The Great Peace March [Paperback]

Holly Near (Author), Lisa Desimini (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

A song inspired by an actual peace march, this work celebrates peace and the courage to make it real.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Based on a song composed by singer/feminist/activist Near for the 1986 Great March for Nuclear Disarmament, the text for this boldly designed book tells of unity and purpose, of a shared dream: "Peace can start with just one heart . . . we will have peace, we will because we must . . . life is a great and mighty march." (Included in the back of the book is a musical transcription of the song and a note from the author.) Admirable (and politically correct) though these sentiments are, they seem strained and lofty presented in this format--and too nebulous for youngsters to grasp. Similarly, Desimini's ( Heron Street ; Fish and Flamingo ) artwork, with its poster-strong images and darkly rich colors, may suit Near's lyrics but may also leave children perplexed by its generally abstract renderings. Occasionally realistic likenesses blend uneasily with wavy lines and phantasmagoric backgrounds, producing an overwrought and disappointing result. All ages.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-- Lofty, vague, but feel-good sentiments are conveyed in this picture-book interpretation of Near's song lyrics. "Farmers rise and dream to feed the world/ The world awakes to feed the heart./ Hearts beat while a thousand flags are waving," and so forth. Although this song was written as an anthem for nuclear disarmament, it might serve as well for a Red Guard rally. Who is not in favor of life, love, and peace? But readers won't find any hints about how to make peace happen here. Desimini's stylish paintings compel a second look. Bright, saturated acrylics against dark grounds, their combination of abstract sophistication and naive charm is quite appealing. The images used--paper-doll-like figures holding hands, footprints in the earth, all in varied hues--are unexceptionable. Alas, in the real world people must hold hands with others who have faces--and sometimes guns--and beliefs, and rights, and opinions, and needs. If only it were as simple as this song. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (March 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805053506
• ISBN-13: 978-0805053500
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,790,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Book, March 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great Peace March (Hardcover)

This book is a beautiful illustration of one of my favorite songs. My children love looking at the pictures. Little boys get so much media encouragement to play soldiers, fight fantasy wars, and duel Japanese monsters. I welcomed this opportunity to talk to my sons about the excitement and glory of working for peace. It is so easy for children to see history broken down to good guys and bad guys. This book reminds our children that there are other ways to look at the world.