Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
What’s inside...
Zora and Langston. Billie and Bessie. Eubie and Duke. If the Harlem Renaissance had a court, they were its kings and queens. But there were other, lesser known individuals whose contributions were just as impactful, such as Florence Mills. Born to parents who were former-slaves Florence knew early on that she loved to sing. And that people really responded to her sweet, bird-like voice. Her dancing and singing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired songs and even entire plays! Yet with all this success, she knew firsthand how bigotry shaped her world. And when she was offered the role of a lifetime from Ziegfeld himself, she chose to support all-black musicals instead. Fans of When Marian Sang and Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa will jump at the chance to discover another talented performer whose voice transcended and transformed the circumstances society placed on her. From Caldecott Honor winner Christian Robinson
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Florence Mills face and how did she overcome them?
How did Florence Mills help others through her talents?
Why do you think it's important to share your gifts with the world like Florence did?
What did you learn about the culture and time period Florence lived in?
How can we make a positive impact in our community today, inspired by Florence’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about Florence’s perseverance and the impact of her actions. Relate it to any situation where they had to be brave or help others.
Discuss the importance of celebrating and sharing one's unique talents, drawing parallels with the child's own abilities and interests.
Explore the historical context of the story together, perhaps looking at pictures or listening to music from the Harlem Renaissance to enrich the conversation.
Highlight the themes of social change and equality, asking your child how they feel about these issues and fostering a sense of empathy and justice.
After reading, consider engaging in a creative activity like drawing or singing, inspired by Florence’s story, to celebrate her artistic spirit.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Florence Mills faces significant racial and societal challenges, yet she persists in her passion for singing and performing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors, whether it's learning a new skill or standing up for what they believe in, despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: Throughout her career, Florence receives support from her community, which plays a crucial role in her success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and seek support from their own communities, be it family, friends, or local groups, understanding that success is often a collective effort.
Example Lesson: Equality and fairness
Explanation: The book highlights Florence's efforts to use her platform to fight against racial injustice and inequality.
Real-World Application: Instills the values of fairness and equality in children, promoting actions that support justice in their interactions and communities.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: Florence Mills' story showcases the beauty of cultural diversity and the power of representing one’s heritage through the arts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures and expressions, and appreciate the contributions of different communities to the arts and society.