The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis - Softcover

Kathleen Benson; Jim Haskins

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620148544 ISBN 13: 9781620148549

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2019

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Authors

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 Boyd has illustrated numerous picture books, including Calling the Water Drum, Janna and the Kings, and Babu's Song for Lee & Low Books, as well as the chapter book The 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.

Reviews

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 Libraryα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1620148544
• ISBN 13: 9781620148549
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Aaron Boyd
• Number of pages: 64