Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful, lyrical story inspires children to create change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CHANGE SINGS: A CHILDREN'S ANTHEM follows the musical story of a young girl who holds the power to change the world within herself, and inspires others to see the same power within themselves. Along her journey she enlists the help of a diverse group of people from her community, and works collaboratively with them to make positive changes big and small. The girl's desire for change and plan to embrace a brighter tomorrow is best captured by a line from the melodic text: "I can hear change humming in its loudest, proudest song./ I don't fear change coming, and so I sing along". A spirit of change and hope for everyone, by everyone is the main theme of the book.
Is It Any Good?
Author Amanda Gorman captivated and inspired the nation during her delivery of her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, and she has done so once again. Change Sings: A Children's Anthem will leave readers knowing that anything is possible when we join our voices together. The book's poetic text and rhythmic illustrations lead readers along the main character's inspiring journey -- a true call to action for the youngest members of our society. The book's diverse characters let readers see themselves in the book and know that extraordinary change comes from the small actions we take together, as simple as making friends with those who are different from us, picking up trash, and helping others in need.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the them of change in Change Sings: A Children's Anthem. What does change mean to you? Is there something you've done by yourself or with friends and family to help others? How did that make you feel? What is something you could do to make a positive change?
What's your favorite page iin the book? Why is it your favorite? What's the main character doing and saying in this part of the story?
The main character creates change by being a leader. Draw a picture of how you would like to lead others to make change in the future.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Loren Long
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 21, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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