Building a Choir of Change: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis on Hope and Collective Action in Change Sings

Abstract

Children’s books are often not only entertainment, but also a means of instilling social values. This study examines Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem (2021) by Amanda Gorman with the aim of seeing how poetic texts and illustrations complement each other in conveying messages. The analysis was conducted using Kress and van Leeuwen’s multimodal approach, focusing on representational, interactive, and compositional aspects. The results show that Change Sings emphasizes seven core values: hope, love and social care, solidarity, tolerance, inclusivity & Collective Action, Individual Responsibility, and diversity. Amanda Gorman uses metaphors, repetition, and rhythm to reinforce meaning, while Loren Long’s illustrations clarify the message so that it is easy for children to understand. The most obvious example is the contrast between “fences” and “bridges,” which is visualized through children building a path for wheelchairs, as a symbol of inclusivity and caring. In conclusion, the combination of text and illustrations in this book not only provides an engaging read but also serves as a tool for social education that fosters empathy, values diversity, and encourages children to dare to engage in positive change.