About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that some people are treated differently because of how they look, or when they feel frustrated that children do not have the power to change unfair rules. It is a gentle yet profound tool for discussing the history of segregation and the collective power of community action. The story follows Sharon Langley, the first Black child to ride the carousel at Baltimore's Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, on the very same day Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have a Dream speech. Through the lens of a simple amusement park ride, the book explores themes of justice, perseverance, and hope. It is perfectly pitched for elementary-aged children, moving from the sadness of being excluded to the joy of belonging. Parents will find it an excellent bridge for discussing how peaceful protests and standing together can lead to a more inclusive world. The inclusion of real photographs and a historical timeline adds a layer of authenticity that helps children connect the story to the real world.
