Freedom, We Sing
What’s inside...
Freedom, We Sing is a lyrical picture book that explores the concept of freedom through a poem by Amyra León, accompanied by Molly Mendoza's lush illustrations. The book encourages readers to reflect on the meaning of freedom and provides a gentle way for parents to discuss hope and current events with their children. The text poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of freedom and its implications, making it a powerful and beautiful read. It is designed to inspire hope and give readers around the world a way to ponder what it means to be free. The illustrations are immersive and invite kids to delve into the concept of freedom, making it an ideal book for parents looking to start conversations with their children about finding hope during tense times.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does freedom mean to you after reading this book?
How do the illustrations help you understand the emotions conveyed in the story?
Why do you think the author chose to write about freedom?
Can you think of a time when you felt free like the characters in the book?
How can we help others feel freedom as described in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on freedom and what it means in your life, creating a safe space for your child to open up.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book through drawing or other creative outlets to deepen their understanding and connection.
Link the themes of the book to real-life examples or current events to help your child see the relevance of the concepts discussed.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of the book's themes.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the discussion to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing diversity
Explanation: Through its lyrical storytelling and diverse illustrations, 'Freedom, We Sing' explores the themes of freedom and diversity, encouraging children to recognize and embrace differences among people.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds and cultures they encounter in school or their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of asking questions
Explanation: The narrative is framed around a mother answering her child's questions about freedom, which promotes a culture of inquiry and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and seek understanding about the world around them, promoting continuous learning and growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book addresses complex emotions and situations, allowing children to empathize with different perspectives and fostering emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Unity and collective freedom
Explanation: By showing different people pondering what freedom means, the book emphasizes that freedom is a collective endeavor and best when shared.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of community and working together towards common goals, such as justice and equality.