Little People, Big Dreams: Maya Angelou
#10 of 115 in Little People, Big Dreams Series
What’s inside...
Maya Angelou's life story is told in this book, from her early years in St. Louis, Missouri, where she and her brother Bailey experienced racial segregation, to her time as a young single mother in San Francisco, where she fought to provide for her son, to her later years, where she became a celebrated author and civil rights activist. Lisbeth Kaiser's words and Leire Salaberria's illustrations work together to depict Maya's story with sensitivity and strength. This book is a moving tribute to a woman who has inspired countless people all over the world to fight for their dreams and never give up.
Discussion points
What challenges did Maya Angelou face, and how did she overcome them?
How does Maya Angelou inspire others with her words and actions?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have a dream?
What did you learn about resilience and courage from Maya's story?
If you met Maya Angelou, what would you ask her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on Maya Angelou’s life and why her story is significant, setting the stage for an open exchange of ideas.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the obstacles Maya faced, and relate them to any personal challenges they themselves might have encountered.
Discuss the importance of dreams and how they drive us, perhaps sharing personal aspirations you had as a child.
Highlight Maya’s use of words to create change. Ask your child to think of ways they can use their own talents to influence their world.
After finishing the book, consider watching a video of Maya Angelou speaking or reading her poetry together to bring her story to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book portrays Maya Angelou’s journey from overcoming childhood adversity to becoming a renowned writer and activist.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and bouncing back from difficult situations, which can be applied in overcoming personal challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Maya Angelou's story emphasizes her use of writing and poetry as a powerful tool for self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and express their own thoughts and feelings through creative activities like writing, drawing, or speaking.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through her activism and literary work, Maya Angelou demonstrated a deep empathy for others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering better relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: Maya’s story highlights how education opened doors for her, both personally and professionally.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to value their educational opportunities and use learning as a tool to achieve their dreams.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Maya Angelou’s works often reflect her experiences with racism and the importance of cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and histories, enhancing their social awareness and inclusivity.