The Sun Does Shine (Young Readers Edition)
on Goodreads (383)
What’s inside...
The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to the power of hope sustained through the darkest times, now adapted for younger readers, with a revised foreword by Just Mercy author Bryan Stevenson. In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in Alabama. Despite knowing it was a case of mistaken identity, Hinton was sentenced to death due to a biased criminal justice system against Black men. He spent 27 years on Death Row, transforming not only his own spirit but also those of his fellow inmates. With the help of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Hinton was released in 2015. His memoir highlights the themes of freedom, imagination, humor, and joy, and underscores the importance of hope in overcoming injustice. A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
Age
10-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Anthony Ray Hinton
Lester Bailey
Bryan Stevenson
Ms. Hinton
Discussion points
How did Anthony Ray Hinton's attitude towards his situation inspire you, and what would you do in a similar situation?
Why is friendship important, especially in difficult times like those faced by Anthony?
What did you learn about justice and fairness after reading this book?
How can we support people who are treated unfairly, in our community or elsewhere?
What does this story teach us about hope and resilience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and open atmosphere for the discussion, reassuring your child that there are no right or wrong answers.
Draw connections between the themes of the book and your child’s experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would feel or react in Anthony’s situation, fostering empathy and understanding.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and positivity, as demonstrated by Anthony, and discuss ways your child can apply these values in their own life.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Anthony Ray Hinton demonstrates resilience by maintaining hope and dignity throughout his wrongful imprisonment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with a positive attitude and to never give up, even in tough situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through Hinton's friendships with fellow inmates and his ability to forgive those who wronged him, the book teaches the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to understand and share the feelings of others in their daily interactions, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Importance of justice and advocacy
Explanation: Hinton's story showcases the need for a fair legal system and the impact of advocacy and support.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to stand up for what is right and learn the importance of supporting justice initiatives.
Example Lesson: The power of hope
Explanation: Despite being wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 30 years, Hinton sustains hope and dreams of freedom, which is a powerful driving force in his life.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to remain hopeful and optimistic in their own lives, using hope as motivation to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Strength of friendship and community
Explanation: The support Hinton receives from his community and his deep friendships while incarcerated highlight the strength found in unity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture relationships and to understand the role of a supportive community in overcoming life’s challenges.