A Small History of a Disagreement
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A lively introduction to voting, democracy, and activism for kids.
“The message of this book, which focuses on a student body’s divided opinion about an issue vital to its future, is that disagreements can lead to fruitful discussion, better understanding and great ideas.” —The New York Times
Should an ancient monkey puzzle tree be cut down to make room for exciting new classrooms? In this spirited picture book, students must work together to come to an agreement—but it’s not as easy as it seems!
On the first day back at school after the holidays, a group of classmates notice a construction crane parked next to the old monkey puzzle tree. The school principal says the tree will be cut down to make room for new science classrooms and computer labs. The classmates are divided, with some in favor of innovation, and others calling for the protection of the thousand-year-old tree. As they protest, march, fight, and strike, one teacher offers a solution: Why not hold a debate? The principal agrees, and at the end of the debate, a student vote will end the disagreement, once and for all—or will it?
Inspirational without being didactic, and filled with warm, lively illustrations, this wonderful introduction to the process of debate, listening, and collective decision-making will be read by young and old alike for years to come.
“A refreshing and timely reminder that disagreement can—and should—be productive.” —Kirkus
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This picture book utilizes a collective first-person perspective to relay the tale of a schoolwide debate when a new school building is proposed on the site of an endangered tree "a member of a millennial species, thousands of years old." After signs and protests draw attention to the monkey puzzle tree's fate ("I want to live"; "I'm 300 years old. Save me!"), the school's history teacher suggests a debate and subsequent vote between two groups: "Millennials," who wish to preserve the tree, and "Developers," who laud the progress the building will bring. The vote results in a solution that suits everyone, a solution that feels well earned by the involved students. Though characters of color are painted in an unfortunate gray hue, Lyon's illustrations, rendered in a dynamic, sketchlike style, are engaging, with expressive faces and comics-esque panels. A detailed study of community involvement, debate, and voting. Ages 7 12.
