Zora Neale Hurston
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Considered one of the eminent writers of twentieth-century African-American literature, Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance and has influenced writers such as Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. She published four novels, two volumes of folklore, an autobiography, and several short stories and plays. This book includes a glossary, bibliography, and index. Hurston grew up in Eatonville, Florida, was a librarian at Patrick Air Force Base, and taught in Fort Pierce where writer Alice Walker discovered her grave in 1973.See all of the books in this series
Why read this book
- Inspiring tale of Zora Neale Hurston's life and achievements.
- Emphasizes perseverance and following one's passions.
- Introduces significant cultural and historical insights.
- Enhances vocabulary and historical understanding.
Age
9-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zora Neale Hurston
Discussion points
How do you think Zora Neale Hurston's early life in Eatonville influenced her work and values?
What challenges did Zora face because of her race and gender, and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think it's important for Zora to preserve African American folklore and stories?
How can Zora's perseverance and dedication to her passions inspire us today?
What qualities do you admire most in Zora, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from Zora's life to discuss the importance of resilience and following one's passion, even when faced with obstacles.
Encourage your child to relate Zora's experiences to their own life, discussing any personal challenges and how they can be overcome.
Reflect on the significance of cultural heritage, asking your child why they think keeping stories and traditions alive is crucial.
Discuss the impact of empathy by exploring how understanding different cultures and histories can change our perspectives.
Praise your child’s thoughts and responses to nurture a positive discussion environment, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: The book chronicles Zora Neale Hurston's determination to overcome societal and financial barriers to pursue her passion for writing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their interests and studies despite challenges, understanding that obstacles can be a part of any successful journey.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: Hurston's work celebrated African American culture and folklore, emphasizing the importance of one's roots and identity.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and take pride in their own heritage and learn about the diverse backgrounds of others.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: Despite numerous hurdles, Hurston's commitment to her education played a crucial role in her development as a writer.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value and pursue their own education as a tool for personal and professional growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her writings, Hurston provided a voice to characters and stories from different walks of life, promoting a deeper understanding of various human experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of compassion and inclusivity.