"'It's just the way it is.'
Once again the words made sense, but the feeling that it wasn't right grew stronger."
I realize I'm sharing a very beachy-looking book while sitting next to my Christmas tree, but I've had my name on the waitlist for this at the library for a while and finally got to read it! Nye, Sand and Stones by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Marion Arbona, published by Orca Book Publishers.
Nye lives on the Island of Sand, where she learns to value creativity and collaboration, and build beautiful sandcastles. Each day, citizens of the neighbouring Island of Stones hurl gigantic boulders toward Nye's home. Everyone Nye asks says that while it doesn't feel fair, the destruction is "just the way it is." Nye isn't okay with how not-right this feels, and discovers the power of a just anger.
The illustrations are so interesting in this book - the islands floating on a grid that feels like a map, the children building (and hurling) with glee, and the powerful island of stones with towering wooden catapults. They tell the story very well, with a spread at the end to reveal what Nye's advocacy uncovers.
Themes: Justice, empathy, standing up for what is right, kindness, anger, persistence, bravery, encouraging kids to look at injustice and ask "why?"
Recommended ages 5-8
I borrowed this book from the public library.
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