Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change
Kid Legends Series
What’s inside...
Moving, relatable, and totally true childhood biographies of Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Malala Yousafzai, and 12 other inspiring activists. Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems--often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Martin Luther King, Jr. loved fashion, and argued with his dad about whether or not dancing was a sin. Harvey Milk had a passion for listening to opera music in different languages. Dolores Huerta was once wrongly accused of plagiarizing in school. Kid Activists tells these childhood stories and more through kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. The diverse and inclusive group encompasses Susan B. Anthony, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Frederick Douglass, Alexander Hamilton, Dolores Huerta, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Iqbal Masih, Harvey Milk, Janet Mock, Rosa Parks, Autumn Peltier, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which activist's childhood story resonated with you the most and why?
How do you think these activists' childhood experiences shaped their adult lives?
What qualities do all these activists share that helped them make a change?
If you could meet any of the activists featured in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How can you make small changes in your daily life to make a positive impact on others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about activism and activists, and discuss the concept briefly to provide context.
As you progress through the book, pause after each activist’s story to discuss their actions and motivations, connecting it back to your child's experiences or observations.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of different life perspectives.
After reading the book, challenge your child to think of a cause they care about and discuss small, practical steps they can take to contribute to that cause.
Share personal experiences or stories about people you know who have stood up for change, to make the concept more relatable and inspiring.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book shares stories from the childhoods of famous activists, showing the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. This allows children to see the world from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse experiences and backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Courage
Explanation: Each activist encounters obstacles in their stories but demonstrates resilience by persisting in their goals. These real-life examples serve as powerful motivation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own challenges with courage, understanding that perseverance can lead to making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Standing Up for What is Right
Explanation: The activists in the book often stood up against injustice from a young age, showing moral integrity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to advocate for fairness in their schools, communities, and beyond, understanding the impact they can have even at a young age.
Example Lesson: Awareness of Social Issues
Explanation: The book introduces children to a range of social issues, each connected to the experiences of the featured activists.
Real-World Application: Children learn about important issues and are encouraged to think critically about the world around them, laying a foundation for active, informed citizenship.