Element 3- Social Justice Element

 Title- First Heroes: Black History

Author and illustrator- Editors of Silver Dolphin Books

Grade Level- Preschool-First Grade

Genre- Historical Biography 

Link- https://www.worldofbooks.com/products/my-first-heroes-black-history-book-editors-of-silver-dolphin-book-9781645179702?sku=CIN1645179702G&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22020745342&gbraid=0AAAAAC04ib1MHuBb4jtymE3R-PP8EQZVY&gclid=CjwKCAjwup3HBhAAEiwA7euZumrwaDySHiXyTvb0LJhXcPHahY2YdVkzPJIW-oEJT64GEmvg4NU5ORoCLJUQAvD_BwE

Teacher Resources- https://www.teachingtotes.com/post/children-s-book-recommendations-for-black-history-month

https://teachertimetogo.com/black-history-month-resources-for-kids/

Social Justice Element 

Summary-

This book is about four black activists. Rosa parks, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Serena Williams. This book shares great examples of inspirational Black figures. Although this book is for young children, it talks about people that have inspired all ages. It talks about how Rosa Parks stood up for the civil rights movement. Nelson Mandela, Who fought for peace and equality. Maya Angelou, who is a writer and poet for black Americans. Serena Williams , who broke records in tennis and who is a big inspiration to many black women.

Element 3- Exploring Issues of Social Injustice

This book talks about Four great examples of people who fought for Social Injustice. Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela , Maya Angelou, and Serena Williams all stood up for what they believe in. It talks about real people who faced injustice and how all of them fought for what was right and had courage. They all helped make our world fair and inclusive.

Class Activity- One day I will read this book in my classroom and the activity we can do is giving there own example of a hero, just like everyone in this book was. The kids can draw pictures of which person stood out the most to them . They can share with the class on why they chose who they chose.

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation

Boycott Blue:How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation 

Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney 

Illustrator: Brian Pinkney 

Link to purchase: https://a.co/d/9i03Yep

Link to teacher resource: https://www.teachervision.com/civil-rights/teachers-guide-to-boycott-blues-how-rosa-parks-inspired-a-nation

https://teachsimple.com/product/boycott-blues-book-companion-rosa-parks 

Summary:

This book uses blue style language and some good metaphors. It tells a show about a powerful moment in U.S civil rights history that began in 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white person on a bus. This had a big impact on the Black citizens on Alabama who chose to walk instead of riding on the segregated buses for over a year no matter of the weather or pain they were facing. They had protest and found ways to resist segregation on a public transportation. 

This book talks about segregation on public buses where Black people had to give up their seats so a white person could sit and they were only allowed to sit on the back on the buses. It also showcases the idea of unfair law and discrimination treatment using metaphors like “dog of segregation”. It also shows the social change of people choosing boycott the buses by walking to work, church, and school everyday for over a year, this was the power of the community coming together as a whole. The book ends with the victory for Black people. 

Classroom use: 

K-5 creat a writing essay or ask a few questions about the book we just read:

What does fairness mean? 

What would it feel like if rules were unfair? How would you feel about it?

Also have them discussion about the metaphors that were used in the book.

Have them create a timeline about the events that went on throughout the book and compara then and now buses and signs and how transportation is used now.

Element 3: Issues of Social Injustice

                                     Something Happened in Our Town

Title: Something Happened in Our Town
Authors: Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard
Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin

(Grades K–6)

🛒 Purchase Link

https://a.co/d/5NVTnfo

Summary:

Something Happened in Our Town tells the story of two kids, Emma and Josh, who live in the same community. One day, they hear that a Black man was shot by the police, which brings up a lot of questions and feelings for them. Emma’s and Josh’s families sit down to talk with them and explain what happened and why it was unfair.

Through these conversations, the kids learn about racism and how sometimes people are treated differently just because of the color of their skin. They also talk about prejudice, the history of racism in the United States, and why justice and equality are so important. The book shows how important it is for children to express their questions and feelings, and for adults to explain these issues honestly and clearly.

The story also teaches that even though kids are young, they can be part of change by treating others with respect and standing up for what’s right. It ends by giving examples of how kids can support people who face injustice and help make their community a better place for everyone.

Element 3:  Issues of Social Justice

This book deals directly with a real and important issue of social injustice: racial discrimination and police violence. It shows how racism is not just about one person being mean, but about bigger unfair systems and patterns that affect people’s lives in deep ways.

Something Happened in Our Town helps kids understand what racial injustice looks like and why it’s wrong. It teaches that unfair treatment based on skin color is a serious social problem, and that it impacts communities and individuals differently.

Because your task is about issues of social injustice, this book is a perfect choice: it talks honestly about a tough topic, encourages empathy and fairness, and shows how people—even kids—can recognize and respond to injustice in their own communities.

Classroom Activities:

Ask students what they understood about the story and how they felt when they heard it.

Ask them to share if they've ever seen something that seemed unfair and what they did or could do about it.

 

In Your Hands

 

Title: In Your Hands

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrator: Brian Pinkney

Purchase link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/in-your-hands-carole-boston-weatherford/17afba21133bd10c?ean=9781481462938&next=t

Teacher Resource: https://school.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=56531

Summary

    In Your Hands is a poetic picture book where a mother speaks to her newborn son, sharing her love and hopes for his future. She wants him to grow up confident and kind, but also worries about how society might treat him because of his skin color. The book mixes emotions of pride, love, and concern, showing both the beauty and challenges of being Black in America.

Connection to black history

    This book connects to Black history because it shows the experience of a Black mother raising her son in a world where racism still exists. It reflects the fears and hopes that many Black parents have had throughout history, especially during times when their children were not treated equally. The story honors the strength, love, and resilience within Black families and connects to the long history of parents protecting and uplifting the next generation.

Grades 4–8 Lesson Idea

    After reading the book, students can discuss how the story connects to events and figures in Black history, like the Civil Rights Movement or Black Lives Matter. Then, they can write a journal entry or poem about someone in their own life who gives them hope or strength, just like the mother does for her son. Another idea is for students to write about their hopes and dreams for their future. They can then compare how their dreams are similar or different than their classmates.