Among the heroes in our nation’s history, we recognize one
whose adult life invites us to think about the important freedoms we cherish.
The Reverend Dr. King, Jr. led a movement that inspires us today. Many civil
rights we now often take for granted required work to pass laws that guarantee
us those freedoms today. These books are among many that tell us stories about
the often hidden history of people and their struggles for freedom. Take time
to share these inspiring picture books, and have a conversation about our
country’s history. Enjoy!
Hope’s Gift by
Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by Don Tate
When
Papa goes to fight in the war against slavery, he gives Hope a conch shell. He
tells her to hold it to her ear and listen for the sound of freedom. “Nothing
can stop it from coming. Nothing,” he tells her. Time passes but he has not
returned. Hope, her brother, and her mother miss Papa terribly. Life is hard,
especially when Hope has to work in the cotton fields. There is whispering
among the slaves about freedom coming.
Colored pencil and gouache illustrations are simple, but beautifully
rendered with faces and bodies expressing sadness, fear, love, anger, hope, and
celebration. The story highlights the contrasts and similarities between Papa’s
leaving to fight for freedom and the Master’s leaving his daughter to fight for
slavery. Each leave-taking is painful for each child. Award-winning art
seamlessly matches the matter-of-fact text.
One
day Hope sees soldiers dressed in Union blue, among them, Papa! Finally back,
bringing the promise -- freedom is near. This is a gentle but powerful story of
separation, love, and sacrifice. An Author’s Note is at the end.
Putnam, $16.99
Interest Level: Grades
1-3
Belle, the Last Mule
at Gee’s Bend: A Civil Rights Story
by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye
Stroud
Illustrated by John Holyfield
Based
on a true story from the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s, a small African
American community in Alabama is featured in this low-key story with powerful
change at its center. While he’s waiting on his mother, young Alex watches an
old mule eat collard greens from a neighboring garden. An older woman tells a
story to explain why Belle, the mule, is a hero and can eat what she wants.
The
residents of Gee’s Bend (called “Benders”) were very pleased when the Rev Dr
Martin Luther King Jr came to encourage them to register to vote. They took the
ferryboat across the river to Camden in such great numbers that the local
authorities closed the ferry. So, with help from the mules, they arranged heir
own transportation. They had to do it again when they went to vote. When some
of them lost their jobs as a result of voting, together they created beautiful
quilts.
Vibrant colorful acrylic artwork
pairs with the carefully researched and well-written language of the story. Following
Dr King’s assassination, the Benders were once again called on for assistance.
Dr King had requested that mules pull a farm cart carrying his casket. The
Benders took two mules, one of them Belle, and found a solution to barriers the
authorities once again put in their way.
This thoughtful story includes
readers, as we listen to Miz Pettway, along with young Alex, showing how
ordinary people can change the world. At the end is an Author’s Note.
Candlewick Press, $16.99
(hardcover)
$7.99 (paperback)
Interest Level: Grades
1-3
Preaching to the Chickens:
The story of young John Lewis
by Jabari Asim
Illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Living
civil rights legend and Georgia congressman John Lewis was once an Alabama farm
boy who cared for his family’s flock of chickens. He knew them by name and recognized
them by their actions. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he would tell the ones
fighting over breakfast.
As their protector, he rescued them
when they fell into the well, and even brought back to life a nearly drowned
chick. He also figured out a way to trade with a local businessman without losing
one of his chickens.
Sunlit spring mornings are featured
in illustrator Lewis’ signature watercolor illustrations. The lively chickens
and young John’s tender care are highlighted in this engaging picture book. Appealingly
blended impressionistic art and affectionately written text feature young
Lewis’ faith and family as cornerstones in his growing years. At the conclusion
of the story is an Author’s Note about his conversations with former Freedom
Rider and U.S. Representative John Lewis.
Penguin, $17.99
Interest
Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
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