Brick by Brick
What’s inside...
Brick by Brick is a story of perseverance and determination, depicting a young boy learning to build a brick path with his father's guidance. Facing various challenges, including sourcing materials and overcoming obstacles, the boy ultimately learns the value of hard work and persistence. Set in a small American town, the story draws from the author's childhood experiences and is enhanced by vibrant illustrations. Additionally, the book delves into the compelling true story behind the construction of the White House, a significant yet often overlooked part of history, crafted by Coretta Scott King Award winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper. The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long before there were machines to do those same jobs. Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper's stunning illustrations bring to life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this iconic emblem of America, brick by brick. Includes an insightful author's note and a list of selected resources.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the builders keep adding one brick at a time, and how does it affect the final building?
What feelings do you think the builders have as they see their construction taking shape?
How do the colors and shapes in the illustrations make you feel while reading the story?
If you were to help the builders, what would you build and why?
How do you think teamwork helps in achieving great things like building a skyscraper?
Tip: Role play these questions
Focus on the process shown in the book, discussing step-by-step achievements and patience.
Encourage your child to describe the illustrations and relate them to the emotions conveyed in the text.
Highlight the importance of each individual's contribution towards a bigger goal, stressing on teamwork and collective effort.
Promote creativity by asking your child to imagine their own construction projects and discuss the tools and people they might need.
Draw parallels between the story and real-life situations where they have to collaborate or build something to help them connect with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The story illustrates how perseverance and dedication are key when building, as the characters encounter challenges in their construction project but persist through them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying committed to their tasks, whether in school projects or personal goals, even when obstacles arise.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases characters working together to build something bigger than they could on their own, highlighting the value of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning to cooperate with others to achieve common goals, enhancing their social skills and collective problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: As the characters build, they use creativity to solve problems and innovate solutions, emphasizing the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity in solving everyday problems or in creative pursuits, fostering critical thinking and innovation.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Architecture and Engineering
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, the book introduces children to the basics of architecture and engineering, sparking interest in these fields.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore, learn more about, and possibly pursue interests in engineering, architecture, and related fields as they grow.