🟢 Book Review: Together a Forest by Roz MacLean
- Jacob Nord
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 8
RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Jacob Nord
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books from the Social Justice Books Project, Teaching for Change
"There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be."
Together, a Forest, written and illustrated by Roz MacLean, takes readers on a journey into the forest with a group of diverse children on a field trip. Through their explorations, the book beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of nature and the unique ways in which each child experiences and interacts with the world. MacLean emphasizes the value of neurodiversity and celebrates the idea that differences are natural and essential for a thriving community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roz MacLean draws upon her experiences working with neurodivergent children and her own late diagnosis to craft a story that promotes understanding and acceptance. From a young age, MacLean was interested in understanding how people think differently, growing up with a brother who has an intellectual disability. This led her to work for many years as an education assistant and intervenor, getting to know many kids and youth with unique learning and experiencing styles. Learning that she is neurodivergent as an adult also helped her understand why certain things were challenging and why she felt different.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The book thoughtfully portrays a range of individual differences. For example, Hakim's "zigzagging mind" is compared to the wandering branches of the Salal, and Akash's fluctuating emotions mirror the changing creek. Sasha uses her heightened sense of hearing to understand her surroundings, and the book also subtly includes a character using a wheelchair. The illustrations enhance the narrative by depicting the children's diverse perspectives and experiences with warmth and sensitivity.
Together, a Forest is significant because it fosters a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in young readers. It connects the importance of diversity in nature to the importance of diversity in the human community, promoting empathy and celebrating individual strengths. In a world that often prioritizes conformity, this book offers a refreshing and necessary message.
BOOK RATING
This book is a highly recommended read, and I give it a green rating. Its strength lies in its ability to celebrate neurodiversity and promote inclusion in a way that is both accessible and engaging for children. The book's beautiful illustrations and thoughtful narrative make it a valuable addition to any library or classroom, encouraging readers to appreciate the unique contributions of everyone in their community.
A powerful moment is when Joy, initially struggling to find her unique connection to the forest, finds her inspiration in a small, lovely flower. This moment subtly highlights the book's message that every individual, regardless of their path or pace, has a valuable place and can find their own way to thrive and connect within the larger community.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: Jacob Nord was a student at Portland State University and took Zapoura Newton-Calvert's Social Justice in K12 Curriculum course. Their volunteer work was a partnership with Reading Is Resistance and the Social Justice Books Project from Teaching for Change.
Together a Forest’ by Roz MacLean is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story that inspires unity and empathy. A must-read for both kids and adults! Don’t forget to grab your copy with an Amazon kindle coupon for extra savings