My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement
on Goodreads (277)
What’s inside...
My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement is a memoir by Willie Mae Brown that recounts her experiences as a young black girl in Selma, Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. Through vivid stories, Brown reflects on her childhood, capturing the spirit of resistance and resilience. She explores the segregated South, the tensions of race and identity, and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on everyday people. Brown's narrative provides insight into the complexities of growing up black in America, highlighting the strength and perseverance of black communities. This memoir is not only a personal account but also a broader commentary on the struggle for justice and equality in America.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the children in 'My Selma' felt during the events of the Civil Rights Movement?
What are some ways that the characters in the book showed courage?
Why is it important to learn about history through personal stories like those in 'My Selma'?
How do you think the events in Selma changed the lives of the people living there?
What can we do today to continue the work started by the Civil Rights Movement?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the events described in the book, reaffirming that it's okay to feel strong emotions about historical events.
Relate the struggles and triumphs in 'My Selma' to current events to help your child see the ongoing relevance of civil rights.
Focus on the resilience and bravery of the young characters to inspire your child about the impact they can also make in their world.
Discuss the power of storytelling in preserving history, and encourage your child to think about stories in their own life that are important to remember and share.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how individuals, including young people, stood up against racial injustice during the Civil Rights Movement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to speak out against unfairness and support what is right, regardless of the challenges they might face.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and solidarity
Explanation: The book highlights how communities came together to support each other and fight for civil rights.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in community activities, helping neighbors, and learning the importance of unity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through stories of various individuals' experiences, the book teaches children to understand and empathize with people from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be more considerate and accepting of their peers who may have different life experiences.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book provides a depiction of historical events through personal memories, giving children a deeper understanding of history.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better appreciate the significance of history in shaping the present and future.
Example Lesson: Resilience and hope
Explanation: Despite the hardships depicted, the book also shares stories of hope and resilience, inspiring readers to remain optimistic.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to adopt a resilient attitude in their own life challenges, reminding them that there is always hope, even in difficult times.