The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial
What’s inside...
The inspiring story of four-year-old Sarah Roberts, the first African American girl to try to integrate a white school, and how her experience in 1847 set greater change in motion. In 1847, Sarah Roberts attended a school in Boston, but was soon told she could no longer come back because the Otis School was for white children only. The Roberts family fought for change, leading to Roberts v. City of Boston, the first case challenging the legal system to outlaw segregated schools. It was also the first time an African American lawyer argued in a supreme court. These steps ultimately paved the way for equality under the law in the United States. The book includes a timeline of integration, bios on key figures, resources, and an author's note.
Age
6-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sarah Roberts
Benjamin Roberts
Charles Sumner
Robert Morris
Discussion points
How do you think Sarah felt when she wasn’t allowed to go to the school she wanted to? Can you relate to her feelings?
Why is it important for everyone to have equal rights in education?
What changes do you think happened after Sarah’s trial?
How can we help others who might be treated unfairly today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background about segregation to help your child understand the context of the story.
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in Sarah’s shoes, fostering empathy and deeper connection to the narrative.
Discuss the notion of fairness and justice post-reading to reinforce the book’s themes and relate them to present-day scenarios.
Highlight Sarah’s courage and determination, prompting a discussion about how one individual's actions can make a difference.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist's determination to challenge segregation in schools shows immense bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for their rights and persisting despite challenges, which can be applied in advocating for fair treatment at school or other social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The protagonist fights for her right to quality education, emphasizing education's role in personal and community development.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value their education and understand how it can lead to better opportunities and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Equality and Justice
Explanation: The book highlights the historical struggle for equality and the legal battles to achieve it, teaching about justice and civil rights.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of equality and can be motivated to treat everyone with fairness and stand against discrimination.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: By depicting a significant yet lesser-known legal battle against segregation, the book educates young readers on important historical events.
Real-World Application: This empowers children with the knowledge of their history, helping them to understand current societal structures and their own role within it.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Respect
Explanation: The story provides perspectives on the difficulties faced by those who were segregated, fostering empathy and respect for others' struggles.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to empathize with others' experiences and respect diverse backgrounds can help foster inclusive behavior in their interactions with peers.