When Jo Louis Won the Title
What’s inside...
Jo's grandfather helps her feel better about herself by sharing the story behind her name, which was inspired by the heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis. Jo Louis is anxious about her first day at a new school, fearing that her peers will make fun of her name. The story serves as a prompt for families to share their own name-origin stories and highlights the importance of familial and historical connections.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when Jo Louis won the title? What do you think made him a champion?
What challenges did Jo Louis face and how did he overcome them?
Why is it important to keep practicing something you love?
What have you learned from Jo Louis about handling success and failure?
How can we apply Jo Louis's perseverance and dedication to our everyday activities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s climax and Jo Louis's journey.
Discuss the importance of hard work and dedication, relating it to your child’s personal experiences in sports or learning new skills.
Using examples from Jo Louis's life, talk about how to handle both success and setbacks in a healthy manner.
Prompt your child to think about personal goals and how they can achieve them through persistence, much like Jo Louis did.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story illustrates how Joe Louis overcame numerous challenges to win the heavyweight title, showcasing his determination and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up, even when faced with difficulties. This can be applied in their studies, sports, or any tasks they find challenging.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Set during a significant time in American history, the book provides insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the era.
Real-World Application: Understanding history helps children develop a sense of empathy and awareness of different cultural backgrounds, enhancing social interactions and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Importance of Role Models
Explanation: Joe Louis serves as a positive role model through his discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to look up to and learn from positive figures in their own lives, whether they are historical figures, community members, or family.
Example Lesson: Racial Equality
Explanation: The book addresses the racial challenges Joe Louis faced, highlighting his role in advancing racial equality through his achievements.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of equality and respect for all people, regardless of their background, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Joy of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The book depicts the communal excitement and pride during Joe Louis' fights, emphasizing shared experiences and communal support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to celebrate achievements with others and support their peers, promoting a sense of community and teamwork.