Gandhi: A March to the Sea

by Alice B. McGinty

Other authorsThomas Gonzalez (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 2013

Description

Recreates Mohandas Gandhi's 24-day March to the Sea, from March 12 to April 5, 1930, which became a pivotal moment in India's quest to become an independent country no longer ruled by Great Britain.

ISBN

1477816445 / 9781477816448

Status

Available

Call number

954.03

Collection

Publication

Two Lions (2013), 1 pages

User reviews

LibraryThing member GRgenius
It's a storybook detailing what began as one man's journey and turned into an affair far bigger than himself, a non-violent demonstration...all in the name of freedom; a worthy cause indeed. His name is recognized near and far for many reasons but today we will focus on this one act, this one march
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for a country's people to call the shots within their own borders. It's not a method of protest chosen often in today's world, sad but true, but it does speak volumes without ever having to hear that fateful shot ring out across a land.

For those well versed in the works of author Carmen Agra Deedy, the illustrations in this book may ring a few bells. Recall for a moment her work entitled, 14 Cows for America....have it pictured in your mind's eye? Good. Now, compare the images. Look familiar? The painted illustrations are were created by the same hand, Mr. Thomas Gonzalez. Personally I think they fit well with the open verse style of the writing featured here. They give you the images so you have a starting point but only so much detail so that as you are reading you can sharpen the softer points with the text. It's quite the "marriage" of words and images; definitely worth more than a quick glance.

In summary, I would say this is a bite sized history lesson great for readers of all ages with a little something more. You'll not only walk away with new found knowledge (or a refreshed memory if you were already well versed in these events) but also an appreciation for a people's non-violent quest for a better life and a respect for the actions taken in peace. Of course, the inclusion of those wonderful illustrations add yet another facet of wonder to entice the eyes of readers young and old...just try turning a page without gazing at the images before you. From a simple sunrise to a nation gathering together for a cause, the intricate details of their ethnic costumes to a handful of salt; each one was created with care and made to be marveled at. Enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.

**review copy received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be seen on my site**
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LibraryThing member nbmars
Gandhi’s most famous campaign was a march of about 240 miles from his commune in Ahmedabad to Dandi, on the sea coast, beginning March 12, 1930, and ending April 5, 1930. The march is usually known as the Dandi March or the Salt Satyagraha. [Satyagraha means passive political resistance.] At
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Dandi, Gandhi and thousands of protestors made their own salt from seawater. They were breaking the law; the British did not allow Indians to get salt from the sea but rather, they had to purchase it from the British and pay high taxes on it. This book tells the story of of that famous march.

The prose is simple, but evocative:

"British officers
mix with the crowd,
watching every move.
Worries rumble. Rumors brew.”

"He finally stops
at the far edge of town,
where the Untouchables live.
Outcasts of the Hindu faith,
dirty, ragged, poor,
pushed away by all —-
but Gandhi.”

"He tells Muslims, Hindus, and Untouchables
that they are different but the same.
India needs them all
to work as one
for freedom.”

And finally he leads his marchers to the Arabian Sea: “white salt dusting dark sand.”

It is the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez as much as the text that conveys what kind of man Gandhi was. With pencils and pastels the soft edges of his images suggest the peacefulness of Gandhi’s movement, even as they convey the quiet strength of the participants, particularly Gandhi.

At the back of the book, one map shows British India and another displays the route of the salt march, along with some additional background information.
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Awards

South Asia Book Award (Honorable Mention — 2014)
Great Reads from Great Places (Illinois — 2017)
Illinois Reads (K-2 — 2017)

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2013

Physical description

1 p.; 11.75 inches
Page: 0.4484 seconds