This is a book that should be read by children and adults. I have been reading about Freedom Schools and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee but wasn't aware there were Freedom Schools for children. Marian Wright Edelman is an important figure in American history, and her story deserves to be known. I highly recommend this book for schools and libraries and hope it wins all of the awards.

Such a wonderful and important book, and this will always be relevant. Maybe one person can't make a huge change, but we can all be a flea for justice, finding ways to make it known that we are here and ready to do the right thing, one irritating little bite at a time.

What is "a flea for justice"? It is someone who gets things done by causing other people to feel bothered or disturbed, just the way a flea bite disturbs people. When Marian Wright Edelman was growing up, she noticed inequalities that made life difficult for Black children. And when she grew up, she dedicated her life to moving our society ahead by providing equal access to education and social equality for all people. She worked hard to see that children had a good start towards a rewarding life. Her dedication and her achievements are a model for everyone.

This book clearly explains why Marian Wright Edelman used the term "flea for justice" and how she applied it. The text is engaging and it is well-supported by colorful illustrations and back matter.

Perfect for read-alouds, for book discussion groups, as part of a study of civil rights, or simply individual reading.

Thank you so much to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Marian Wright Edelman was such an incredible woman, from very early on she saw the injustice for her people, but couldn’t understand why, so she took a stand against it, she was going to make everyone itch and become a flea of justice. She continued her life fighting for rights and eduction for all, accomplishing so many amazing things.

I only knew a little about this wonderful woman, so reading this learning more was incredible to me, I didn’t realise just how much of an impact she made in so many areas, from fighting as a child in what small ways she could, to becoming a lawyer to help protect people that were getting ignored, then to help set up multiple organisations for children so they’d be fully educated.

An absolutely wonderful book it was so sweet to read, learning all about her, it had some really beautiful illustrations throughout that I loved looking at. We got so much extra information at the back all about her, which I always appreciate reading.

I actually didn't know about Marian Wright Edelman going into this biography, but what a joy to learn about her! Such a determined, impactful woman. I love that the 'flea for justice' analogy as the title gets your attention immediately, and that it relates directly back to Sojourner Truth and Edelman. The writing is designed to get the reader thinking about how they can make their own important changes and stand up to injustices, which is one of my favorite aspects of children's books about activists. Allowing the reader to not only learn about those who came before them, but also encouraging them to think ahead and wonder what positive changes they can make is crucial.

Along with the informative telling of Edelman's story, the illustrations are also so vibrant! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an important biography to be read in the middle school. When teaching about changemakers, this book would be helpful in showing how people are drawn to help others and be a voice.

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the digital arc.
Picture book biography of Marian Wright Edelman, a child who endured the racism of Jim Crow, and decided at an early age to follow Sojourner Truth's mantra to make people “scratch” in order to foster change. She was the first black attorney in Mississippi, and became an advocate for equality and for children. This biography chronicles a woman who was determined and persistent in her pursuit to leave your community better than you found it. Back matter includes a chronology and summary of of important years in Marian's life as well as organizations she supported, an author's note, source notes, and bibliography
#AFleaForJustice

A fantastic book that introduces Marian Wright Edelman to the masses. It should have a home in multigenerational libraries and in homes for people interested in America history. The art is also very good and I appreciated the timelines and sources at the end.

This book gave me hope as Black man raising a daughter in a country that is eviscerating our civil rights at a demoralizing pace. The story shows a little Black girl making a difference, causing Good Trouble by embodying the gentle annoyance of a flea. I’m proud to be adding this book in my daughter’s collection. ✊🏾