Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs

Gr 5-8–A lesser-known activism duo in a biography with poetic interpretation. James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs were both revolutionary activists who later ­married and worked to make the world around them a better place for everyone. Chinese American Grace was a young scholar who quickly saw how sexism and racism permeated nearly every aspect of her life. She spoke up for injustices through her actions, such as joining a tenants union in Chicago and planning to march for job equality during World War II. James came from humble beginnings in Alabama and was encouraged to learn, think deeply, and write. He traveled by railroad to find work and eventually became a union leader fighting for job equality for Black people. They eventually cross paths with their lifelong passion for writing and spreading equality; their activism didn’t cease until their deaths. The authors provide detailed notes and information about their personal ties to and research about these remarkable people, neither of whom will be familiar to readers. The poetry is able to convey ­succinctly the extensive accomplishments of both subjects and the hurdles they faced together and individually, imbuing it with a tone of hope throughout. The illustrations are based on images and stories of the couple, portrayed thoughtfully in each time period of their lives with vivid ­imagery and color.