Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
What’s inside...
A picture book biography of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. It details her life and how she transformed her deep sorrow from her son's tragic death into a powerful call for justice, making his story a central part of the civil rights movement. The book is a Caldecott-honor winning portrayal that highlights her significant role in bringing her son's case to national attention and igniting a widespread demand for change.
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mamie Till-Mobley
Emmett Till
Discussion points
How do you think Mamie Till-Mobley felt during her journey for justice, and what does that teach us about bravery?
Why is it important to remember and talk about Emmett Till's story?
How can we apply the lessons from Emmett Till’s story to address unfairness or injustice today?
What changes do you think Mamie hoped to see in the world? How can we contribute to those changes?
How does this story inspire you to act or think differently in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the story to set a comfortable tone for open conversation.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the book, affirming that all feelings are valid.
Relate the themes of the book to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Ask your child to think about ways they can demonstrate courage and stand up against injustice in their own lives.
Highlight the historical context of the story, ensuring your child understands the significance of the events and their relevance today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases Mamie Till-Mobley’s bravery to publicly seek justice for her son Emmett's death despite immense societal pressure and danger.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult, and can apply this bravery to confronting school challenges or defending others.
Example Lesson: Impact of individual actions on social change
Explanation: The book highlights how Mamie Till-Mobley’s decision to have an open-casket funeral for Emmett and to speak out helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their actions, no matter how small, can contribute to larger societal changes. They learn the value of participating in community service or standing up against unfair treatment in their environments.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Through the narrative, readers gain insight into the deep pain and injustice faced by Emmett Till and his family, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better relate to and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and hope
Explanation: Despite the tragic loss of her son, Mamie Till-Mobley's strength and hope for a better future is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain hopeful and resilient in their own lives, using setbacks as opportunities to grow and advance personal and collective goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of history in shaping the present
Explanation: The book provides a historical context that helps children understand the roots and evolution of civil rights in America.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of history in understanding the present and are encouraged to respect and learn from historical events to shape a better community.