Thurgood Marshall (Childhood of Famous Americans)
Childhood of Famous Americans (Pb) Series
on Goodreads (27)
What’s inside...
The book 'Thurgood Marshall (Childhood of Famous Americans)' by Montrew Dunham provides an insightful biographical account of the early life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. It explores his childhood, educational journey, and challenges faced due to racial discrimination. The narrative emphasizes his determination to overcome obstacles, his budding interest in law, and his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. The book aims to inspire young readers through engaging storytelling and includes illustrations, timelines, questions, activities, and a glossary to enrich their learning experience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Thurgood Marshall
Norma Marshall
Sir William Marshall
Discussion points
What challenges did Thurgood Marshall face as a young boy, and how did he overcome them?
How do you think Thurgood's experiences as a child shaped his future as a Supreme Court Justice?
Why do you think education was so important to Thurgood Marshall and his family?
What qualities did Thurgood exhibit that you admire and why?
If you could ask Thurgood Marshall one question about his childhood, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the obstacles Thurgood faced and how they relate to challenges they might encounter themselves. Discuss the importance of education and perseverance, illustrated by Thurgood's life, to inspire your child. Use the stories from the book to connect personal development with historical context, making the conversation both educational and personal. Highlight Thurgood's values, such as fairness and courage, and discuss how these values can be applied in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence Pays Off
Explanation: The book highlights Thurgood Marshall's journey through numerous challenges to achieve his dream of becoming a lawyer and eventually a Supreme Court Justice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep striving towards their goals despite obstacles, understanding that persistence is essential for success in any field.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: Thurgood Marshall's academic journey is emphasized, showing how crucial education was in paving the path to his achievements.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and take their education seriously, knowing it can be a cornerstone of their future success.
Example Lesson: Equality and Justice
Explanation: Marshall's fight against racial segregation and for equal rights for all is a central theme, illustrating his strong moral compass.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of fairness and the importance of standing up for what is right, encouraging them to be advocates for justice in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The narrative shows how Marshall managed to maintain his focus and integrity in spite of the systemic racism and obstacles he faced.
Real-World Application: Children learn the power of resilience and that facing challenges head-on can lead to overcoming them and achieving one's dreams.