Sojourner Truth: The Courageous Former Slave Whose Eloquence Helped Promote Human Equality (People Who Have Helped the World)
People Who Have Helped The World Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Follows the life of the former slave who gained renown as a abolitionist and advocate of women's rights.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
68 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sojourner Truth
Discussion points
What challenges did Sojourner Truth face, and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think Sojourner Truth was so passionate about equality?
How can we apply Sojourner Truth's lessons to our lives today?
What does it mean to be courageous, based on Sojourner's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use positive reinforcement as your child expresses thoughts and feelings about the book. Relate Sojourner's experiences to current events or family values to make the story more relatable. Encourage children to think about how they can promote equality and courage in their own lives, fostering a deeper connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sojourner Truth's journey from slavery to becoming a prominent advocate for abolition and women's rights showcases her immense courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for their beliefs and confront challenges, regardless of their difficulty, inspired by Truth’s bravery.
Example Lesson: Equality and human rights
Explanation: Through her speeches and advocacy, Sojourner Truth championed the cause of equality and human rights, emphasizing that all people deserve respect and freedom.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of treating everyone with fairness and defending the rights of others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Sojourner Truth persisted in her fight for justice, demonstrating resilience that children can learn from.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by not giving up in the face of setbacks, whether in school, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Sojourner Truth is remembered for her powerful speeches that conveyed her message and moved people to rethink their views.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to express themselves clearly and passionately in both oral and written forms.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Sojourner Truth showed deep compassion for others in her activism, particularly in her efforts to improve conditions for African Americans and women.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of empathy by understanding and acting upon the needs and feelings of others around them.