Let the Children March

We remain in the season after Pentecost, a season that is often associated with green and growth. One of the ways I have heard the Holy Spirit move and encourage growth within me is in the question: How do we listen to and lift up sacred stories that are often ignored?

"Let the Children March" by Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison is one of my answers to that question. It tells the story Birmingham Children's Crusade of 1963, which until reading this book I knew nothing about. The reader and listener are guided through how the children's faith inspired their civic action which in turn inspired other protests and the end to segregation in Birmingham. Both the front and back of the book provide additional historical details to deepen conversations and knowledge of this part of our history. The beautiful book is an example of that intersection of faith inspiring civic action.

As I read, I found myself inspired by the bravery of these children and heartbroken at the response of some of the people in power, who both hosed and jailed the peacefully protesting children. This story will mostly likely elicit many questions and conversations from your own children. If you, like me, did not know about the Birmingham Children's Crusade, you may want to read it to yourself first and/or read this article I wrote with suggestions about how to wonder about God in storytime.

“Let the Children March” by by Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison. Published by Harper Collins Publisher in 2018.