A Dream Of Freedom
What’s inside...
Explores the sacrifices and triumphs of African Americans in their pursuit of social and political equality, and examines the often violent resistance they met from white Americans. A stirring history of the Civil Rights movement in America by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of CARRY ME HOME. In this history of the modern Civil Rights movement, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Diane McWhorter focuses on the monumental events that occurred between 1954 (the year of Brown versus the Board of Education) and 1968 (the year that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated). Beginning with an overview of the movement since the end of the Civil War, McWhorter also discusses such events as the 1956 MTGS bus boycott, the 1961 Freedom Rides, and the 1963 demonstration in Birmingham, Alabama, among others. The author uses interviews she conducted personally with key figures of the movement.
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Martin Luther King Jr.
Fred Shuttlesworth
George Wallace
Eugene 'Bull' Connor
Discussion points
How did the actions of the Civil Rights leaders inspire you?
Why do you think it's important to stand up for what you believe in?
What are some ways you can make a difference in your community?
How do you feel about the challenges faced by the people in the story?
What did you learn about the history of civil rights in America?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, read the book together or ensure your child has read it. This shared experience provides common ground for a meaningful conversation.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and characters, reinforcing that all opinions are valued.
Connect the themes of the book to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and impactful.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s understanding and perspective, fostering critical thinking.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage further exploration of the topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical struggles for equality
Explanation: The book details the civil rights movement, exposing children to historical events and figures like Martin Luther King Jr., which highlight the fight against racial injustice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing the importance of equality and justice in their interactions at school and in the community, promoting inclusivity and respect for all.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through real-life stories and struggles faced by people during the civil rights era, children can learn to empathize with others’ pain and challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a stronger sense of empathy and compassion, which they can express in their relationships with family and friends, understanding and caring for others' feelings and views.
Example Lesson: Courage and standing up for what is right
Explanation: The book portrays various activists who showed immense bravery and resilience in the face of oppression, encouraging readers to be brave in their own lives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to advocate for themselves and others, understanding the importance of standing up against wrongdoing, whether it's in defending a classmate or speaking out against unfair rules in their environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and informed activism
Explanation: Through the depiction of strategic planning and use of knowledge by civil rights leaders, the narrative stresses the power of education and informed decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay informed about their world and to use their knowledge to make decisions, sparking interest in learning and remaining engaged in societal issues.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'A Dream Of Freedom' repeatedly face challenges, yet their perseverance is highlighted throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether related to school tasks like complex subjects or personal challenges like making new friends.