Parents' Guide to

Gandhi: A March to the Sea

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Lovely, poignant look at key moment in Indian history.

Book Alice B. McGinty History 2013
Gandhi: A March to the Sea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

EllaK
EllaK Adult
August 10, 2013
age 6+

Gandhi for Beginners

This short and gentle introduction to Gandhi highlights just one of his many struggles -- the fight for colonial India to gain access to the salt in the sea. Beautiful, sweeping illustrations and sparse, poetic language bring a touch of magic to this book. It can inspire a lot of good discussion about history and civil rights.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In 1930, Mohandas Gandhi and scores of supporters take the first step on a 24-day walk to the sea to make salt in defiance of the British salt laws. They set out to break the law, but their goal is to win freedom peacefully. Rumors persist that trouble is brewing, but Gandhi keeps going. Along the way, he teaches people how to spin their own yarn, another way to defy taxes on cloth. He even defies traditional belief and bathes with water reserved for the Untouchables. When he reaches the shore, he scoops up sandy mud to show the salt. He and thousands of Indians are arrested in the ensuing protests, part of India's long march to freedom.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated
Author Alice McGinty walked Gandhi's path to the sea and worked closely with his grandson on this story; her feeling for this subject infuses the book. Her gentle verse, moving in rhythmic waves, and softly shaded illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez combine for great sensory appeal. Together they distill a complicated subject down to an emotionally resonant story that will connect with kids.
The book is marketed to ages 8 and older, but it's fine for younger children. If they aren't already acquainted with Gandhi and Indian history, however, be prepared to answer a lot of questions during the first few readings. The publisher's website offers a helpful educational guide, including hands-on activities.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about rules and fairness. Is it OK to break a rule you think is unfair? Does it matter why or how you defy it? Who decides when a rule is unjust?

  • Gandhi and his supporters protest what they feel are unjust laws imposed by the British government with nonviolent action. How is this similar to -- and different from -- the American Revolution? Do you think nonviolent protest would have led to American freedom?

  • Do you like picture books about real people? What other picture book biographies have you read?

Book Details

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