Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson
What’s inside...
This nonfiction picture book from author Charles R. Smith Jr and illustrated by Shane W. Evans tells the story of the world's first black heavyweight champion, the charismatic Jack 'Black Jack' Johnson. Born as Arthur John Johnson in the southern state of Texas, Jack Johnson was one of the most renowned boxers of the twentieth century. Through hard work and persistence, he climbed the ranks, taking a swing and a jab and eventually busting the color barrier. As the first black man to win the Heavyweight Championship, there was more than a title on the line. Published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this history-making bout (July 4, 1910), this book is an extraordinary marriage of poetry, fabulous collage artwork, and a splendid achievement in its own right.
Age
2-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack Johnson
Discussion points
Why do you think Jack Johnson wanted to be the best boxer in the world, and how did he work towards his goal?
What challenges did Jack Johnson face because of his race, and how did he respond to those challenges?
How did the people around Jack Johnson both support and hinder his success? Can you think of examples from the book?
What does the title 'The Ballad of Jack Johnson' suggest about his life story?
How can we apply the lessons from Jack Johnson's life to our own challenges today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about overcoming an obstacle, setting the stage for a deep dive into Jack Johnson’s perseverance.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences or emotions to those Jack Johnson experienced during crucial moments in the story, fostering empathy and understanding.
Highlight the historical context of the book. Discuss the social and cultural obstacles of Jack Johnson's time to provide a broader understanding of his achievements.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss the mood and tone of certain scenes, asking your child how the visuals help tell Jack Johnson’s story.
After discussing, motivate your child to learn more about other historical figures who broke barriers and made significant impacts in their fields.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story of Jack Johnson portrays his journey to become the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, overcoming racial prejudice and societal barriers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist and maintain determination, regardless of challenges they face at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-confidence
Explanation: Jack Johnson's confidence in his abilities and his self-worth drives his success and helps him handle societal pressures.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to believe in themselves and their capabilities, which can enhance their performance in academics and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Equality and respect for all
Explanation: Jack Johnson's story highlights the significance of treating everyone with respect and fighting for equality, as he did in a racially divided society.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to treat peers with respect, understanding, and fairness, irrespective of background or differences.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Jack Johnson's persistent efforts led him to achieve his goals and make a mark in history.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of continuous effort and perseverance in achieving their own goals, be it in learning new skills or improving in sports or other areas.
Example Lesson: Overcoming societal stereotypes
Explanation: Jack Johnson broke the negative stereotypes and emerged as a strong figure challenging the racial prejudices of his time.
Real-World Application: Children learn to critically analyze societal norms and stereotypes, and to form their personal identities based on their values rather than conforming to outdated stereotypes.