A new book on social justice

Here is some information to consider

This Is The Dream

Title: This Is The Dream
Author: Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander
Illustrator: James Ransome
Grade Level: K-2

Summary: This book can be separated into two parts. First, it shows the ways in which African Americans were treated prior to the Civil Rights Movement. It shows many different examples of ways in which African Americans were poorly treated, such as, not being able to sit on the bus, drinking from different fountains and segregated schools. But it then shows how it took courageous people who stood up and fought for their rights for equality to exist.

SJE: This Is The Dream represents element 3 because it doesn't just celebrate that we are now a diverse nation, it shows how horrible African Americans were treated prior to the Civil Rights Movement. Also, this book does not shy away from the horrible ways in which whites acted towards African Americans. Though the words are simple and in a rhyme scheme, the illustrations say so much about the hatred that occurred. On one of the pages it specifically shows the four major figures during the Civil Rights Movement that truly changed the world we live in. In the end, it celebrates that we can live together equally, but that this was not an easy accomplishment.

Activities: There are so many activities that a teacher could do with this book. Two that I think would be really effective and fun include an art project and also a little research project. The artwork in this book is amazing. Not only are the pictures very good, but there are collage frames around many of the pictures that have signs that say "No Blacks Allowed" etc., but my favorite frame is towards the end of the book and there are faces with different noses, eyes, mouths, etc. I would have the students cut out facial features and bodies of all different races from newspapers or magazines. Then, they would be mixed up and each group would have all different features. The faces would ultimately have a variety have races represented. The point of this activity would be to show the students that just because we do not look alike, we are all apart of each other and it is necessary that we realize this. Also, another activity inspired by this book can be about the monumental figures in the Civil Rights Movement. This book focuses on four specific figures, so students could either be put into small groups and each group has a figure from the book or they could pick other figures that promoted similar causes. Each activity would promote element 3 by exhibiting how racism has effected African Americans and our lives today.

Other Information: I think this book can be extremely effective because it shows that all it took were people to fight for their beliefs to have these inequalities change, which can influence the next element showing that it is possible for change to occur.

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Different Like Me

Different Like Me by Marc Thomas is about an eight year old boy named Quinn who has Asperger’s Syndrome. Throughout the text he talks about the accomplishments, struggles, and characteristics of his autistic heroes. This text introduces children from the age of eight to twelve years old to well-known inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy. Historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Lewis Carroll, Andy Warhol, and a few others have contributed to society in many ways yet they have had to overcome different forms of oppression. Quinn has a few things in common with each person mentioned, but mostly they are similar because they have had a hard time fitting in, not only their peers, but in society as well. This book is valuable to my classroom because it proves that diversity has impacted various groups of people in several different ways. This book represents element number three, Exploring Issues of Social Injustice. Although Quinn hadn’t dealt with racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, or religious intolerance, he faced another prejudice because of his handicap and so did every person mentioned throughout the story. This text allows students to learn about the struggles that these particular figures have overcome. I would use this book as a way to help students with low self-esteem and those who have a hard time fitting in with everyone else. As for the students who don’t have any issues, they can learn from this book as well because it proves that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is capable of anything they set their mind too, just ask Albert Einstein.

You can purchase this book by clicking on the link below.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?r=1&isbn=9781843108153&cm_mmc=Google%20Product%20Search-_-Q000000630-_-Different%20like%20Me-_-9781843108153

The Egyptian Cinderella

Title: The Egyptian Cinderella

Author: Shirley Climo

Illustrator: Ruth Heller

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Lesson Plan Ideas

More Lesson Plan Ideas

The Egyptian Cinderella is a new and different cultural take on the classic Cinderella fairy tale. Rhodopis is the Cinderella in this story. She has no mother or father. From Greece originally, she was sold as a slave to Egypt. The Egyptian servant girls look down upon her because she is different. They all have straight black hair, brown eyes, and tan skin while Rhodopis has green eyes, tangled hair, and rosy skin from the sun. The Egyptian servant girls make fun of her and force her to do more work than she has to. Rhodopis has a talent in dancing and her master sees that one-day. He decides to buy her new beautiful shoes that are perfect for dancing. The Pharaoh of Egypt comes across one of her shoes when a falcon has stolen it and dropped it in front of him. He is determined to find the owner. He finds Rhodopis and the Egyptian servants are angry proclaiming that she is not Egyptian and therefore cannot be with the Pharaoh. The prince sees past the differences and says, “She is the most Egyptian of all…For her eyes are as green as the Nile, her hair as feathery as papyrus, and her skin the pink of a lotus flower.” The Pharaoh and Rhodopis are then married.

Element three is about exploring the issues of social justice, for instance, racism. This book shows racism from the Egyptian servant girls. They did not take kindly to Rhodopis because she looked different than they. When it came to the master and the Pharaoh, they were able to look past the appearances and differences and accept Rhodopis for who she was not what color skin she had. This book can show students that racism is not only in America it is a global issue. In class, especially a first grade or kindergarten class, we can do an activity that seems simple but sends a strong message. The teacher can print out blank faces on pieces of paper and have each child draw and color their own portrait. Once the portraits are finished, the teacher would hang them on a board in the classroom. This shows children that we are all different in our own ways and our skin color does not matter.

Whoever You Are

Title: Whoever You Are

Author: Mem Fox

Illustrated By: Leslie Staub

Ages : Pre-K - Grade 3

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How to Use the Book: Lesson Plan

"Whoever You Are." is a wonderful book that has been used to show respect for others, show aspects of diversity and seek to deconstruct stereotypes. This book takes a look at the different people, colors and cultures of the world through beautiful illustrations. It seeks to explain that although as children we may all look, speak, learn, and live differently on surface, we all share the same thing on the inside. Mem Fox seeks to explain that we all have hearts, and bones and experience pain, love and happiness, ultimately hoping to show that we are not all so different after all. This book has also been featured on the famous children's show Reading Rainbow.

This book represents the SJE # 2 because it seeks to create a climate of respect for diversity. It could also tie into many discussions that would allow students to learn to listen with kindness and empathy. Finally, this book will help students see everyone as equal and hopefully deconstruct some stereotypes.

Above is a link for a week long strategy for this book. I feel this book is a good introduction to start some exercises that will start revealing each others culture, and information about themselves. I feel like I would use this book to hit home the idea that respect for others is important and give students the opportunity to share their own culture.

My Grampy Can't Walk

Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrators: Robin Hegan and Kristin Blackwood


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Lesson Plan Guide!


Summary: "My Grampy Can't Walk" is a children's book written for children who are in kindergarten through third grade. The story is about Grampy who has Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound due to his disability. Additionally, the story is told through the lens of his grandchildren and shows the great relationship they have together even though he is disabled.

Throughout the story the author highlights the many stunning things Grampy does with his grandchildren. The great love and respect the grandchildren have for their Grampy is also apparent throughout the story as well. This book is very moving because Grampy really embraces his disability.

Respect for others: "My Grampy Can't Walk" is a great book that can be used in the classroom to help foster respect for others. This book provides a better understanding about people with a disability for children. Element two is really represented in this book because the author depicts that if someone has a disability they may be different but they still have dignity, and deserve to be loved and respected. Furthermore, the book shows children that even though having a disability can be difficult you can still have respect for yourself and live a great life.

Activity: This book would be appropriate to use for an activity on "Respect for others". I would first gather with my students on our classroom rug and read the book aloud. Then I would ask my students to explain what the story was about. Next I would allow time for some questions and speak about people with disabilities. After this I would let the students each talk about someone they know with a disability. During this time they would also share with the class one thing they love about that person. Afterword we would talk about the importance of respect for others and ourselves regardless of what disabilities one may or may not have. To conclude this activity each student would draw a picture of the person they spoke about and include what they love about them.

I Love My Hair!

Title: "I Love My Hair!"
Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

"I Love My Hair", by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley is a book for children ages 3 - 8 years old. This book is about an African American girl named Keyana and the many different ways she can wear her hair. Throughout the story we see Keyana style her hair in many ways, but also be teased for her hair. She is able to overcome her peers teasing, accepting her hair and the various characteristics her hair can hold.

"I Love My Hair" is a beautifully written and painted book that exposes children to the idea of self-love and acceptance. This book is more than just hair styles on a young girl. This story is about learning to love the hair she was born with, even when peers put her down.
In this book, Keyana teaches a valuable lesson that even though her peers may tease her, she can overcome and love herself. In the end, she is happy with her numerous hairstyles because she appreciates what she looks like as part of her own identity. The illustrations in this book show the numerous hairstyles, but emphasizes the expressions on Keyana's face. The watercolor paintings are realistic and easy for children to relate to.

In my future classroom I would read this text aloud because it promotes the idea that everyone may look different but, it is important to be accepting of others. In this story, she is teased but a teacher comforts her and gives her background knowledge about African American hair. In my classroom I would want to promote different cultural hairstyles, traditions and clothing. I would encourage my students to talk with each other about their own family traditions including the food they eat, hair styles, clothing, holidays and many other diverse aspects. Another idea to promote the idea of self-love and knowledge would be to have students draw themselves and what they like about themselves. I would hang these up to promote positive self esteem. By discussing these different customs and seeing portraits of peers, each of my students can feel comfortable and appreciate how they look.

Click here to purchase "I Like My Hair"
Click here to review a Scholastic Lesson Plan

-Ellen Chapin