African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History profiles ten remarkable individuals from Africa who have made significant contributions to the world in various fields such as politics, science, the arts, and civil rights. These icons include queens, warriors, and modern-day activists, each with a unique story that exemplifies their impact and legacy. Author Tracey Baptiste and illustrator Hillary D. Wilson bring to life historical figures whose vision built nations and shaped the course of history. This comprehensive guide provides an empowering and energetic journey through time, celebrating Black excellence and providing a correction to Eurocentric historical narratives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which of the ten icons inspired you the most and why?
How do you think the achievements of these icons have shaped the world or their communities?
What challenges did these icons face and how did they overcome them?
If you could meet any of the icons in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How can we apply the lessons learned from these icons' lives to our own lives today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about Africa and its history to gauge their prior knowledge.
While discussing the book, relate the struggles and successes of the icons to experiences your child may encounter, making it relevant to their life.
Encourage your child to express which stories impacted them the most and explore why together.
Post-discussion, consider doing a creative project together such as drawing one of the icons or writing a short essay on how they might continue the icon's work if they were them.
Utilize the book as a continual reference point for teaching resilience, leadership, and the importance of cultural heritage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book showcases inspiring stories of individuals who overcame significant obstacles in their lives, such as Queen Nzinga who valiantly fought against colonial powers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges and persist despite difficulties, modeling the resilience of the figures highlighted in the book.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse cultures
Explanation: Each icon's story provides insights into different African cultures and historical contexts, presenting a broader understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Kids can develop respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering empathy and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of innovation
Explanation: The book includes stories of innovators like Thomas Sankara, who introduced progressive policies and visions for his country.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and solve problems innovatively, applying these concepts in school projects or community activities.
Example Lesson: Leadership and integrity
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate strong leadership and moral integrity, influencing their societies positively.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative and lead by example, whether in classroom settings or amongst peers.
Example Lesson: Valuing education and knowledge
Explanation: Many icons, such as Patrice Lumumba, were advocates for education and enlightenment as tools for liberation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to value their education and seek knowledge continuously, understanding its impact on personal and community growth.