Our Invisible Armor: Heroes of Black History

Bethany M. Edwards Book Reviews, Multicultural Education, Racial and Social Justice Barack Obama biography, best new children’s books, books for raising strong girls, civil rights history biography, Harriet Tubman biography, heroes of black history, Jackie Robinson biography, multicultural book review, time kids books, womens history month picture books

This brilliant new children’s book powerfully showcases the lives of four monumental African-Americans. Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama are celebrated in black history milestones in Heroes of Black History.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Read an in-depth portrait of the lives of four monumental African-Americans; Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama from @timeincbooks! Share on X

This brilliant children's book from Time for Kids powerfully showcases the lives of four monumental African-Americans. Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama are celebrated in black history milestones in Heroes of Black History.

Making History

Journalist and civil rights activist Charlayne Hunter-Gault wrote the introduction to Heroes of Black History. Reading her reflection is critical to bring these stories of history into the reality of children’s everyday lives. Like Ms. Hunter-Gault, many children will feel as though history is their “invisible armor”. When a child hears a story about another child being successful, they feel it is possible for them too.

Connect with Charlayne Hunter-Gault on Twitter.

Through this incredible book, children will be able to process and understand racial prejudice as well as celebrate the incredible progress that has been made thanks to these four incredible heroes of black history. These stories of Harriet, Ruby, Jackie, and President Obama are interconnected in so many ways, and “regardless of race, creed, or color, we ourselves, like these heroes of black history, are protected by history’s armor.”

Regardless of race, creed, or color, we ourselves, like these heroes of black history, are protected by history's armor. Read more from @timeincbooks! @charlayneHG #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth Share on X

Heroes of Black History Review

Illustrated in a dynamic way, children will be drawn into the fascinating stories of these four Heroes of Black History. We know the four names well: Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama.

However, with each chapter, their personal stories are revealed in a way that will give new insights to young readers. Their personal journeys before they became famous underscores the urgency of raising racially conscious children! You will learn about the early years of each of their lives and the importance of their faith, family, and community.

The most striking takeaway from this book is the focus on black excellence. These four heroes were intelligent, beautiful, witty, and charming human beings. As you read, I encourage you to help children focus on their amazing accomplishments in spite of their circumstances instead of feeling pity for their hardships.

via GIPHY

Their personal journeys before they became famous underscores the urgency of raising racially conscious children! Read more on @barackobama and three other #blackhistory freedom fighters! @timeincbooks #blackexcellence Share on X

On the Way to Freedom

This brilliant children's book from Time for Kids powerfully showcases the lives of four monumental African-Americans. Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama are celebrated in black history milestones in Heroes of Black History.

Each of the biographical chapters ends with a timeline and additional information of the historical eras. This high-interest tool is perfect for using the book as a mentor text for students. Additionally, you can download a free Heroes of Black History Curriculum Guide for discussion questions and writing extensions. Furthermore, there is an accompanying FREE resource available from Time for Kids with “Fast Facts” about each of the Heroes in Black History.

Take a Walk on the Road To Freedom

My family and I took a trip to the Harriet Tubman Byway, (which you can also do virtually). You can immerse yourself in Tubman’s world through informative, evocative and emotive exhibits.

(photo credit: Harriet Tubman Byway)

I would highly recommend that every person take the time to do this pilgrimage with the children in your lives. On one hand, you will see the stories of Harriet Tubman came alive. In spite of the tragedies Harriet endured, it was a powerful experience to visit her childhood farm and see the road she took hundreds of people to their freedom with our own eyes.

See the Heroes of Black History with a visit to the @Tubman_Byway; a #blackhistory pilgrimage to learn about the incredible life of #harriettubman. @timeincbooks Share on X

Time for Kids Books

Heroes of Black History is a great addition to any elementary or middle school library. You can depend on the integrity of the story from highly reputable publisher TIME for Kids. Furthermore, this book presents factual information in a clear and attractive manner, with high-quality pictures and accessible text for a range of readers.

In particular, the pages are thoughtfully designed with chapter headings and font in larger text, captioned photographs, and sidebars will be useful to teachers who want to delineate nonfiction features.

I would recommend this book for Grades 4-8.

Know Your History

Knowing our history is one of the best ways to prevent ourselves from repeating the same mistakes. My multiracial family is reaping the benefits of the fight for human rights and equality. Yet, we have a long way to go to achieve racial and gender equality. Reading Heroes of Black History may spark a courageous conversation and encourage young children to join in social justice work in their own communities. Read more on How to Introduce Children to Activism.

Jackie Robinson; a hero on the field and hero in life as a freedom fighter for equality. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackhistoryisamericanhistory @timeincbooks Share on X

Acknowledging Privilege and Bias

I continue to work on my own biases as well as try to be an anti-racist influence on other people in my life. More importantly, I’m spending less energy getting angry about adults who resist recognizing their racial and other biases and privileges. Instead, I’m focusing on where I can make a difference right now: choosing and promoting diverse children’s books, showing students in my class HOW and WHAT to read.

Diversity in children’s literature is a tool for survival for children of color. It is also necessary for White children to see DAILY. We are not living in a post-racial American or a post-racial world. On the contrary, most of the world still views an American as blond and blue-eyed. We have made amazing strides, and need to celebrate them often. At the same time, we still need to be vigilant for ourselves as well as the most vulnerable humans, our children.

To take action today, I urge you to read the following articles. By reading books like Heroes of Black History, we continue to demand equality for all through the simple task of reading a bedtime story.

The Anatomy of a Diverse Bookshelf

Diverse Female Superheroes in Children’s Books… And Why We Need Them

How to Raise Globally Minded Kids

10 Ways to Create a Reader-Friendly Home

How to Get Children to Read More

Children will read more if they think the book is funny or interesting. So, let’s give the people what they want and find award-winning children’s literature to fill your diverse bookshelf. As a result, this will help them become global citizens with a little reading magic.

Take out the guesswork as well as give children the most colorful bookshelves possible. Let’s simultaneously raising global citizens as we raise our readers.

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5 Comments

Ariel B
02/01/2018 @ 10:08 pm

Thanks for the book recommendation! It looks like one my students would enjoy reading.
- Bethany M. Edwards
  02/02/2018 @ 11:25 am
  
  That is music to my ears Ariel! The supplemental resources make it a perfect mentor text. Please email me and let me know how your students enjoyed the book. Would love to hear their reflections! Would love to have you join our FB group as well. It is full of teachers and authors committed to teaching literacy skills with books like this one. Our curriculum is as important as our reading corners!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadYourWorld.MultiracialResources/