A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March

Gr 1–4—This account of the Salt March of 1930 is told through the eyes of a fictional Indian boy who, moved by Gandhi's words and actions, joins the protest against British rule of India. The Mahatma leads people on a nearly 250-mile march to the sea to gather the salt that is so precious but is controlled and sold by the British Empire. Gandhi promises not to fight and to use only peaceful means to achieve independence from colonial rule. When the world eventually takes notice of his nonviolent methods, the movement gains strength and support. The afterword describes how it would take another 17 years before the country was completely free, but emphasizes that the Salt March was an important early step. The story is inspiring and effective, a thoughtful introduction to Gandhi and his legacy. Lovely watercolor and colored pencil illustrations set the mood, depicting scenes from the narrative that provide perspective and context for this important event. Share this title alongside other biographies for young readers, such as Demi's Gandhi (S & S, 2001) or Alice B. McGinty's Gandhi: A March to the Sea (Amazon, 2013), for a more complete picture of his peaceful efforts towards Indian independence. A fine supplement to any collection.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA