love street art that also using nature like these which were found on Pinterest.