The Legendary Miss Lena Horne
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Lena Horne, a singer, actress, and civil rights activist. It chronicles her journey from her early years in Hollywood, where she faced racism and segregation, to her later years as a civil rights activist. Celebrate the life of Lena Horne, the pioneering African American actress and civil rights activist, with this inspiring and powerful picture book from award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford. Lena Horne was born into the freedom struggle, to a family of teachers and activists. Her mother dreamed of being an actress, so Lena followed her footsteps. Lena's career began in vaudeville, but she eventually received the first-ever studio contract for a black actress from MGM. However, she was only considered for stereotypical roles, which she refused to accept. Despite these challenges, she never gave up. 'Stormy Weather' became her theme song, and her performance of 'This Little Light of Mine' at a civil rights rally solidified her voice and calling as a civil rights activist.
Discussion points
What challenges did Lena Horne face, and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think being courageous is important?
How did Lena Horne use her talents to make a difference?
What can we learn from Lena Horne’s story about treating everyone equally?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences with overcoming obstacles and how you handled them to connect personally with your child as you discuss Lena Horne’s life.
Highlight the importance of courage and determination in facing life’s challenges, drawing parallels to situations in your child’s own life.
Discuss the significance of using one's talents to positively impact the world, asking your child how they think they can use their skills to help others.
Encourage your child to think about equality and the importance of standing up for what is right, drawing examples from the book and relating them to contemporary issues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lena Horne's journey illustrates how she overcame racial and gender barriers to achieve her dreams.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and resilience when facing challenges in their own lives, whether in school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: The book highlights Lena's use of her unique talents in singing and acting as a form of personal and political expression.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and embrace their own talents and ways of expressing themselves, understanding that their voice and talents matter.
Example Lesson: Standing up for what is right
Explanation: Lena Horne's active participation in the civil rights movement showcases her commitment to justice and equality.
Real-World Application: This story serves as a powerful example for children to advocate for fairness and to stand against discrimination in any form.
Example Lesson: The power of education and learning
Explanation: Lena's growth as an artist and activist was bolstered by her continuous learning and evolving understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value education and see learning as a lifelong process that enriches their understanding and capabilities.