Review Detail

Andy Johnson and the March for Justice is a gentle yet powerful introduction to our civic responsibility to stand up for justice for our neighbors and our selves. The focus being on the current racial climate, told through a child's eyes, in our world and amongst those who follow Jesus.

The author impressively conveys this significant theme to young readers in a way that is age appropriate but not "dumbed down" in any way.
The march for justice that the characters join isn't specified to take place in a certain city or during a certain time, however it is clear that it is in modern time, allowing readers to connect with the events in the story.
The story wends its way seamlessly from typical childhood tussles to ways to use words and actions to fight for positive change.
The only real negative I have from the story in the scene where the brothers play fight. While this can be normal behavior, Andy's brother knocks out Andy's front teeth during one of their battles. The reactions of both the brothers and the parents are unrealistic. I feel like this entire teeth scene should have been something less consequential for the non-reaction. The scene doesn't fit the book's focus on nonviolent marches for rights.

The illustrations are vibrant and very well done! The illustrator effectively uses grey or black and white pages for the past and heavier topics, versus colorful pages for the family and their story. I love that the family is depicted as biracial, with a white mother and Black father.

Andy Johnson and the March for Justice is an accessible book that offers a positive view of justice and how it harmonizes with biblical teaching.