Black Lives Matter: Stories of Struggle and Resistance
What’s inside...
A collection of 100 inspiring, moving and poignant short stories, submitted to the 500 Words: Black Lives Matter competition which ran on Virgin Radio in July 2020. 500 Words: Black Lives Matter features a foreword from Chris Evans, analysis of the writing from Oxford University Press and writing tips from judges Malorie Blackman, Charlie Higson, Francesca Simon and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Originally devised by Chris Evans, 500 Words has a rich 10-year heritage, giving children of all ethnicities and backgrounds a platform to express their imaginations and creativity through storytelling. In the decade it has been active, 500 Words has involved 54% of primary and secondary schools in the UK and received 1.1 million entries. This year almost 6,000 children, aged between 5-13, submitted stories expressing their personal experiences, tales of empathy, learning and respect, building on the international conversation around Black Lives Matter. The illustrious judging panel, chaired by Angellica Bell and Michael Underwood, reviewed thousands of submissions from which they have shortlisted eight finalists and selected a further 92 stories to be included in this important and timely collection.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
331 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the stories in 'Black Lives Matter: Stories of Struggle and Resistance' make you feel and why?
Can you think of a time when you stood up for something you believed was right? What similarities do you see between your experience and the stories in the book?
Why do you think it is important to learn about other people's struggles and victories?
How can we support and show kindness to people who are treated unfairly?
What are some ways you can make a positive change in your community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own reflections on the book to create an open, honest environment.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without interruption, affirming their feelings and fostering a deeper understanding.
Link discussions to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation relevant and engaging.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about how the themes of the book apply to their own lives.
Use the stories as a springboard to discuss the importance of diversity, empathy, and community support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through narratives depicting real struggles faced by Black individuals, the book illustrates vivid examples of challenges and injustices, helping children to empathize with experiences different from their own.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and understand the feelings and perspectives of their peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book educates children on the historical context of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for racial equality, providing a foundation of knowledge about past civil rights efforts.
Real-World Application: This awareness enables children to become informed citizens who understand the importance of history in shaping current events and societal structures.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Courage
Explanation: Stories in the book highlight individuals standing up against racial injustice, demonstrating resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to adopt these qualities in facing their own challenges and in standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Example Lesson: Importance of Activism
Explanation: The book showcases how collective actions and voices can lead to societal change, emphasizing the importance of community and activism.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of participating in community activities, understanding that their actions can contribute to positive changes in society.
Example Lesson: Justice and Equality
Explanation: Through its stories, the book promotes principles of fairness and the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their race.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps kids to internalize ideals of justice and equality, guiding them to be fair in their judgments and actions towards others.