03/01/2022
Gr 1–3—The title character in this "Step Into Reading" book was first introduced in 2016 as part of the American Girl collection. Melody is part of a close-knit Black family, church, and community in 1964 Detroit, MI. After their pastor encourages the congregation to consider how they can change things for the better in their community, Melody joins her parents in boycotting a store with discriminatory practices. She also works to clean up the neighborhood park. Melody's grandfather tells her, "Gardens and good works keep going, but both need tending." Illustrations include a range of Black skin tones and hairstyles. Details such as fashions, protest sign slogans, and the musical groups Melody enjoys all ground the story in the correct time period. Historical topics are handled in an age-appropriate way, and illustrations support the text for independent reading. VERDICT An enjoyable historical fiction picture book for beginning readers sure to please American Girl fans; this is also a possibility for teachers looking for books about the Civil Rights movement suitable for young readers.—Suzanne Costner
