Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
on Goodreads (4,018)
What’s inside...
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem is a lyrical picture book by inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. In this inspiring narrative, a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey where they discover their own power to make changes in their lives and in the world around them. With her violin in hand, the girl encounters various friends who each play their own instruments and contribute to the collective melody of change. The story is a celebration of youth activism and empowerment, encouraging children to see themselves as agents of change and to use their talents and voices to build a better future. The book's vibrant illustrations and poetic language aim to instill hope and confidence in young readers, reinforcing the message that everyone has a role to play in creating positive change, no matter how small they may be.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways you can make a positive change in our community, just like the characters in the book?
How did the story make you feel when you saw the characters working together?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel happy?
What is one dream you have that could help change the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss the concept of change and improvement with your child, setting the stage for the themes in the book.
Encourage your child to connect the story to their own experiences by relating the characters’ actions to situations they might face at school or at home.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, and discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Use positive reinforcement when your child expresses their thoughts and ideas about how they can contribute positively, similar to the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Change Sings' uses her voice and musical instrument to lead and inspire change, demonstrating the power of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their own voices and talents, whether through speaking, singing, or art, to express themselves and make positive changes in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Unity and collaboration
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist gathers a diverse group of children, illustrating that teamwork and collaboration can lead to significant positive impact.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with others, despite differences, to achieve common goals, reinforcing cooperative play and projects.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The book showcases various challenges the children must overcome by staying determined and hopeful, highlighting the theme of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that obstacles are a part of life and that persistence and a positive attitude can help them overcome these challenges.
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The interaction among children from different backgrounds in the book serves as a celebration of diversity and teaches the value of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and accepting of others who may appear, behave, or think differently than themselves, promoting an inclusive environment at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Making a difference starts small
Explanation: The book begins with small acts of change that lead to bigger impacts, imparting the lesson that change can start on a small scale.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to take small actions within their own lives, such as helping a friend or recycling, which contribute to broader positive changes.