
Written by: Bree Galbraith
Illustrated by: Josée Bisaillon
For ages: 4-8 years
Language: English
Topics Covered: Social Justice, Bravery, Family, Community, Connections, POC-Centric Narratives, Social-Emotional Learning.
Summary:
Usha was born in a land where the sky is always gray. Hardly anyone remembers the sun, but Usha is lucky enough to live with her grandfather who does remember what it was like to play outside under the warm light. Usha resolutely decides to bring back the sun, undeterred by the stories that whoever built a giant wall to block out the sun from their village would not be swayed by her pleas. Through all sorts of travails, Usha searches for the wall and is eventually successful at finding it! Now comes the harder part, convincing those on the other side to take it down.
This is a beautiful story that emphasizes the power of words over brute force. Usha is a clever and dynamic character, set on helping her grandfather and the rest of her village experience once again what only the oldest members even remember and the rest simply long for.
This book was generously sent to us by the author, Bree! We were also lucky enough to be sent a discussion guide that she developed for the book as well. It gives a list of fantastic questions and jumping off points for meaningful conversations in a small or large group that can easily be expanded to encompass other topics like human rights, social justice, and community organizing.
We actually were sent a copy of this lovely book by Owlkids Books too, so stay tuned for a giveaway 🙂
About the Author & the Illustrator: