It Takes a Village
on Goodreads (3,680)
What’s inside...
A story about the power of community and the importance of working together to create positive change, told through the author's experiences as a young girl growing up in a small town, and later as a lawyer and advocate for women's rights and education. The book, inspired by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 'It Takes a Village,' illustrates how a multicultural America collaborates towards constructive goals, celebrating civic spirit and emphasizing empathy, kindness, and resilience. It narrates how diverse communities coming together can change the world, resonating across generations and encouraging readers to contribute positively to society.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways you can help others in our community, just like the characters in the book?
Why do you think working together is important to accomplish big tasks?
How did the story make you feel about being part of a group or community?
Can you think of a time when someone helped you? How can you pay it forward?
What kind of village would you like to build? Who would be in it and what roles would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with the story, bridging connections between the book's themes and their world.
Highlight the importance of community and teamwork as discussed in the book, and relate these themes to family or school settings.
Ask your child to imagine their ideal community and discuss the roles they and their friends or family might play in it.
Follow up on responses with further questions to deepen understanding, such as asking for specific examples when your child talks about times they've helped others or worked with others.
Reinforce the messages from the book by recognizing and praising your child's everyday collaborative and helping behaviors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community Collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates how people in a village come together to build a playground, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the power of collaboration and can apply this by participating in group activities at school or in their neighborhood, understanding that working together can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse group of individuals contributing to a shared goal, showing children that everyone, regardless of background, has something valuable to offer.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to embrace and celebrate differences in others, promoting inclusivity in their interactions at school or in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book take on tasks suited to their abilities, which teaches children that being responsible is an important part of community life.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take on appropriate responsibilities at home or in class, helping them develop a sense of reliability and accountability.
Example Lesson: Importance of Civic Engagement
Explanation: The book highlights the roles various community members play in achieving a common objective, underscoring the importance of active participation in community initiatives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be active participants in their local communities, whether through school elections, community service, or local events, fostering a sense of civic duty.