Trailblazers: Lin-Manuel Miranda: Raising Theater to New Heights
#3 of 67 in Trailblazers Series
on Goodreads (70)
What’s inside...
This biography series for kids is inspired by the true story of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator behind the Broadway blockbuster, Hamilton. From a young age, Miranda was influenced by the sounds and rhythms of New York, which inspired him to create the multi-award-winning musical that blends hip hop, R&B, and other music styles. This book celebrates the lives of trailblazers past and present, encouraging readers to think about the kind of trail they will blaze.
Discussion points
How do you think Lin-Manuel Miranda's passion for theater influenced his life and career?
What qualities do you admire in Lin-Manuel Miranda, and why?
How can Lin-Manuel Miranda's journey inspire you in your own life or hobbies?
What challenges did Lin-Manuel face, and how did he overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences or aspirations, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Discuss the significance of perseverance and hard work as illustrated in Miranda's life to instill similar values in your child.
Highlight the impact of creativity and innovation, asking your child how they might use creativity to solve problems or express themselves.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of following one's passion, asking your child what they are passionate about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence leads to success
Explanation: The book depicts Lin-Manuel Miranda's relentless effort and commitment to his craft, from his early beginnings to creating groundbreaking musicals like 'Hamilton'.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently working hard towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or creative pursuits, understanding that perseverance is key to achieving success.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural heritage
Explanation: Lin-Manuel Miranda's work is heavily influenced by his Puerto Rican heritage, which he proudly infuses into his projects to bring diverse stories to the forefront.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and celebrate their own cultural backgrounds and those of their peers, promoting diversity and inclusion in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Innovation in creativity
Explanation: Miranda is celebrated for his innovative approach to theater, blending traditional storytelling with modern musical styles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and integrate creativity into various aspects of their lives, possibly exploring new ways to express themselves through art, music, or writing.
Example Lesson: Collaboration is key to success
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of collaboration in Miranda's projects is highlighted, showing how working with others contributed to his success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to work cooperatively in team settings, whether for school projects, sports teams, or during play, understanding that great achievements often involve working together.