Let the Children March
What’s inside...
In 1963, thousands of children in Birmingham, Alabama, were arrested and put in jail for protesting segregation. This is the story of the Children's March, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Monica Clark-Robinson's moving text and Frank Morrison's powerful illustrations bring this important chapter in history to life for young readers. An author's note and additional resources are included in the back of the book. This powerful picture book introduces young readers to a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights. Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Award.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of the children in the book impact the story of the Civil Rights Movement?
What feelings do you think you would have had if you were part of the march?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult?
How can young people today contribute to making changes in society?
What did you learn about courage and teamwork from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by summarizing the story with your child, focusing on the key events and characters involved.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the march and the children’s involvement.
Discuss the concept of equality and why it was important for the children to march for their rights.
Relate the story to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more impactful and relatable.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think about ways they can contribute to important causes in their community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing adversity
Explanation: The story vividly portrays young children actively participating in the Birmingham Civil Rights March, demonstrating bravery despite the fear and large-scale opposition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for their rights and express their views on matters important to them, even when facing challenges or opposition.
Example Lesson: Importance of peaceful protest
Explanation: The book shows children leading a peaceful protest instead of responding with violence, emphasizing the power of non-violence in making a significant change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to resolve conflicts and seek justice through peaceful means, advocating respect and understanding in confrontational situations.
Example Lesson: Effect of teamwork and unity
Explanation: In the story, children come together for a common cause, which significantly impacts their community and beyond, illustrating the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of collaborating with others towards achieving common goals, fostering teamwork and cooperation in school projects or community activities.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: ‘Let the Children March’ educates about a crucial part of American history, encouraging respect and understanding for the struggles faced by others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diverse historical narratives and perspectives, promoting empathy and inclusivity in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through voice
Explanation: The story empowers its young readers by showing how the voices of children, though small, played a critical role in the civil rights movement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their opinions and voices matter and that they can be powerful agents for change, even in their own small ways.