Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights

Author: Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Jared Andrew Schorr

Element 6: Social Action

Purchase Link:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/peaceful-fights-for-equal-rights-rob-sanders/d9f375b26c71e6da?ean=9781534429437&next=t

Summary 

Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights is a picture book about peaceful protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations. As they demonstrate with simple A–Z actions like “Assemble,” “Listen,” “March,” and “Vote,” the book shows that activism can be peaceful, creative, and inclusive, even for children. With bold paper-cut-out illustrations and powerful verbs, it demonstrates that social change occurs when people work together. This children's book offers a gentle, child-friendly plan for how we can all participate in movements as they work to make the world fairer and more just.

Element 6- Social Action

This book is a great example of Element 6, as it teaches children exactly how to address the issues that face their communities. Instead of just pointing out a problem, the book suggests practical, age-appropriate ways to take action, such as writing letters, creating signs and banners, marching in protest, organizing groups or demonstrations, speaking up, and spreading awareness. It presents children as powerful agents of change, demonstrating how peaceful actions can have a profound impact. It’s about doing, participating, and using your voice – which aligns with Element 6. It’s about getting students to practice the skills they will use themselves. 

Classroom Activity

The lesson objective is for students to learn what it means when people work together to effect positive change in their school. I would read this book to a 2nd–5th-grade classroom during a social justice or civics unit. Afterward, students would select a cause they care about, such as books for playgrounds, lunch options, environmental stewardship, or community kindness, and plan a small social action project using the book’s actions to write down their own idea for an A–Z project as a class. Students could produce protest signs, compose letters to the principal, launch a kindness campaign, or post short videos encouraging their classmates to support their cause. This provides students with the opportunity to practice activism in a safe and meaningful manner.

Guide with activities and lesson ideas for Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights:

https://www.robsanderswrites.com/_files/ugd/bdf277_cef1e7320a47404090188ff394d88737.pdf

 

 

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

Separate is Never Equal

 

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her Family's Fight for Desegregation

Author & Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Grade level: 2nd-5th Grade

Social Justice Element: #4 Social Movements and Social Change

Where to buy?

Summary

Separate is Never Equal tells the true story of Sylvia Mendez, a young Mexican American girl living in California in the 1940s. When Sylvia and her brothers try to enroll in a neighborhood school, they are denied because of their Mexican heritage. Instead, they are told to attend a "Mexican school," which had fewer resources and poor conditions. Sylvia's parents refused to accept this unfair treatment and worked tirelessly to fight for equal education. Their court case, Mendez v. Westminster successfully ended school segregation in California - seven years before Brown v. Board of Education.

This story shows how one family's bravery and persistence helped create real change for children across the country. 

Social Justice Element Connection

Element #4: Social Movements and Social Change

This book is strong representation of social justice and activism. It highlights how ordinary people can stand up against discrimination and change unfair systems. Sylvia and her family faced racism and inequality but did not stay silent. They organized community support, took legal action, and demanded that all children deserve the same education. 

The story helps students see:

• Prejudice was not just in the South during segregation - it happened everywhere.
• Kids and families can be part of movements for fairness.
• Social change often begins with one family or community saying "this is not right"

Teachers can use this book to help students understand that fighting injustice can be peaceful, persistent, and community-driven.

Classroom Lesson Idea

Tittle: Standing Up for Fairness: Learning from Sylvia Mendez

Book: Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

Grade: 3rd Grade

Time: 45 - 60 minutes

Social Justice Focus: Social Movements and Social change

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Understand why Sylvia Mendez and her family fought for equal education.
• Identify fairness vs. unfairness in everyday situations.
• Practice speaking up respectfully when something is unfair.

Materials

• The book Separate is Never Equal
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Marker
• "Fair/Unfair Sorting Cards" 
• Students' reflection sheet (optional: students can write in notebooks)

Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up Discussion

    Ask students:

• "Has there ever been a time when something felt unfair to you? What happened?"
• Let 3-4 students share

2. Read Aloud (15-20 minutes)

    Read Separate is Never Equal out loud.

    Pause at key moments to ask: 

• "How do you think Sylvia felt right now?"
• Was this fair or unfair? Why?"

3. Class Discussion

• Question: Why couldn't Sylvia go to the school near her house?

Purpose: Identifying discrimination

• What did her Parents do to help?

Purpose: Highlight activism

Write students responses on a chart titled: How the Mendez Family Helped Change the World.

4. Group Activity: Fair or Unfair? Sorting Cards

    Give each group of 3-4 students a set of cards such as:

Fair: 

• Everyone gets the same game turns
• Students can speak in class
• Everybody can join the art club

Unfair

• Only some students get new books 
• Only boys can use the playground
• Only one group gets access to the computer lab

5. Student reflection

    This piece can be used for assessment. Students answer one of the prompts:

• "If I saw something unfair at school, I could say or do...."
• Sylvis and her family were brave because..."

Why this lesson supports Social Justice Element #4

    This lesson helps students:

• Understand how people work together to change unfair systems.
• Connect the past to their own school experiences
• See themselves as capable of standing up for fairness. 

Teacher resources

Why This Book Matters 

This book addresses racism, segregation, and the fight for equal education-topics that are still relevant today. It also highlights Mexican American history, which is often not represented enough in schools. This makes the story important for helping students see diverse American experiences and voices. 

Element 4: Social Movements and Change Post

 Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Element 4: Social Movements and Change Post

Element 4: Social Movements and Change

Be Your True Self: Social Justice and You 

Author: Maribel Valdez Gonzalez 

Illustrator: Maribel Valdez Gonzalez 

Link to Purchase: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-your-true-self-maribel-valdez-gonzalez/1140974880 

Teacher resource link: https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/ 

Summary of the Book Grades 2 to 4

Be Your True Self Social Justice and You is a bright and encouraging book that teaches kids to appreciate who they are and understand that they can help make the world better. The author explains fairness kindness and courage in simple language that kids can connect with. The book shows that young people can take small steps like speaking up helping others and being kind and those small steps lead to real change.

How the Book Represents Element 4 Social Movements and Change

This book fits Element 4 because it shows that change does not only come from big historical events but also from everyday actions. It teaches kids that a movement can start with one person who chooses to do what is right. The book encourages students to be proud of who they are to support others and to challenge unfair situations. It helps readers understand that even small choices can create a ripple that makes communities more fair and welcoming.

How I Would Use This Book in My Future Classroom

I would use this book with students in grades 2 to 4 during a lesson about leaders and people who make a difference. After reading it I would ask students to think about a time they helped someone or stood up for something they cared about. Then students would write or draw one change they want to see in our school or neighborhood and how they can help make it happen. We would put their ideas on a Wall of Change to remind everyone that kids have the power to make a difference.

Side By Side ( Lado a Lado)

 

Author: Monica Brown

Ilustrarior: Joe Cepeda

Grade Level: 3-4

Social Justice Element #4: Social Movements and Social Change

Purchase Book Here

 

Short Summary

The book tells the story of Dolores Huerta, a little girl from New Mexico, and Cesar Chavez, a little boy from Arizona who lived with their parents, immigrants from Mexico. Dolores grew up witnessing her mother’s generosity towards other people, especially the farmers that work hard to sustain their families. Cesar had to leave school to be able to work as a farmer in California, where Dolores later moved. Throughout the years, Dolores and Cesar were aware of the injustices that institutions and the government committed against farmers. Injustices that harmed their health and made it difficult for them to provide for their families. Dolores and Cesar met and recognized that they shared a common vision: To fight for the rights of farmers and their families.

Dolores and Cesar created a movement named “La Causa,” which means the cause in English. Together with other workers, they organized protests, marches, and gave speeches through which the growers heard them and eventually gave farmers a better salary for their hard work. Dolores, Cesar and the workers fought for justice for the farmers until the end of their lives. They were brave, and they believed that any problem could be solved without the use of violence.

Element 4: Social Movements and Social Change

This story is an Element 4: Social Movements and Social Change because it shares the story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, who became aware of the injustices faced by farmers and decided to take action. The story gives the class the opportunity to discuss about injustices that people faced in the past and still face today. It shows how brave leaders decide to make changes for the good of others.

This story also serves as an example of the truth that change does not happen through one person alone but through teamwork. To create awareness about an issue in society, many people need to be involved and advocate for a particular cause. That way, institutions and the government will realize that the problem is not just affecting one person but the entire community or even the country.

Classroom Activities

Activity one: I will begin with a whole class read-aloud of the book. Students with turn to their peers and will answer the following questions: How do you think Dolores and Cesar felt when they saw the injustices that were happening around them? What do we need to do in order to make a change where we see injustice or oppression? After the class discussion, the teacher will lead an activity where each student will choose a cause they want to support or a change they want to make in society. They will create a drawing about the project and write the first three steps they will take to accomplish it. The teacher will make the emphasis that this cause should be realistic. It does not have to be something big; it can be something small (ex: bringing food to homeless, writing a letter to legislators) that will starts making a difference. Students will have the option to work in groups or with a partner.

Activity two:  After the read aloud, the teacher will share with students several topics of injustices or oppression that are happening around them. The class will pick one of those topics and brainstorm what can the whole class do about the situation. The teacher and students will write down the first step that they will take for the cause, and throughout the week, they will continue developing their action plan.

 

  Teacher Resources 

I am Rosa Parks

I am Rosa Parks

Written by Brad Meltzer 

Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Purchase here

Summary:

A child friendly biography that tells the story of Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist. Known for her creative way of protesting by refusing to give up her seat in the bus which was segregated. She became a well known activist for the 1955 bus movement along with the civil rights movement. The book showcases her courage and determination.

Connection to social injustice: 

The books revolves around a real life situation of a person of color who struggle during the era of racism and segregation. It helps raise awareness of the cruelty of social injustice through the story of Rosa parks. It shows how imprtant it is to not stay silent but instead fight for whats right. She was able to achieve that with determination that stemed from how bad everyone wanted equality, something that they shouldn't have to yearn for so bad in the first place.

Classroom use:

Students who are especially in grades K-3, could learn about the importance of equality. They can learn how it's important to treat everyone the same no matter how different they are and that it's ok to look or be different. They can also receive some historical background of 1900's and why people were treated the way they were and why it was wrong. This is a good way to have them learn respect but also empathy. A way you can make the book more engaging is by asking them of any historical figures they know of and give examples of things that could be considered social injustice or maybe even try to define the word to the best of their abilities.   

Teacher resource here

a simple activity for the students to do after the read along.

Super Manny Cleans Up

Super Manny Cleans Up
Written by: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrated by: Stephanie Graegin

Element 4: Social Movements & Social Change
Link to purchase
Teacher Resource Link


Summary:

This book is about a young boy named Manny and his friend Gertie, taking on little problems that arise in their little world. They wear different colored capes for each issue; in this case, it was green for cleaning up the trash in the park. Manny and Gertie go to their local park and start cleaning up the trash scattered along the grass. They inspired other kids to join in and clean up with them. They were all taught the importance of recycling and the dangers of littering. 

Connection to Social Movement & Social Change:

This book relates to this element because it portrays the action of doing it yourself. This book teaches young students that if something is wrong and no one else is doing anything about it, you should take initiative yourself. A small effort of two turned into a bigger number, and a bigger number of helpers equaled a better outcome for the park. The book also teaches young students to be carefully aware of littering in their own communities to protect animals and the environment.

Classroom Idea (Grade Level: 4th Grade)

The students can create posters about recycling and littering to be hung all around the school. They can come up with a catchy catch phrase that can be featured on the poster that will help other students remember to recycle. The students can set up a little club where they go after school to pick up any trash along the school or the playground.

Revolution by Deborah Wiles

 

Revolution by Deborah Wiles 

Book design by Phil Falco 

Element 4: Social Movements and Social Change 

Link to teacher resource: https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/19-20/anthem-discussion-guide.pdf

Book purchase link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/revolution-the-sixties-trilogy-2-deborah-wiles/0dca073810e54f5f?ean=9780545106085&next=t&c

Summary: It is 1964 in Missouri. Sunny a 12 year old white girl is the main narrator who is navigating the challenging and confusing time of the Freedom Summer. She has lived a sheltered life living in Greenwood her whole life. She knows and understands very little of the racial disparity and strife that is growing around the country. When she hears that there are invaders coming to her town she is astounded and assumes they are hostile. Sunny is unaware that these people coming to Greenwood are here to help fight to get voting rights for the black citizens of Greenwood. Her father had remarried and she has to adapt to having a new stepmother, a new brother, and a new sister. Sunny and her brother get caught by the police for sneaking into a local swimming pool when suddenly out of nowhere they notice a stranger whose life is going to get intertwined with theirs.

Connection to element 4: This novel connects to element 4, social movements and social change, because the novel highlights how everyday people, such as students, volunteers, and local black residents who live in Greenwood unite together challenging the systematic racism of Jim Crow laws while fighting for voting rights. It emphasizes the very important theme of coming together a community to work together to transform unjust systems. Wiles also incorporates a variety of different voices and historical figures like Lyndon B. Johnson, Bob Moses, and Cassius Clay. This signifies that social movements are made up of a myriad of individuals with different vital roles and backgrounds who gathered together to support a common cause. The novel showcases specific tactics used during the Civil Rights Movement such as voter registration drives, build freedom schools in the south, and nonviolent protests. These acts were met with suspicion, discrimination, and brutality from white segregationists. Deborah Wiles also wanted to show how individual choices made by characters helped spark and contribute to the larger picture of change in national history. It helps and supports the readers in understanding that history is shaped by individuals acting together to initiate change. The novel also includes real photographs, quotes, and news experts from the time period. It helps readers be reminded that this movement was real and the struggle for social change was dangerous and evident effort.

Classroom lesson idea: My lesson idea that incorporates Revolution by Deborah Wiles is having my students research more on specific events that were mentioned in the novel. For example, what specifically the Freedom Summer initiative is and how did that effect southern states in the time period. How did Freedom Summer help southern communities realize the injustices that were occurring in their state governments? This allows my students to develop more critical thinking and seeing the bigger picture of how Freedom Summer contributed to the larger Civil Rights Movement. After researching about the issue, I would ask the students to form groups and share what they learned about the Freedom Summer initiative. I would use this in 6th grade social studies class because it focuses on a part of history that has often been overlooked in the education system.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation

 

Title: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her family's fight for desegregation

Author & Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh

Link to purchase: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez... book by Duncan Tonatiuh

Grades- 2nd-5th

Link to teacher resource: Book Activities for "Separate is Never Equal" by Patricia Williams

Element 3: Issues of Social Injustice

summary:

    Separate Is Never Equal is the true story of Sylvia Mendez, a young Mexican American girl who helped eliminate school segregation in California about a decade before Brown v. Board of Education. In the 1940s, Sylvia and her brothers attempted to enroll in the local public school in Westminster, California, but were told they had to attend the "Mexican school," a separate, old school with fewer resources. Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, Sylvia's parents, refused to accept the injustice. They formed and launched a lawsuit against multiple school systems, saying that segregation was unjust and illegal.

   The book describes Sylvia's journey as she experiences discrimination and learns the value of standing up for equality. Duncan Tonatiuh's unusual illustration style, which is inspired by ancient Mixtec art, acknowledges Sylvia's Mexican ancestry while vividly expressing the bravery of the families that struggled for change. Through Sylvia's story, kids can learn that regular people, even children, can make a significant difference in the battle for justice and fairness.

connection to social injustice:

    This book represents social justice since it focuses on confronting systematic inequality and advocating for equal access to education. It demonstrates how ordinary people, particularly immigrants and people of color, may use collective action to challenge discriminatory systems. The narrative teaches children that fairness is not guaranteed and that speaking out against discrimination can lead to long-term change. It supports the goals of social justice education by encouraging students to consider themselves as people who can make change.

classroom use:

Read-Aloud and Introduction: We can start by reading the book aloud to the students. When Sylvia is denied admittance to a "whites-only" school, ask leading questions such as "How would you feel?" What do you suppose Sylvia's parents are thinking? We can ask questions to help the students really understand what Sylvia went through.

Element 3 - Issues of Social Injustice

Element 3 : Issues of Social Injustice

Something Happened In Our Town - A Child's Story About Racial Injustice

Written by: Marianne Celano and Marietta Collins

Illustrated by : Jennifer Zivoin

Link to purchase : Bookshop.org

Teacher Resource Link : Teaching Books

Summary of Book

The story begins with, "Something bad happened in our town,” after a Black man is shot in a police shooting. The adults believe the children don’t know, but they overhear the news. Emma, who is white, and Josh, who is Black, ask their parents to help them understand.  Emma’s mother tells her it was a mistake, while her sister argues the man was shot because he is Black. This leads to a conversation explaining that even though slavery ended, discrimination, unfair laws, and treatment still exist, and that white people still have certain advantages. Emma learns that being fair means treating everyone equally and standing up when something is wrong.  Josh asks if the police officer will go to jail. His mother says he might, but sometimes police don’t. His brother explains that officers often protect each other, especially if the person hurt is Black. His father talks about deeper systemic issues and racial injustices. Josh’s parents tell him to be proud of who he is and that he can help make change by being brave, kind, and fair.  The next day at school, Emma and Josh meet a new student who is different from them. Other classmates make fun of the student, but Emma and Josh remember what their families taught them and choose to include the student, showing that small acts of kindness can make the community more equal.

                                                          How it represents Element 3

This story represents element 3, issues of social injustice, because it teaches children about a major social injustice issue, Racial Injustice.  The story shows the differences in how a white family sees the issue of a black man being shot by police compared to how a black family sees it, but ends with both children understanding what racial inequality is and how they can help make a difference by being fair and kind. It gives insight into the fact that children do understand what is happening when they hear about things like this on the news or just hear others talking about it, and the best choice as a parent is to give the child insight and explain to them these social injustices and what they can do to be apart of change.  It also gives tips in the back of the book for parents or educators to have a conversation with their children or students about social injustice and racism and other tough topics.  

How I would use it in my future classroom

This is definitely a story I want to share with my future students in my future classroom to spread the books message.  I think this story would be best for grades 1-6 ages 6-12 years old.  I find that this range works well as the story's language and illustrations makes it very accessible and easier for children to understand.  While the topics are deep, it's written in a way for children to understand and be able to learn from and open up conversations.  I would want to do an activity after reading this book to my students, I would have the students identify examples of fairness and unfairness then come together to brainstorm ways they could make their classroom more inclusive.  Especially during this time in the world, it's very crucial for children to be aware of social injustices.  

Grenade By Alan Gratz

 

Grenade by Alan Gratz 

Book design by Nina Goffi 

Element 3: Issues of Social Injustice 

Link to teacher review: https://teacherbees.ca/grenade/ 

Summary: Grenade by Alan Gratz is about the invasion and battle of Okinawa during World War II in 1945. This book is interesting as it provides two different perspectives from characters involved in the war: Ray who is a new young American solider and Hideki a native Okinawan that was forcibly drafted by the Japanese Army into the Blood and Iron Student Corps. In telling this story from both perspectives, readers are able to understand the true nature of what war does to humanity. Both soldiers and civilians are forced to undergo extreme suffering and in both sides of this battle each opposing side paints the other as a monsters and having the urgency to fight to defend themselves. On the other hand, readers also see the humanistic side of soldiers when not in battle. The message that this book is revealing throughout the novel is that war turns men into monsters when controlled by fear even if they were doing normal jobs before.

Link to purchase: https://bookshop.org/p/books/grenade-alan-gratz/db03b0433c3c4e15?ean=9781338245691&next=t    

Grenade relates to the element 3 of social justice education "Issues of Social Injustice," by having the focus of the book being on the destructive and indiscriminate consequences of war on civilians. The novel emphasizes how the native Okinawan people are caught in the cross fire between the American and Japanese forces, this further spotlights how larger conflicts can create unforeseen injustices towards indigenous and civilian populations. Additionally this book also focuses on the traumatic experiences of both Ray and Hideki. It linked the historical event of World War II to its direct, personal impacts on individual experiences and the suffering and psychological effects of war.   

My lesson idea for this book would be having my students write a story from a character's perspective from the novel. This lesson would also help students learn how to write in a structure of a letter. This is similar to a letter because it helps them know how to format an email. Furthermore, this activity also helps student understand the viewpoints of war from different sides. I would use this book in a 6th grade social studies class. 

Rocket Says Speak Up!

Rocket Says Speak Up!

Written by: Nathan Bryon

Illustrated by: Dapo Adeola

Element 4: Social Movements and Change

Link to purchase: Penguin Random House    

Teacher Resource

Summary:

This book is about a young girl named Rocket protesting the closing of her town's library due to the lack of funding. With her friends and family, she leads a peaceful protest to protect the library and raises money to keep it open. She reaches out all over her town to spread awareness of the closing.

Connection to Social Movement & Change:

This book relates to this element because it portrays the right to protest and freedom of speech. Rocket made a change in her community by speaking out against the closure of the library; without her pride of movement, the book would have ended differently. This is a good start to teach young students to use their voice when they believe something should be done. Also, the book highlights the importance of working together and how it can cause an impact.

Classroom Idea: (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade)

The students can create a mini protest of their own about something in school. For example, the students can protest about wanting more recess or lunch time to eat. The students can create little posters to hang around the hallways. They can also make a petition to be signed by other classmates, along with asking the morning announcers to advocate in the morning announcements of their issue. 

Migrant

 

Migrant

Written by Maxine Trottier

Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Purchase Here (Rizzoli Bookstore)

Social Justice Element 3:  Issues of Social Injustice

Summary: 

Migrant is a picture book narrated by a young girl named Anna, a child to a constantly migrating farmer family of Mennonites, based in Mexico. Anna is an insightful little girl, and as she details some of her experiences, she constantly uses different metaphors of animals and nature to explain what her life with this big family of hers that's in poverty, has to perform physical labor, and is constantly on the move.

Social Justice Aspect:

This book raises awareness of the hardships that people like Anna face. As young as she is, she recognizes that she feels overwhelmed by her family constantly moving and that she yearns for stability. Her choice of metaphors suggest that the socioeconomic conditions her family faces makes her feel almost dehumanized--she describes herself as a mere feather in the wind every time she is uprooted for her temporary home, describes her siblings' crowded sleeping quarters as like bundles of puppies and kittens sleeping together, and her family like a bunch of worker bees when they go picking tomatoes. Through Anna's narration, readers get her perspective on the issues of social justice that she and her family faces.

Classroom Use & Additional Thoughts on Relevance:

I think this book would be especially effective in a diverse school or school district. They call America this "melting pot" country of all sorts of different cultures, yet I feel there's a terrible lack of education of the matters of diversity, immigration, and just social injustice that so many American residents face. That matter and awareness of those matters are especially prevalent with anti-immigrant sentiments of today, and I think this book does a good job a raising awareness and empathy of these people's experiences. 

If students as young as Kindergarten age (4-7) are curious as to say, why there are separate ESL classes in their school (we read a similar book when I was a child to cover the topic) or why other kids at school look/speak/live differently than them, I think it would be useful to read this book aloud and prompt the kids into a discussion on immigration, diversity, and the importance of having empathy for one another's circumstances. Related classwork could include setting a day for the kids to either share aspects of their families' own hardships, or to go out and learn about a social justice issue that other people or groups may face to share what they learned with the class. For example, a child may choose to share their grandparents' story coming to the states, or instead the story of a musical artist they like who rose from poverty.

Teacher Resource:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Migrant-Book-Study-Book-by-Maxine-Trottier-4218520

Another lesson idea where kids have different countries for them that they can learn about as if they were suddenly to move to those, just as Anna's family moved from place to place.

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

 A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

                                                            Written by David A. Adler 

                                                            Illustrated by Samuel Byrd

                                                            Where to Find Book

        Summary: 

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman is about Harriet Tubman, a slave who escaped to freedom, later on becoming the famed conductor on the Underground Railroad. The book chronicles her life, from her childhood as a slave, her daring escape and rescue of over 300 slaves, and her service in the Civil War and part in the women’s suffrage movement. The book gives a holistic view into the history happening during Harriet Tubman’s time.

        Connection to Black History:

The book follows the life story and upbringing of a powerful Black History figure, who rescued over 300 slaves all while risking her life. It allows for a quick read into her story, as well as reflecting a lot of positive themes throughout the book. It shows the resilience and bravery of Harriet Tubman, as well as the pain she endured throughout her life. It gives kids a positive message of fighting to always do the right thing, despite the consequences of it.         

       Classroom Use (Grade 1-4):

• Ask students to make a timeline of Tubman’s life, and include a highlight of what part they believe to be the most important
• Compare and contrast Tubman to other Black historical figures
• Ask students to reflect on why Harriet Tubman is an important figure
• Have students write a letter to Harriet Tubman

       Additional Resources 

• Other lessons related to the book

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

Written by David Adler

Illustrated by Samuel Byrd

Summary -

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman is about Harriet Tubman, a slave who escaped to freedom, later on becoming the famed conductor on the Underground Railroad. The book chronicles her life, from her childhood as a slave, her daring escape and rescue of over 300 slaves, and her service in the Civil War and part in the women’s suffrage movement. The book gives a holistic view into the history happening during Harriet Tubman’s time,

Connection to Black History -

The book follows the life story and upbringing of a powerful Black History figure, who rescued over 300 slaves all while risking her life. It allows for a quick read into her story, as well as reflecting a lot of positive themes throughout the book. It shows the resilience and bravery of Harriet Tubman, as well as the pain she endured throughout her life. It gives kids a positive message of fighting to always do the right thing, despite the consequences of it.

      Classroom Use (Grades 1-4):

• Ask students to make a timeline of Tubman’s life, and include a highlight of what part they believe to be the most important

• Compare and contrast Tubman to other Black historical figures

• Ask students to reflect on why Harriet Tubman is an important figure

• Have students write a letter to Harriet Tubman

Additional Resources

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=a%20picture%20book%20of%20harriet%20tubman

Purchase link 

https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-picture-book-of-harriet-tubman-david-a-adler/97fb2f37506a0cdf?ean=9780823410651&next=t&next=t