Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
What’s inside...
A powerful and inspiring picture book about a young John Lewis, who learns the importance of standing up for what is right and preaching to the chickens in his family's backyard. The story follows John's journey as he grows up in rural Alabama, where he learns about the injustices of segregation and the power of nonviolent resistance. As John preaches to the chickens, he learns to use his voice to make a difference and to never be silenced. The book is based on the childhood of Congressman John Lewis and is illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist, E.B. Lewis.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
John Lewis
Discussion points
What do you think made young John Lewis so determined to speak up even when he was just a boy?
How do the chickens in the story react to John Lewis when he preaches to them? What does that tell us about leadership?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have a voice like young John Lewis believed?
Can you think of a time when you felt strongly about something? What did you do?
How can we support and listen to each other's ideas, even if they are different from our own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of who John Lewis was and why he is an important figure in American history.
As you read, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think young John Lewis is feeling at different points in the story.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they felt they made a difference or helped someone.
After reading, discuss with your child the importance of perseverance and speaking out for what is right, drawing parallels to situations in their own life.
Reiterate the message that every voice is powerful and important, just like young John Lewis' was.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases young John Lewis’ dedication to preaching to his chickens, despite their lack of understanding and the challenging circumstances of his upbringing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and commitment, encouraging them to continue pursuing their passions even when faced with obstacles.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: John Lewis is depicted taking care of his chickens and showing leadership from a young age, which mirrors his later life as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the significance of leadership and taking responsibility in their own lives, whether it's in their family, school, or community.
Example Lesson: Compassion for all creatures
Explanation: Through John's gentle and caring approach to his chickens, the book imparts a lesson of empathy and compassion towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to extend kindness and empathy towards all living beings, fostering a more compassionate attitude towards animals and people alike.
Example Lesson: The power of dreams and visions
Explanation: John’s practice in preaching to his chickens represents his early visions of speaking out and making a difference, which aligns with his future role in social change.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to dream big and understand that their early interests and actions can be foundational for their future impact on the world.
Example Lesson: Respecting and learning from history
Explanation: The book connects John's childhood activities with his historical impact, teaching children to respect and learn from the past.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to see history as a valuable teacher and to understand their own potential to make history through their actions and choices.