Walking for Water: How One Boy Stood Up for Gender Equality. Written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Nicole Miles. Kids Can Press, 2021. $18.99 ages 7 and up

 

"So when Victor and his sister had turned eight 
a few weeks ago, just at the start of the school 
year, Linesi began the daily walks for water, 
giving Mama more time for the farming. 
Watching Linesi strut around like she was all 
grown up, Victor had almost wished he got to 
collect the water. But not anymore."

Life in Malawi is different for boys than it is for girls. At 8 years old, Victor and Linesi say goodbye to their mother in the morning and race for the kachere tree where one goes one way and one goes the other. Victor goes to school, because that is what boys do in their village. Linesi, a girl, is tasked with walking for water for their family. Linesi is one of the women and girls whose job it is to bring fresh water home from the river five times each day. 

Victor's day is very different. At school, he is learning to speak English, and is happy with his teacher who reads to them and talks about important concepts. When Mr. Tambala discusses equality between males and females, he assigns homework. His students are asked to take note and see if boys and girls live their lives in the same way. Victor is quick to notice that while he has time to play and to get his schoolwork done, his sister spends her time doing family chores. 

Victor decides to make a difference by teaching his sister what he is learning at school. It is hard to easily explain it, and Linesi is too tired at the end of her busy day to take in what he is trying to teach. He has an idea for changing that, and has a talk with the family. It is decided that he and Linesi will share school and chores; they will take turns going to school and going for water. It isn't long until others in the village are following in their footsteps. Communities can, and do change. 

Illustrations are brightly colored with ever-changing perspectives that add context for readers. The children are happy, hopeful, and willing to see change as a good thing for all. Back matter includes an author’s note, resources, and a Chichewa-English glossary with pronunciations. I like the smaller format for this new entry in the Citizen Kid series. It is smaller, and easier for readers to handle.