Book details
What will I be?: There are no limits on the greatness we can achieve! A positive & powerful picture book showing Black boys planning for their futures.
Description
The powerful story of an eleven-year-old Black boy determined to stand up for his rights, who's pulled into the action of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama.Rufus Jackson Jones is from Birmingham, the place Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the most segregated place in the country. A place that in 1963 is full of civil rights activists including Dr. King. The adults are trying to get more attention to their cause--to show that separate is not equal. Rufus's dad works at the local steel factory, and his mom is a cook at the mill. If they participate in marches, their bosses will fire them. So that's where the kids decide they will come in. Nobody can fire them. So on a bright May morning in 1963, Rufus and his buddies join thousands of other students to peacefully protest in a local park. There they are met with policemen and firemen who turn their powerful hoses on them, and that's where Rufus realizes that they are the fire. And they will not be put out. Shelia Moses gives readers a deeply personal account of one boy's heroism during what came to be known as the Children's Crusade in this important novel that highlights a key turning point in the civil rights movement.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
176 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Empowerment: The book aims to inspire and empower Black boys by showing them that there are no limits to what they can achieve. It's a powerful message that can help build self-confidence and a positive self-image.
- Representation: It provides representation of Black boys in literature, which is important for fostering a sense of belonging and identity. Seeing themselves reflected in the stories they read can be incredibly affirming for young readers.
- Career Exploration: The book encourages children to think about their futures and consider a wide range of possibilities. It's a great starting point for discussions about different careers and the steps needed to achieve their goals.
- Positive Role Models: By showcasing Black boys planning for their futures, the book presents positive role models that readers can look up to. It highlights the importance of setting goals and working towards them, regardless of the challenges one might face.