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Narrated by Jane Santos
Kelly Starling LyonsUnabridged — 45 minutes
Narrated by Jane Santos
Kelly Starling LyonsUnabridged — 45 minutes
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Praise for She Persisted: Coretta Scott King:
"This book profiles the uplifting voice of an activist worth recognizing in her own right [and] Lyons manages to weave in a healthy amount of emotion into this account . . . A brief but effective account of not-often-taught figure that would nicely complement curriculum units on the Civil Rights Movement." --School Library Journal
02/01/2022
Gr 3–5—This book profiles the uplifting voice of an activist worth recognizing in her own right. While the impact and narrative arc of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s accomplishments are frequently highlighted in classrooms, this book acts as an eye-opening primer to how Coretta Scott was champion of the people. The through line of King's life was her unshakable faith in her religion and humanity, from observing her parents' quiet resilience against racism to the dedication she exhibited in the dark days following her husband's murder. The book explains in no uncertain terms how King and Black people everywhere were continually discriminated against, not only in clear exhibitions of slurs and violence, but implicitly in conversations King had with college classmates where she was claimed to be a "credit" to her race. The book's inclusion of these details emphasizes how prejudice can shape minds and institutions at any time, and how it is something that must be continually addressed. Although the book comes in at a breezy 48 pages (with illustrations) and provides all the biographical strata of facts, figures, and dates, Lyons manages to weave in a healthy amount of emotion into this account. Readers feel for King's struggles and celebrates her successes, and through it all the text is buoyed by quotes taken straight from the freedom fighter herself. Speaking after the assassination of her husband, she said, "In his death, there is hope for redemption." VERDICT A brief but effective account of not-often-taught figure that would nicely complement curriculum units on the Civil Rights Movement. —Jose Cruz
| BN ID: | 2940159822437 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Publication date: | 10/17/2023 |
| Series: | Ella Persistio |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Language: | Spanish |
| Age Range: | 5 - 8 Years |
Dear Reader,
As Sally Ride and Marian Wright Edelman both powerfully said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” When Sally Ride said that, she meant that it was hard to dream of being an astronaut, like she was, or a doctor or an athlete or anything at all if you didn’t see someone like you who already had lived that dream. She especially was talking about seeing women in jobs that historically were held by men.
I wrote the first She Persisted and the books that came after it because I wanted young girls—and children of all genders—to see women who worked hard to live their dreams. And I wanted all of us to see examples of persistence in the face of different challenges to help inspire us in our own lives.
I’m so thrilled now to partner with a sisterhood of writers to bring longer, more in-depth versions of these stories of women’s persistence and achievement to readers. I hope you enjoy these chapter books as much as I do and find them inspiring and empowering.
And remember: If anyone ever tells you no, if anyone ever says your voice isn’t important or your dreams are too big, remember these women. They persisted and so should you.
Warmly,
Chelsea Clinton
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Strong Roots
Chapter 2: Gifted Voice
Chapter 3: Determined to Succeed
Chapter 4: Fortified by Faith
Chapter 5: Freedom Fighter
Chapter 6: Legacy Builder
How You Can Persist
References
Chapter 1
Strong Roots
Named after her grandma Cora, Coretta Scott came into the world connected to a deep legacy of faith, bravery and belief in the importance of education. Everyone knew she was destined for something special. But no one—not even her parents or Coretta herself—could imagine that one day her voice and strength would inspire people around the world.
Born on April 27, 1927, at home in Perry County, Alabama, Coretta was the child of Obadiah (Obie) Scott and Bernice McMurryScott. They lived on family land in a house her father had built. Surrounded by the power of people who loved her, Coretta felt safe and protected. But outside the safety of their home, there were dangers everywhere.
In Alabama and throughout the South, segregation—racist laws that separated Black and white people—was the rule. Being Black meant you had to drink from “Colored” water fountains, go through back doors of businesses and restaurants and only be served after whites were. You were called hateful names and faced the danger of being hurt or killed because of the color of your skin. The weight of oppression was as thick as summer Alabama air. But the Scotts surrounded their kids with the winds of possibility.
In their proud Black community with family all around, there was a history of land ownership, hard-won and passed on. The Scotts knew land was a complicated issue full of injustice. The forced removal of the Muscogee people from their homelands and the terrible institution of slavery built wealth for some people while keeping others down. Decades later, many families who lived near Coretta’s didn’t own land and had little money. The unfairness broke Coretta’s heart.
But being with her family brought her joy. She dreamed and explored as she played with her big sister Edythe, little brother, Obie Leonard, and cousins. She climbed trees, swung on tire swings, and wrestled boys. She was imaginative and strong—and proud of it.
