3-5 Books, 2021-2022, Click HERE
3-5 Books, 2020-2021 (below, this page)
The books and activities below are
for 3-5 grade classrooms. We do not own the rights to these books, but are
providing links to publicly available videos. We think you should buy
these wonderful books for your school or home library! Each book is
categorized by its theme (BIOGRAPHY, CIVIL RIGHTS/RACISM, and TAKING ACTION). We try to add new books at the top of each section every 3-4 months.
Please feel free to use these links to copy-able letters to PARENTS or TEACHERS.
Click on the book cover or the enlarged title to link to the video reading. Where possible, we have used Video Link to create links outside of You Tube, so it doesn't move students on to other videos. Occasionally requests to subscribe to the reader's website are embedded at
the end of the story. These may be ignored. But please remember, if we have had to use YouTube links, to
stop the video before it moves on to other unrelated content.
BIOGRAPHY
GordonParks: How Photography Captures Black and White America
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jamie Christoph (4:09 minutes, read by Sankofa Read Aloud)
The story of Gordon Parks, beautifully illustrated, is about a young African American man who finds his talent with the camera. He goes on to highlight, in photographs, life of many African Americans at a time both before and after segregation, and before cell phone photos captured life beyond segregated communities.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
The students can google Gordon Parks to see some of his photographs, featured in museums throughout the US.
Have the students write about a hobby they have that might lead to a career.
Discussion Idea: Parks got direction from a model and from a boss about what to photograph. Did he follow their advice? Do you think advice can help someone in their career?
Written by Lisbeth Kaiser, illustrated by Marta Antelo
Rosa Parks was born and raised on a small farm outside of
Montgomery, Alabama. She grew up facing mean and unfair treatment because of
her skin color but she resisted with bravery and dignity. She grew up to be
become an American activist and one of the most important figures in the civil
rights movement and sparked the movement that ended segregation. It is
important to know that she had been actively resisting unfair treatment all her
life, really, and that she was not just a tired person on her way home from a
long day’s work. You can read a good article about this from the New York Times HERE.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Activities might include first asking the children to tell you who they think of as heroes, and why. And then ask them to tell you what it is that makes someone a hero. Ask them then to think about Rosa Parks standing for fairness. Ask what risks she was taking. What could and did happen to her and other civil rights leaders? The discussion should aim to get across that heroes are not just people who walk on the moon, for instance, or break home run records. No, just ordinary, everyday people, standing for their beliefs are super heroes too. What about you or other kids in our school who speak out about bullying and unfair treatment they witness—are they heroes, too? Do you think you could be a hero. Do you think that might be hard?
A good question for students might be how does a child know right from wrong as Rosa did as a young girl? Or, what is the difference between working alone to change a bad rule or law or working with a group as Rosa did with the NAACP?
By
Susanna Reich , Illustrated by Raúl Colón (About 9.5 minutes)
This is the story of a Mexican born boy who loved to draw and play piano, and whose artistic spirit led him far from home to become a dancer known for his unique style. Wonderfully illustrated, this story tells of José Limón’s journey of learning a new language, struggling with self doubt and eventually following a dream of becoming a dancer and creating dances that are still danced today. There are discussion questions interspersed in this reading....might be good to hold off and save for after the story is finished.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Discuss or write about what you love to do. Do you have dreams for your future doing what you love? What are some obstacles you might face? Do you have a hero or heroine who has followed their dream and made a difference in the world? Is it important to become famous? Do you have someone in your life who believes in you?
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier
An interesting account (about 10 minutes) of how Martin Luther King was inspired by his father and his experiences growing up in the segregated South. This particular reader intersperses reading the story, with actual photographs taken at the time.
This is a beautifully illustrated and uplifting story of Hank Aaron's childhood and success as a baseball player, overcoming the trials of segregation with hopefulness and perseverance. The reader, Mary Lee, gives historical background, highlights vocabulary that is important to the story, and points out important ways in which the writing helps the story – all in a wonderful southern accent. (About 23 minutes with her many digressions.)
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Think of someone you admire, find out more about them and learn what barriers they faced to achieve their dream.
If your heroine/hero is alive, write them a letter to see what they can tell you about their special talent.
Do you have a dream? What steps can you take now to achieve your dream? What strengths do you have that will help you along the way?
I am Harriet Tubman
by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Chris
Eliopoulos. Read by Xavier Riddle.
An engaging story (about 15 minutes) providing a very personal view of the experience of slavery from the life of this brave, resourceful woman, who fled north to Philadelphia seeking her own freedom, and then devoted her life until the Civil War rescuing countless others. Her use of the Underground Railroad was instrumental in these efforts. Excellent history and inspiring story of the difference one person can make in the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom for all.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Have children draw and/or write a word describing feelings they have as they listen to this story. Then show and discuss.
Students might record some of the events in Harriet Tubman's life by folding a long strip of paper into panels and writing or drawing some of her life events.
Either in class or in cooperation with the art teacher, do portraits of Harriet Tubman. Here are some photographs of her as a young and an older woman, and others are available online.
CIVIL RIGHTS/ RACISM
Written by Calvin
Alexander Ramsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper (8:34 minutes, read by Sankofa Read Aloud)
This is the story of Ruth, who travels with her parents from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother. As they travel she learns about Jim Crow laws and about The Green Book that helped black travelers find safe places to stay, eat and buy gas while on the road.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Ask the students how Ruth's parents handled the challenge of being turned away at a gas station and motel/hotel. (example, Mom packed food ahead of time)
Have the students look up Victor Green. Who paid for publishing The Green Book and why?
Break into small groups and talk about the kindness you noticed in the story.
Have students learn when Jim Crow laws began, and when they ended.
Written by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
A biography, but really provides a great history of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Since King is such a well-known figure, you might want to ask the children what they learned about him and the history of civil rights that they didn’t already know. Also ask what they will most remember from this book.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
There are so many events that happened in this book. At the very beginning of the book, Martin Luther King, Jr. says his childhood was the beginning of many themes in his life:
- When he fell he got back up.
- Before he could even read, he knew big words would be in his future.
- He realized people were treated unfairly, just because of the color of their skin.
- His mother told him he was as good as anyone else.
Working with the details in this book helps students ponder and retain them. Try reviewing and sorting all the events in this book into the first three of these categories. This will work as a whole group or individually. For instance, what category would it be to attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery, 3 times until they were successful? Or a year of boycotting the buses? How about writing a speech in jail that is still read to this day? How about when his daughter cries because she can’t go to the amusement park?
Activity: In this book Martin Luther King, Jr., is portrayed in the style of a graphic novel character. Can you draw him in that way yourself, and then put him in the middle of one of these events as you imagine it? You could add speech bubbles if you choose.
by Becky Birtha, illustrated by Colin Bootman (About 10.5 minutes)
This story, beautifully illustrated, highlights the experience of two sisters heading off for the summer to visit their grandmother in the South of the 1950's. The story explores many aspects of a child's experience of segregation, learning to read, having a strong dignified role model (Grandmama) and experiencing the change when Jim Crow laws are finally changed. Pride, despite discrimination, and ways adults tried to protect children from the unfairness of racism are key features of the book. Learning to read and a growing understanding of the bigger world through reading is well described. (We like this reading very much, however one early illustration of the bus they're riding in is upside down!
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Draw some signs you'd like to see that show
everyone is welcome. Do you know how unjust laws are changed? If you don't
know, how would you find out ? Do you think Grandmama protected the sisters
from racism? If so how did she do that? How would you explain unfairness to a
young child?
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
by Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Something Happened in Our Town: A Story About Racial Injustice
by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Anne Hazzard, illustrated by Jenifer Zivoin.
Reading presented by the Niagra Undergound Heritage Center
This is an animated read-aloud (about 9 minutes), very current to today's news. It focuses on two families, one black and one white, who discuss the recent shooting of a black man in their town. The children ask tough questions and the parents engage them in exploring feelings and positive actions.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
What is something you can do, either as a class, or a family, or by yourself, if you hear of a shooting on the news?
Write down the name(s) of someone you can talk to if you have questions about this story.
Draw a picture of kids reaching out to other kids, doing fun things together.
Teammates
by Peter Golenbock, illustrated by Paul Bacon, read by Michele Lepe
(about 11 minutes)
Until the 1940’s, professional baseball consisted of the Negro Leagues and the (all-white) Major Leagues. No player had ever crossed from the Negro Leagues to the Major Leagues until 1947, when the General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League ball player. Jackie encountered unimaginable hatred and threats wherever he went and especially from enraged fans at the games—until one Dodger player, PeeWee Reese, publicly embraced him on the ball field.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
What does it mean to be a teammate? How can we be teammates to people who might at first seem different from us?
Do you think PeeWee Reese was brave? Why? What made it hard? Describe a hero.
Is it ever OK to call people mean names? So – if you saw someone being humiliated (made fun of), you would… If you heard a group of kids picking on someone at recess, you would…
TAKING ACTION
Written by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (15:26 minutes, read by Marci Chavalas)
This story, richly illustrated, follows Cesar Chavez from his family farm in Arizona to California during the drought of 1937 when his family lost their farm. He worked full time in the fields, dropping out of school after 8th grade. Cesar grows more and more aware of the exploitation and injustice dealt the farmworkers. The story depicts his efforts and eventual success, with non-violent action, organizing for improved working conditions. The result was the first contract for farmworkers signed in The United States.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
How did Cesar convince others to march for better working conditions?
How do you think Cesar had the courage and confidence to stand up for what he knew was right?
Break into groups of two and talk about how the story made you feel.
What do the illustrations in the story tell you about the people Cesar knew and worked with?
Written by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
This is a magnificent book, winner of the 2021 Caldecott Award, inspired by the many movements led by Native Americans. Written by a member of the Ojibwe tribe, it issues an urgent cry to protect the Earth’s water from harm, and depicts the importance of one young person taking a stand. This book will both educate and inspire, while offering a good glimpse into Native American culture.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Questions might include asking the students how water is important to you and your daily life. Brainstorm all the ways we use water every day. Talk about where their water comes from. If your well, or your town water supply became polluted, what would you do?
A NOTE: This has become, of course, a highly politicized topic. We certainly suggest that you preview the video. You might want to cut off at the end of the story. You might also want to preface the viewing with some brief facts about the pipeline dispute.
Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls (About 9.5 minutes)
An inspiring true story of a boy born in Ghana with a deformed leg. Despite enormous challenges growing up, Emmanuel worked hard to achieve his dreams and to prove that one person can change the world for the better.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Has anyone tried riding a bike using only one leg? What do you think that would be like?
Ghana is larger than Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire combined. How long do you think it would take to ride your bike around those four states? Is there a change you believe in strongly because you believe it would make the world a better place? What can you do, now or when you are older, to achieve that dream?
This is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by James Ransome (About 6 minutes)
This book tells the story of a family taking bold action for a better life. The focus is on what remains constant in the life of a family despite the upheaval of moving north. It is read slowly, with lovely illustrations.
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Have the class take some quiet time to think about what goes into the decision to take action for improving a situation. Have the students discuss what is lost and what gained by seeking a new home. Draw a picture of some important object that has meaning in your family’s story.
by Monica Clark-Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison
A stirring story of children, inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr., marching for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. Many were arrested and jailed. A true story told by one of the child marchers. (about 6 minutes)
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Have children draw a picture or write a word describing feelings they have as they listen to this story. Discussion can also focus on what these students can do to make sure everyone in their school is treated fairly and kindly. Can anyone think of a cause they feel strongly about—and might be willing to risk taking part in such a non-violent, protest march?
by Meena Harris, illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez, read by the author.
The true story of two sisters who see an empty lot near their building and decide to do something about it for their community. The focus is on determination and teamwork. Wonderful illustrations and nicely read by the author, who is Vice President Kamala Harris's niece. (about 9 minutes)
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
Can you think of a project that would improve your home, school or community? What obstacles might you face? Who would you ask for help?
What does it mean, "No one can do everything, everyone can do something"? Do you think this is true?
Get together with a one or two others from your class and take 15 minutes to come up with an idea to improve your playground at school, or classroom environment. List what you would need to do to make the idea happen.
