A Sweet Smell of Roses

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing unfairness in the world or asks how someone so small can possibly make a difference. It provides a gentle yet powerful entry point for discussing social justice, focusing on the sensory experience of hope rather than the trauma of history. Two young sisters join a freedom march, showing that courage often begins with a quiet walk toward what is right. It is a jubilant celebration of the agency children possess within their communities. Angela Johnson uses poetic language to frame the Civil Rights movement as a beautiful, collective effort. While the subject matter is serious, the tone remains optimistic and age-appropriate for children as young as four. Parents will appreciate how it emphasizes the 'sweet smell of roses' and the 'red ribbons' in the girls' hair, grounding a momentous historical event in a child's everyday reality. It is a perfect choice for fostering empathy and introducing the concept of peaceful protest.