Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)

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Connect:Would you be considered brave if you did today what the women in these storiesdid? Talk about the difference between then and now? What has changed, and what must still change? After Reading Written by Baroness Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen, published by Macmillan Children’s Books Filled with optimism and joy, yet deeply personal and relevant, young children will follow Floella’s experiences of moving home and making friends. Alongside vibrant illustrations by Diane Ewen, this powerful story shows little people how courage and determination can always overcome adversity. Who are five women listed in the book you would like to learn more about? Why did you choose the five women? Go learn five more facts about one of them.

Ask: What do you notice about the pictures of the women on the front cover of the book? What questions do you have? Talk about race is often discouraged, but this book aims to bring everyone into the conversation. It explores the history of race and society, giving context to how racist attitudes come into being. It looks at belonging and identity, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation. The authors talk sensitively about how to identify and challenge racism, and how to protect against and stop racist behaviour. Connect:In reading the introduction, what do you think the author wants you to learn most? During ReadingMarcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the pitch – but before he was a Manchester United and England footballer, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an ordinary kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now the nation’s favourite footballer wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide for life. Nathaniel doesn’t want to move to England with his master’s family, leaving behind his mother and sister on the Jamaican plantation. But then he remembers what his mother told him: once a slave sets foot on English soil, they’re free. Perhaps he can earn his fortune and buy his family’s freedom, too. An important and timely book on race and racism, encouraging children to think for themselves about the issues involved. I have also had the pleasure of studying Zora Neale Hurston, who grew up not far from my university in Florida, and I found her to be one of the most fascinating humans who ever lived. The woman was an absolute enigma! And, again, the text reads blah, blah, blah. Harry (13): 3.5 stars. I Too long compared to all the other picture books, but I read some of them, and found them inspirational.

Ask:What traits of a leader do you have already? What trait of a leader would you like to develop? What does a leader like this do to make the world better? Can you do any of those things? The New Orleans school child who famously broke the color line in 1960 while surrounded by federal marshals describes the early days of her experience from a 6-year-old’s perspective. Connect: History is made up of stories told by the people who were there or those who came after and researched the people and events. When you write in your journal about the events of your day and the world around you, you are telling the story of that day. Look around at thekind and generous acts you see people doing; write about it to document the good in the world. Activities Considering how few children’s books out there feature POC on the cover, that was the initial thing that drew me to this book. The next thing, was the title and how it very much ties into my goal when it comes to teaching my future children about equality for all, as well as feminism (which I suppose can also be categorized under “equality for all”…although I meant that one more for equality for all races? I’m not sure if there is specific terminology that I should be using, but if you know, please share it with me in the comments!)I started this girl power journey with Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women and was positively blown away with the original art work (as were my two daughters), but the collection included so many unknown women and omitted so many more obvious choices, I was left scratching my head in confusion. The book held both of my daughters' interest for about 50% of the time. Tara: 4 stars. Non-fiction. Good information for young readers but I thought the length of the stories would have it be grouped in middle grades. In this heart-stopping adventure, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation. Lyra (11): 4 stars. I love the stories. They're very long for a little kid book, but still, very inspiring.