Title: What Can a Citizen Do?
Author: Dave Eggers
Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Age Group: 3-8
Synopsis: A poetic exploration of what makes a citizen.
The Lowdown:
As we come back from our President’s Day vacation, I find myself thinking about more than a day off, this day is about people who decided how to lead millions. Sometimes they provided examples of greatness and sometimes they made history cringe. What all of these people have in common is that they were elected by their citizens. It’s our duty to ourselves and those around us to stay informed about the decisions we make and to be change we want to see. These days the overload of information and opinions can be like sludge to wade through. However, even supporting those who also hold our vision or at least making educated choices in the voting polls is our privilege.
Dave Eggers has been on my watch list ever since his fabulous non-fiction about the Statue of Liberty, Her Right Foot. He has a beautiful way of nonchalantly pairing hard, cold facts with a truth in how we should behave as human beings. In What Can a Citizen Do? his words are delivered without judgement, just a quiet expectation. They’re inclusive and encouraging in how as citizens of a country, a town, or even the world we should stay informed, be kind, receptive, and help build the world we want to live in. He manages to engage younger readers with extreme examples that tickle the funny bone (“A citizen can be a bear.”) but still make a point in that it’s our actions that categorize us as citizens or just residents.
Shawn Harris, Eggers’ partner-in-crime from Her Right Foot, delivers again with all inclusive cast of characters. I love how Bug wasn’t sure if some characters were male or female and how we were able to have a discussion about how it doesn’t really matter. Eggers’ multimedia technique combines a cut-paper, homemade vibe with a painted finish. It’s very charming and it pulls the whole effect together beautifully.
Story Tips:
- Discuss how you and your readers can be good citizens.
I need more!
Dave Eggers has tons of books out and from picture books to full on novels. Our favorite includes Her Right Foot.
Check out the Her Right Foot review for more about Shawn Harris.
