Let the Children March

 

Let the Children March

by Monica Clark- Robinson

Illustrated by Frank Morrison

Summary:

A powerful book led by an African American girl from Birmingham, Alabama. She thought and planned of protesting for equality after heating Martin Luther King Jr. speech. Unfortuntly, the children went through a lot. It wasn't a easy protest. the police didn't hold back on them even though they were children. They were attacked by them and the police dogs. That didn't stop them from protesting for basic human rights. The books ends with Birmingham no longer being segregated.

Connection to awareness raising:

The book revolves around a POC who is protesting for their rights. This was an actual movement and issue they had in 1800's. Martin Luthers speech was the same in real life as in the book. This book showcased how Martin Luther's speech was really motivation for them and really helped everyone not fear to protest. It also shows the realism of protesting as the police didn't care if the children got hurt.

Classroom use:

Students who are in grades K-3 could really understand why it's important to protest rather then stay silent. They could learn why people had to protest for equality and all the struggle they had to go through just to be treated like everyone else. They can also learn how even though they go through a lot while protesting, in the end it's worth it because gain what they truly want.

Teacher resource here

You Are Revolutionary

 

You Are Revolutionary

 Written by Cindy Wang Brandt

Illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao

Social Justice Element 5: Awareness Raising

Summary:

The story of the book follows a young girl who realizes that she wants to make a change and encourages others to make a change as well. She notices unfairness in the world and wants to take action, while also encouraging others to do the same. This book helps teach children what it takes to make a change, as well as that change is possible as long as you put your mind to it. It encourages fairness and standing up for what is right, no matter what interests or circumstances a person has.

Social Justice Aspect:

This book demonstrates social justice element 5 because it directly encourages children to stand up for what is right and to encourage making positive change in the world, to put out and give into the world what they hope to see in others, and to send a positive message about the good that comes from helping others, and also acknowledging other's situations so that children are motivated to stand up for them, and to help contribute to making a change.

Activity:

This book can be used to teach grades 2-3 and an activity I would create based on this book, is that I would separate the children into small groups, and have them reflect on what they would want to change in the world, then I would have them all illustrate individual protest signs, that all demonstrate the change that each student wants to see in the world.

Where to purchase

Teacher Resource

 

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

Element 5 - Awareness Raising 

Author: Annette Bay Pimentel

Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali

Purchase Link:

 https://bookshop.org/p/books/all-the-way-to-the-top-how-one-girl-s-fight-for-americans-with-disabilities-changed-everything-annette-bay-pimentel/23c9011c9f9ed930?ean=9781492688976&next=t& 

Summary 

All the Way to the Top shares Jennifer Keelan-Chaffin's story of determination and perseverance, demonstrating how positive change can start with just one person. From a young age, Jennifer realized that the world is not designed to accommodate little girls in wheelchairs — school, sidewalks, and public buildings are places where, much of the time, she cannot enter or enjoy. Determined to right things, she joins disability rights activists in demanding equal access. The story builds up to the powerful moment when Jennifer pulls herself up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the historic Capitol Crawl, pushing Congress to finally pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Her story illustrates how the bravery of one child led to changes in laws and increased awareness that helped millions.

Element 5- Awareness Raising

With this book, children learn about barriers and their impact on life. All the Way to the Top teaches students about the Americans with Disabilities Act and why equal access is a civil right. Through Jennifer's journey, readers witness the challenges faced by people with disabilities and are encouraged to make inclusion a part of their daily lives. The Element 5 component builds empathy and understanding. It inspires students to take action, have conversations, advocate, and contribute to creating truly inclusive environments.

Classroom Activity 

I would use this book in a 2nd–4th-grade classroom as a read-aloud during a unit on fairness or inclusion. Following the readings, students could undertake an “Accessibility Awareness Walk” throughout the school to identify accessible features (ramps, elevators, wide hallways) and barriers (stairs, narrow doorways, heavy doors). Then they’d make posters to raise awareness, write letters to their principal, or record a brief public service announcement that implores people to care about the issue. This allows students to put into practice what they've learned and pass on their newfound knowledge to our school community. 

Guide with activities and lesson ideas for All the Way to the Top:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e33ab3d97403e30161e7110/t/5e6497a8ad7cab40b9b9e034/1583650807755/All+the+Way+to+the+Top%3A+Educator+Guide.pdf

"The Proudest Blue"

Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali

Illustrated by Hatem Aly 

Buy it here!! <3

Grades: Kindergarten to 4th   

Ages: 5-10       

(A book for all ages!!)

Summary: 

Asiya a soon to be 6th grader has decided to put on the hijab for the first time. She goes back-to-school shopping with her mother and little sister to pick out the best hijab for the first day of school. At the store she finds the perfect hijab, "the brightest blue"; the perfect "first-day of school hijab". Her little sister, Faizah and Asiya walk to school and go their separate ways. Faizah is questioned by one of her classmates about what her sister has on her head, to which she answers, "A hijab". Being questioned about her sister makes her go over to her sister to see how she is doing with her classmates and for a hug. When talking to her sister Asiya a boy points over to Asiya and says, "Why". The taunting makes Faizah think of what a hijab is, not a laugh but strength. While cartwheeling at lunch Faizah stops near a boy who was yelling, " I'm going to pull that tablecloth off your head!". Asiya and Faizah simply turn away and run away with their friends. The sisters carry their Mama's words with them, "Don't carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them". At the end of the story Faizah remains cautious and looks for the taunts and whispers of others but only finds Asiya waiting for her smiling and strong. 

Element 5: Awareness Raising   

This book tackles the issue many hijabis face world-wide no matter what age they may be. There is always one person who addresses a hijab as a tablecloth and threatens to rip it off of one's head.  It raises the question of what one should do when bullied for an article of clothing that they wear. The social justice element of Awareness Raising is most prevalent. This story broaches the topic of hijab in a way to take away the strangeness or fear one may have and shows compassion and beauty of hijab. The character Asiya who is wearing the hijab acts with grace instead of anger when faced with the opposition against her hijab. She enlightened her sister about how to face bullies and how to react to such a situation in the real world. This book also raises the awareness of what the hijab represents as well. It is a piece of someone's identity as Mama says in the story, "But if you understand who you are, one day they will too".     

Activities:

After reading this book to the class, a class discussion can be had about what is a hijab? Questions to ask the class can also include have you ever been bulled and what is bullying. Students can also be told to describe how the sisters Asiya and Faizah respond to major events and challenges within the story. For grades 3rd and 4th the students can make a graphic organizer to detail the various traits of Asiya and Faizah. All grades can also decorate a scarf of their own.   

The Proudest Blue read by the author Ibtihaj Muhammad:

Check out the rest of the trilogy:

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

 

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Written by: Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renée Watson

Illustrated by: Nikkolas Smith

Can be purchased online at: The Source of Knowledge or in person by supporting small businesses in big cities like Newark, NJ.

You can also help to support bookstores that create accessible spaces for the disabled by purchasing this book and many others at [words] Bookstore, in Maplewood, NJ. [words] Maplewood's Bookstore

For educators interested in how to bring The 1619 Project: Born on the Water into the classroom:

EDUCATORS!!! CLICK HERE!!!

Summary

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is a poignant and beautifully illustrated children's book by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson that reimagines the origins of African Americans in a powerful and deeply human way. More than just a retelling of history, it is a narrative that seeks to give voice to the often forgotten stories of resilience, culture, and identity that began long before enslaved Africans were brought to the shores of what would become the United States.

The story is framed through the eyes of a young Black girl who is assigned a school project to explore her family's origins. When she cannot trace her lineage back to a specific country, she feels lost and disconnected. Her grandmother steps in, introducing her to a heritage that begins not in slavery, but in freedom and greatness--before the first ships of enslaved Africans arrived in 1619.

The narrative artfully shifts from present day America to West Africa, where vibrant cultures thrived for centuries before the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The book vividly describes the rich traditions, spiritual beliefs, and social structures of African societies, providing readers with a clear sense that African history does not begin with slavery. Instead, the authors highlight the dignity, ingenuity, and humanity of these communities, which were torn apart by the violence of colonization and slavery. 

Element 5: Raising Awareness 

This book can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness about social justice education in several ways. By focusing on African American history and identity, the book addresses key issues related to historical erasure, systemic racism, and the importance of cultural pride. The book supports social justice education by reframing the narrative of African American history, empowering marginalized voices, encouraging critical thinking about systemic racism, promoting cultural pride and identity, fostering empathy and inclusivity, and lastly, by supporting discussions on reparative justice.