In The Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives
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What’s inside...
In the Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives delves into the contradictory actions of America's Founding Fathers, who advocated for freedom and justice while simultaneously owning slaves. The book brings to light the poignant, often overlooked stories of five enslaved individuals who belonged to four notable presidents, providing a nuanced understanding of slavery's integral role in the early formation of the United States. Through detailed research and engaging narratives, this book contributes to a more comprehensive view of America's origins and is a valuable addition to the common core curriculum.
Discussion points
How do the stories of these five individuals help us understand the impact of slavery on American history?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on these specific presidents in relation to the lives of enslaved people?
What emotions did you feel while reading about the challenges faced by these individuals?
How does understanding this hidden history change your view of American presidency?
What can we learn from the resilience and courage shown by these five people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation with a brief overview of the book to ensure your child understands the context.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the stories told in the book, validating their emotions.
Discuss the historical context surrounding the lives of the five individuals and how it relates to the present-day issues of equality and justice.
Use examples from current events to draw parallels, helping your child to see the relevance of history to their own world.
Highlight the strength and perseverance of the characters despite their circumstances to inspire your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of historical truth
Explanation: The book uncovers the often overlooked stories of enslaved individuals in the shadows of U.S. Presidents, providing a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of American history.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a respect for truth and accuracy, understanding the importance of recognizing all perspectives in history, not just the dominant ones.
Example Lesson: Empathy and awareness
Explanation: By sharing the personal lives and struggles of enslaved people, the book fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the injustices they faced.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply empathy in their daily interactions, learning to be considerate of others' feelings and backgrounds, and recognizing the impact of historical injustices on present communities.
Example Lesson: The complexity of moral choices
Explanation: The book explores the moral contradictions of Presidents who championed freedom while owning slaves, highlighting the complexity of moral decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically about right and wrong and understand that historical figures and others can have complex legacies.
Example Lesson: Importance of individual stories in history
Explanation: The book emphasizes the significance of individual experiences in the broader context of historical events, showing that everyone's story matters.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value every person’s story and understand how each individual contributes to the tapestry of history.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about history
Explanation: Through its exploration of lesser-known historical narratives, the book encourages readers to question and analyze established historical narratives.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to engage thoughtfully with historical texts and discussions, promoting a habit of seeking out multiple sources and perspectives.