All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes
#5 in Maya Angelou'S Autobiographies Series
on Goodreads (7,832)
What’s inside...
Recounts Angelou's stay in Ghana, together with other Black Americans, and her discoveries and reflections concerning her ancestors, Africa, American society, and herself. The book is described as 'thoroughly enjoyable' and 'an important document drawing more much-needed attention to the hidden history of a people both African and American' by the Los Angeles Times Book Review. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Character compass
Maya Angelou
Julian Mayfield
Guy Johnson
Discussion points
How did Maya Angelou's experiences in Ghana make her feel about her identity and her sense of belonging?
Why is the concept of home important in the book, and how does Maya explore this?
What challenges does Maya face, and how does she overcome them?
How do the people Maya meets influence her journey and understanding of herself?
Why is understanding different cultures important, according to Maya Angelou’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the idea of 'home' and belonging to set a personal example and create a comfortable space for open dialogue.
Encourage your child to think about and share times they have felt out of place or different, and discuss ways they managed those feelings.
Link discussions to current events or personal experiences that involve moving to new places or meeting people from different backgrounds to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask your child to think about what they would do in Maya’s situation in specific scenes to enhance empathy and deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Reinforce that it’s okay to have mixed emotions about the places we live and the cultures we interact with, much like Maya felt during her travels.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity
Explanation: Maya Angelou’s journey in the book highlights her experiences with different cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing cultural differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds in their schools and neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout her travels, Angelou actively explores her personal identity which shapes her understanding of herself and her place in the world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own interests and talents, helping them to build their self-confidence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Angelou’s narrative showcases her ability to overcome challenges and hardships, teaching readers about the strength of human spirit.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that difficulties are a part of life, and that they can overcome them by being resilient and persistent.
Example Lesson: The power of community and belonging
Explanation: In her travels, Angelou finds strength in communities, illustrating the supportive power of social bonds and connectedness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in community activities and forming healthy relationships, promoting a sense of belonging and support.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and empathy
Explanation: The book touches on historical events and social issues, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy toward the struggles faced by others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more empathetic and informed about historical contexts, enhancing their understanding of the world around them.