Baltic-nations, music, nonfiction, illustrated, nonviolent-protest, USSR, song-festival*****

A wonderful true story delightfully illustrated by Mike DeSantis!
Shortly after WW2, Estonia was annexed by the (then) Soviet Union in 1947 and the people were denied many of their rights and traditions. The people were allowed to continue their music festivals by were not to sing their native songs. One important song slipped through and was sung at each festival until things changed with the Soviets and the Estonians were free once again in 1991.
A true peaceful revolution!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age, great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Vanita Books via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

This is a true story about Estonia, a small European nation that won its freedom from the former Soviet Union by showing that the spirit of a people is stronger than tanks and bullets. They showed their spirit by doing what they have always loved doing: raising their voices together in song. It is a tastefully written and illustrated book for children about the unique singing revolution vs. a violent revolution that could have resulted in bloodshed. The story is easy to understand, but there is a glossary in the back of the book for potential problem words. The illustrations are well done and easily communicate mood with the colours and human expressions. A great book to use to discuss revolution and how to change something peacefully.

Vanita Oelschlager is a new author to me in the last month and every book I have read by her is a wonderful opportunity for education of both children and adults. Not only that, but she often donates a portion of the proceeds of the books to various charities.

Thank you Netgalley and Vanita Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Large format picture book tells the true story of how the people of Estonia used song and the power of music to unify their people and freed themselves from the Soviet Union.

The peaceful strength of the Baltic nations absorbed into the USSR is unknown to many American schoolchildren, but the stories of non-violent protest are an inspiration. This picture book focuses on Estonia's "Singing Revolution" as a method of preserving nationalistic spirit and hope for an independent future. While this book may not have immediate appeal to a wide range of children, for those whose families have been impacted by domination and independence, it is invaluable. Highly recommended. Review based on a galley received from the publisher via NetGalley.com. (88) ( )