The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis

by Kathleen Benson, Jim Haskins, Aaron Boyd (Illustrator)

Overview

This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on John Lewis, a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and a revered Congressman today.

The son of an Alabama sharecropper, John Lewis experienced the injustice of segregation early in life. Inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis joined with civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully, In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and a devotion to nonviolence, standing in the forefront of major civil rights protests and helping southern black people gain the right to vote. In 1986 Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress, where he continues to serve today. Lewis's passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make our country a better place.

The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis celebrates the life of a living legend of American history. This chapter book includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620148549
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	01/08/2019
Series:	The Story of
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1050L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Kathleen Benson long served as an educator, curator, and project manager at the Museum of the City of New York. With her late husband, Jim Haskins, she co-authored some twenty books for children, young adults, and adults. She lives in New York City. You can find her online at kathleenbenson.com.

Jim Haskins was the celebrated author of more than one hundred books, most on topics of African American history and achievement. His works received numerous honors, including the Coretta Scott King Author Award and the Carter G. Woodson Award. In 1994, Haskins was the recipient of the Washington Post Children's Book Guild Award for a body of work in nonfiction for young people.

Aaron Boydhas illustrated numerous picture books, includingCalling the Water Drum,Janna and the Kings, andBabu's Songfor Lee & Low Books, as well as the chapter bookThe Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis. His work has been recognized by the Children's Africana Book Award and the International Literacy Association (ILA). He lives with his wife, son, and dog in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can visit him online at aaronboydart.blogspot.com.

Table of Contents

Walking with the Wind 5

Learning to Preach 8

Sharecropping 11

Getting in the Way 14

Mohandas K. Gandhi 17

The March on Washington 20

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee 25

Trouble in Selma 28

The Black Church and the Civil Rights Movement 32

On the Bridge 34

John Lewis in Congress 42

Timeline 48

Glossary 52

Text Sources 58

Sidebar Sources 60

Recommended Further Reading 62

About the Authors and Illustrator 64

Editorial Reviews

"An ideal choice for reluctant readers and young researchers." — School Library Journal

Best Children's Books of the Year Outstanding - Bank Street College of Education
CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Carter G. Woodson Award - National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

From the Publisher

Winter 2018

Gr 3–6—John Lewis was born to sharecroppers in segregated, rural Alabama but would became one of the most influential leaders of the civil rights movement. From a young age he wanted to be a minister and would practice preaching while caring for the family's chickens, all the while recognizing the injustice of racism. Lewis's first act of protest as a young man was applying for a public library card, which was denied to him because of his race. The 1960s found him an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, organizing peaceful protests such as lunch counter sit-ins and Freedom Rides. His leadership and oratory skills made him the youngest of the Big Six (civil rights leaders who organized and spoke at the March on Washington). Eventually he was elected congressman in 1986, a position he still holds. Descriptive imagery and engaging writing combine for a brief but fascinating account of this significant individual. Thorough sidebars present background information on themes relevant to Lewis's life. The mix of illustrations and historic photos capture the conflict of the time. The comprehensive back matter includes a time line, a glossary, and a fairly exhaustive source list. VERDICT An ideal choice for reluctant readers and young researchers.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

School Library Journal