Climbing Lincoln's Steps

Title : Climbing Lincoln's steps

Author : Suzanne Slade

Illustrator Coretta Scott king

Grade level:  4

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Summary

This book begins with  story of Abraham Lincoln and how he was on a mission in ending slavery.The illustrations convey emotions of fear, determination and joy. The first page shows slaves working in the fields and talks about how Lincoln wanted to end slavery. It shows the civil war, the statue made of Abraham Lincoln in 1914. The book then goes on to talk about other famous African Americans and their contributions to the civil rights movement. Using the Lincoln Memorial as a consistent location, the author ties together Marian Anderson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Barack Obama as some Americans who took steps towards change. This book connects these iconic historical leaders to the story of black Americans' struggle for equality. there is a timeline of important events in the civil rights movement. This story takes a look biographical essays for many important people in the war for civil rights.

 

Element 4

I chose this book for element four social movement and social change because climbing Lincolns  gives the reader a timeline from past civil rights leaders to the present day. It represents African American journey to freedom. Whether it was Marian Anderson or Dr. Martin Luther king jr,  creating a social movement for black Americans toward equality. I believe this book can be used in the classroom to open up discussions about how life has changed for black Americans because of social movements made within the past struggle for freedom. This will show students that ordinary people have worked together to create change for a brighter future.

 

Activity

For my follow up activity, after reading the book, first as a class we would form a definition for  what is social movement? they would all write it down in their social studies journal. I would then have my students write down what freedom means to them now  and on another sheet of paper they would write down what freedom meant to Black Americas in the past in Lincolns time. as a  we would the construct a timeline looking into the future of social movement that each student can lead for social change. this will be a great opportunity to show my students that they can be useful in society and take action!