Shining a Light
What’s inside...
A collective biography of 40 influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, from Kalpana Chawla to The Rock to Tammy Duckworth, whose historical contributions readers may not know but whose light shines on, with stunning illustrated portraits by Hugo Award nominee Victo Ngai. Meet forty people who helped change the world in countless ways in this beautifully illustrated collective biography. From scientists to sports stars, aerospace engineers to artists, every person shines in this collection. Dynamic portraits portray each person with bold colors and clever, precise details. Each biography celebrates the determination and courage of people who were on the forefront of changing society. Using their specific talents, each individual fought for the space for people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to be seen and treated with dignity and respect. Their important legacy lives on today.
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters handled their challenges?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Which character did you relate to the most and what would you have done in their situation?
How do you think the main character felt at the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they expect from the story based on the title and cover. This can help in understanding their perspective.
Pause at climactic moments in the story and ask your child to predict what might happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This helps deepen their connection to the story and promotes creative expression.
After finishing the book, relate the story’s themes to your child’s personal experiences. This personal connection can make the themes more meaningful.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment that encourages open discussion and thoughtful reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Shining a Light,' characters demonstrate empathy by understanding and supporting each other’s feelings and perspectives, which helps resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of their peers and family members, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but shows courage and persistence, which ultimately leads to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own challenges, whether big or small, with bravery and a never-give-up attitude, building resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how working together with others can achieve goals that might seem impossible for an individual.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life during group activities at school or play, teaching them the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Characters in the book take responsibility for their actions, which is an important theme, teaching children about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning up to their actions and learning from their mistakes, fostering a sense of responsibility.