" ... the first part of building strong
communities is recognizing and embracing
our differences and listening to one another.
We need to taste one another's foods, hear
each other's music, get to know our
neighbors and appreciate the fascinating
and diverse city around us."
There are three previous books in the ThinkCities series; A Forest in the City (Groundwood, 2020), City of Water (Groundwood, 2021), and City Streets Are for People (Groundwood, 2022). Each is fact-filled and informative for middle grade readers and their teachers.
In her new book, Ms. Curtis talks about how neighborhoods are one of the building blocks of cities. Neighborhoods can offer connections to the world we live in. In many cities today, people don't know each other. There are reasons for that: language differences, safety, busy lives, lack of commonalities. As the physical environment of the neighborhood becomes more inviting through changes made, it is more appealing for everyone.
It doesn't have to be a lot of expensive work. It can begin with little changes whose costs are negligible. By improving city spaces through planning and creativity, neighborhoods are enhanced. This is called placemaking, and there has been much work done by people who believe they can change where they live for the better.
"Maybe, Jacobs suggested, cities are an ecosystem - a living organism capable of change and
adaptation. We can shape our neighborhoods and they, in turn, will shape us."
The pandemic showed us the importance of community, and the need for places that invite conversation and inspire better health. Listening to other community members and working together can make change happen. Knowing more about each other helps us recognize that we are more alike than different, if we look for common ground. Start small, and see how things go.
The author shares stories of places around the world: New York City, Lisbon in Portugal, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and Portland, Oregon to name a few. All have created changes that make life in neighborhoods brighter, safer, playful and transformative through art. Each of her descriptions share brilliant ideas for what can be done. It takes ingenuity, support and some work. Each entry inspires those interested to find a way to make a difference where they live.
"Even a bunch of stones can start a community-building game! That's what a seven-year-old in Toronto, Ontario, discovered when he placed four painted rocks on his local beach with a sign encouraging neighbors to add their own. Within days, thousands had joined in, creating a rock snake with messages and drawings that stretched for more than half a mile."
What comes to mind when you think of building community where you live? Reading this book will offer many fine ways to work together to create spaces meant to make life better ... one small step at a time. Go for it!
The text itself is warm and conversational. The illustrations by Katy Dockrill are bold and full of color, showing people in many neighborhoods finding joy in their communal spaces. Warm and energetic, they are as inspiring as the ideas provided. Sharing this book and its many ideas might just convince a middle years classroom to find a way to make a difference.
A glossary and list of recommended online and print resources are added.
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