Benito Juárez Fights for Justice
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
From the incredible illustrator of Dreams from Many Rivers comes the story of Benito Juárez, a man who devoted himself to his country and became president of Mexico. Juárez grew up in a village filled with orange trees, surrounded by the mountains of Oaxaca. As he got older, he became aware of the poverty and ruin in his paradise-like surroundings. Armed with a deep-seated belief in justice, he set out to make a difference. The book follows Juárez from his childhood to his career in politics, illustrating a story of hope and determination.
Discussion points
Why do you think it was important for Benito Juárez to fight for justice?
How do you think Benito Juárez felt when he faced challenges?
What qualities do you admire in Benito Juárez and why?
Can you think of a time when you stood up for something you believed was right?
How can we apply the lessons learned from Benito Juárez’s life in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, highlighting any moments that particularly moved them.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the challenges faced by Benito Juárez and any personal experiences or challenges they've encountered.
Use examples of justice and fairness from the child’s everyday life to help them connect with the themes of the book.
Discuss the importance of resilience and determination, traits shown by Benito Juárez, and how they can be applied in the child’s life.
Create a family 'justice journal' where each family member can write about an act of justice they performed or witnessed each week, inspired by the story of Benito Juárez.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of justice
Explanation: Benito Juárez, the protagonist, stands up against inequality and fights for the rights of all people in his community, demonstrating the impact of persevering for justice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat everyone fairly, regardless of their background, and stand up for what is right in their own interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Benito faces various challenges but remains determined to achieve fair treatment for everyone. His resilience shows children that persistence is key in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties in learning new skills or dealing with conflicts.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: Benito Juárez values education and uses his knowledge to advocate for justice. The story highlights how education can be a tool for personal and societal change.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their education and use what they learn to make informed decisions and help others.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Benito takes on leadership roles to make impactful changes. His journey illustrates the responsibilities that come with leadership and the importance of using power wisely.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take on small leadership roles, perhaps in group projects or family tasks, learning to handle responsibilities and to lead by example.