Book Review Justice Makes A Difference The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire

This book was a winner for me on many levels. I love the idea of a superhero girl Justice who finds her voice and learns to use her gifts to be a change-maker, help others and make a difference in the world. She can be anything she sets her mind to giving readers an uplifting message. The book is packed with many useful pieces of information applicable to today's world. It's an inspiring and empowering story of an eight-year-old who through conversations with her grandmother learns the meaning of her name and the responsibilities that comes with carrying it. Justice and her grandmother connect over books, a mutual love of reading. She picks out books for Justice to read that explore the lives of six role models, four women and two men in the black community. Through her reading, Justice learns more about how these people became leaders as they worked tirelessly for social justice and equality. It is a reminder of the challenges people face in today's society working to end hunger and homelessness.

Justice comes to the realization her grandmother is a role model in the community, living out her faith by serving in the church and practicing what some might call the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Justice aspires to be like her grandmother and live out her faith. Along the way, she discovers how she can bring her community together by starting a community garden. Readers also learn at this point in the story about Dr. Maathai, a global leader who organized the Green Belt Movement with the hopes of restoring trees in her home country of Kenya.

Besides valuable lessons sprinkled throughout the story, the author leaves the reader with some practical suggestions to examine What are your gifts? How can you make a difference? The book serves as a catalyst for conversation on these topics.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the two illustrators for this book, Jeremy Norton and Janos Orban. Their work was exceptional. They were adept at capturing the nuances of the storyline. Justice wearing oversized glasses and her superhero cape in bold colors just bounces off the page “oozing girl confidence.” The soft hues of the background setting make the images of Justice and her grandmother's interactions really stand out. 

This book makes a great resource for schools and libraries. The text is suitable for ages 8-11 readers. It gets my recommendation because of the important empowerment message that you can make a difference no matter your age, background, or experience.  

I thought it was a notable gesture that one of the authors, Dr. Artika Tyner, is the founder of Planting the People Growing Justice Leadership Institute and all proceeds from this book support the educational programming of this institute.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORS 

Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. She is a passionate educator, an award-winning author, a civil rights attorney, a motivational speaker, and an advocate for justice. She is the founder of the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute.

Jacklyn Milton is a lifelong educator and community advocate. She served as a home childcare provider and early childhood specialist. for more than three decades. She is a licensed family life educator who helps families create pathways to success.