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1. Why might people face additional challenges when they have a disability?

2. What happened when the main character found out what they were good at?

3. Why were people not kind to some of the main characters in the beginning of the books?

4. What lesson are these books trying to teach us?

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1. What would have been different in these stories if the main characters had listened to what others told them to do?

2. Why do these main characters have to fight for their right to do what they want?

3. Why did we read a story about boys being allowed to do what they want to feel how they want to feel?

4. What was the reasoning behind why these characters had to face their challenges?

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1. Why would these people feel the need to blend in with others?

2. What caused these people to have to fight for their right to do what they want to do?

3. How would you feel if you were told you were not allowed to do something like check out library books because of your skin color?

4. How do you think these people felt who were discriminated against for their race and gender?

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1. What would happen if everyone was the exact same and had the exact same traits and characteristics?

2. Why is it important to not give up when you face a challenge?

3. What lesson can we learn from these stories?

4. Why is it important to be who you want to be?

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Fighting For Yes by Judith Heumann and Maryann Cocca-Leffler

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Fighting For Yes by Judith Heumann and Maryann Cocca-Leffler

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In this picture book it tells the story of Judith Heumann who is a disability rights activist. The book starts out by describing Judith's childhood and how she was discriminated against because she was in a wheel chair and how she wasn't allowed to be in a general education setting. Later on, she moved schools and later on lead a lot of work around policy that promotes helping and including all people with disabilities.

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by Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith ‧

A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era.

The New Orleans school child who famously broke the color line in 1960 while surrounded by federal marshals describes the early days of her experience from a 6-year-old's perspective.

Bridges told her tale to younger children in 2009's Ruby Bridges Goes to School, but here the sensibility is more personal, and the sometimes-shocking historical photos have been replaced by uplifting painted scenes. "I didn't find out what being 'the first' really meant until the day I arrived at this new school," she writes. Unfrightened by the crowd of "screaming white people" that greets her at the school's door (she thinks it's like Mardi Gras) but surprised to find herself the only child in her classroom, and even the entire building, she gradually realizes the significance of her act as (in Smith's illustration) she compares a small personal photo to the all-White class photos posted on a bulletin board and sees the difference. As she reflects on her new understanding, symbolic scenes first depict other dark-skinned children marching into classes in her wake to friendly greetings from lighter-skinned classmates ("School is just school," she sensibly concludes, "and kids are just kids") and finally an image of the bright-eyed icon posed next to a soaring bridge of reconciliation. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era. (author and illustrator notes, glossary) (Autobiographical picture book. 6-8)

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An account of Judith Heumann's fight for equal rights for herself and others with disabilities.

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The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Mosca

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The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Mosca

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This picture book tells the story of Temple Grandin, a woman with Autism who although was first viewed as different and as if she did not fit in, ended up finding out that she was able to help farmers with their farms because her Autism helped her see things from a unique perspective. She went on to earn multiple college degrees and now is very successful in helping others.

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NSTA Best STEM Books for K-12 SelectionNSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books SelectionDolly Gray Children's Literature Award Recipient

A Mighty Girl Book of the Year

If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, there's a name you should know... Meet Dr. Temple Grandin―one of the world's quirkiest science heroes! The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists, 1)

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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists, 1) [Finley Mosca, Julia, Rieley, Daniel] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists, 1)

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This story describes the life of Rush Bader Ginsburg and she overcame obstacles to reach incredible success. The story explains that how growing up as a woman, she was expected to do certain things but she decided to do what she wanted to do. Later on, she learned to stick up for herself and the rights of others which she did for many years as a Supreme Court Justice.

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Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg-in the first picture book about her life-as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable!
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what's right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice's story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

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I Dissent by Debbie Levy - Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg-in the first picture book about her life-as she proves that disag...

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Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling

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Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling

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This amazing picture book tells the story of four women who worked at NASA as mathematicians and how they overcame discrimination to become incredibly successful and helped launch rockets into space. They had to face many challenges such as not being taken seriously and having to use different bathrooms far from their work location.

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In this beautifully illustrated picture book written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer, is the story of many children who are coming together to create a garden. Each child explains that there is something unique about them and they explain that this makes them unique and have their own strengths. They explain that like a garden, if everyone was the same the garden would not work.

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Praise for Just Ask:

* "Addressing topics too often ignored, this picture book presents information in a direct and wonderfully child-friendly way." -Booklist, *STARRED REVIEW*

"An affirmative, delightfully diverse overview of disabilities." - Kirkus Reviews

"A hopeful and sunny exploration of the many things that make us unique [with] dynamic and vibrant illustrations [that] emphasize each character's unique abilities. . . . A thoughtful and empathetic story of inclusion." - SLJ

"A beautiful story about understanding differences and celebrating what makes us unique." - Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, Parents Magazine

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Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor: 9780525514121 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Rafael Lopez create a kind and caring book about the differences that make each of us unique. A #1 New York Times bestseller! Winner of the Schneider...

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The story in this picture book tells readers the story of musician and singer Willie Johnson. Willie was a boy who was born blind and grew up in Texas. He started out singing in church and eventually was offered a record which sold thousands of copies. The story describes how even though Willie could not see, he used his strength of singing to become successful.

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* "When NASA scientists compiled a recording of sounds to send into space representing Earth and humanity, those sounds included thunder, crickets, classical pieces, and a short wordless song by musician 'Blind Willie' Johnson. . . . The second-person narrative is brief but evocative. . . . Lewis' illustrations have a soft, blurred effect to them, conveying both the bygone time and Johnson's vision loss. . . . An ode to a too-little-discussed musician and an excellent introduction to his amazing musical talent."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Lewis's expressive watercolors depict the subject's humble country beginnings as well as the joy he felt when he sang and played. The book's recurrent theme of light is captured in the bright yellow wash throughout. The story of Johnson's life is framed with vivid spreads of a night sky illuminated by stars, referencing both the Voyager's mission and the song title. A beautiful, timely tribute to a little-known musician and space venture."-School Library Journal, starred review

* "The inclusion of Johnson's song 'Dark Was the Night' on a recording aboard NASA's Voyager frames this biography, handled with artistry by Golio and illustrated by Lewis in dazzling watercolors. . . . The volume movingly commemorates Johnson and his music, which 'shined a light in the darkness and finally touched the stars.'"-Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The subject of this beautiful biography is blues musician Blind Willie Johnson, whose soulful singing and slide guitar playing so moved people that his song 'Dark Was the Night' was included on the Golden Record that NASA sent into space in 1977. . . . A simple, inspiring story of one man's commitment to lifting up himself and those around him with his music. 'It was the sound of one human being reaching out to all the others, telling them not to be afraid of the dark.' Imagery of light and darkness runs throughout the text, both spiritually and literally in Johnson's blindness, and it is also skillfully evoked in Lewis' illustrations, which set stars sparkling in the deep blue of outer space and sends gold radiating from Johnson's guitar as he plays, smiling all the time. An American treasure who shouldn't go unsung."-

"Lewis's watercolors provide the perfect complement to Golio's spare second-person prose. . . . The contrast between the bright yellows of Johnson's Texas birthplace and the star-filled vistas of deep space parallel Johnson's loss of vision as a young boy. . . . Golio and Lewis trace the path of Johnson's musical career: his first cigar box guitar, singing in church, learning to play slide with the edge of his pocket knife-all leading to the day Johnson lays down his first recordings. Back matter reveals the challenges of writing a biography of someone about whose early life little is known, and also gives more detailed information about NASA's Golden Record and the Voyager 1 space probe."-

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Dark Was the Night by Gary Golio: 9781524738884 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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The poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson--the legendary Texas musician whose song "Dark Was the Night" was included on the Voyager I space probe's Golden Record Willie Johnson was born in 1897, and...

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Singh 

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Singh 

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This picture book tells the story of Fauja Singh, who is the oldest person to ever run a marathon, at one hundred years old. As a child, Fauja did not walk and for a long time after struggled to walk well. Over time, he continued to walk more and more one step at a time which eventually led to him running a marathon.

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PRAISE FOR FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING

An NPR Best Book of 2020
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2020
A Chicago Public Library Best Informational Book for Younger Readers of 2020
A 2021 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List pick
A University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Best Book for Young Readers 2020
A Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee 2022
A 2021-2022 VA READS Picture Book Winner

International Literacy Association Notable Book for a Global Society 2021

"Uplifting." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[An] engaging picture book... with an inspirational message and strong cultural content." - School Library Journal
"A powerful and utterly unique biography about a modern hero of great character and perseverance through disability, adversity, bigotry, and personal loss." - Booklist
"An inspirational story about persevering in the face of hardship." - Kirkus Reviews

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh: 9780525555094 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles,...

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In this wonderfully illustrated picture book it tells the story of Hellen Keller, famously known for being both deaf and blind. The story explains her life from her perspective but how despite challenges she learned braille and was able to experience beautiful things in the world.

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I am Helen Keller (Ordinary People Change the World)

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Read 185 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. The seventh addition to this New York Times bestselling series spotlights Helen Keller a...

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In this story by Jen Bryant, a boy named Louis Braille loses his eyesight from an eye infection that spreads to both eyes. Once blind, Louis learns to listen and touch things in order to learn. However, he realizes that while he can learn about the world no one has books for blind children that were practical, so he created braille so that letters on the page were of similar size to regular texts.

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An inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille-a blind boy so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet. starred review
**Winner of a Schneider Family Book Award!**

Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.

Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.
"An inspiring look at a child inventor whose drive and intelligence changed to world-for the blind and sighted alike."-

"Even in a crowded field, Bryant's tightly focused work, cast in the fictionalized voice of Braille himself, is particularly distinguished."-

"This picture book biography strikes a perfect balance between the seriousness of Braille's life and the exuberance he projected out into the world." -
And so he invented his own alphabet-a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

Award-winning writer Jen Bryant tells Braille's inspiring story with a lively and accessible text, filled with the sounds, the smells, and the touch of Louis's world. Boris Kulikov's inspired paintings help readers to understand what Louis lost, and what he was determined to gain back through books.

An author's note and additional resources at the end of the book complement the simple story and offer more information for parents and teachers.

Praise for Six Dots: Kirkus Reviews Bulletin, School Library Journal, starred review

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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille [Bryant, Jen, Kulikov, Boris] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

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In this story, Mae is a young girl who dreams of being an astronaut and seeing the earth from space. Despite opinions people have about her and what career choices she should have, Mae becomes the first black woman in space.

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Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girl's Rights by Sarah Robbins

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Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girl's Rights by Sarah Robbins

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In this chapter book tells the story of Malala Yousafzai who faces persecution because she stood up for her right to go to school. In this novel meant for young readers, it tells the challenges and frightful moments Malala faced in a place where women are not guaranteed the right to learn.

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Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights - Read To Them

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This edition of Malala's story is 172 pages - ideal for elementary and upper elementary school shared reading. The story of Malala Yousafzai - the Afghan

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This picture book is the story of Grace, who wants to play Peter Pan in the school play. However, she is told by others that she cannot play the role because she is a girl and she is black. Grace has to stand up for herself to get the part and overcome these challenges.

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Read 989 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. Grace loves stories, whether they’re from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells…

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In this lovely picture book by Frank Murphey, a beautiful message for and about boys navigating the world. The story offers lessons to be kind and to try your best, but most importantly that boys can be what they want and they can cry as a boy and as a man.

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Read 141 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. There's more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip. A...

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In this newly popular story inspired by Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a young girl drums despite the fact that it is against societal rules in Cuba. Despite discrimination, the girl continues to practice drumming which gets her newfound attention. Eventually, people accept her and dance along with her drums.

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Review by Sujei Lugo

Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit
Book Author: Margarita Engle

Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music and rhythm, no one questioned that rule - until the drum dream girl. She longed to play tall congas and small bongós and silvery, moon-bright timbales. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that boys and girls should be free to drum and dream. Continue reading.

Translations

Publisher's synopsis: "Girls cannot be drummers." Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule--until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongos. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.

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Review by Sujei Lugo Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music and rhythm, no one questioned that rule - until the drum dream girl. She longed to play tall congas and small bongós and silvery, moon-bright timbales.

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In this well known picture book, a young girl named Unhei who is Korean and recently moved, shares her name with her new classmates. She gets teased and made fun of for her name sounding "different." The story explains her journey of wanting to choose a new name that will allow her to blend in but Unhei learns the importance of sticking up for yourself and being who you are.

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"Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story, and Choi's gleaming, expressive paintings are always a treasure." - The New York Times

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Master List WINNER 2003

Arizona Young Readers Award NOMINEE 2005

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The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi: 9780440417996 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name?...

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Eyes That Speak To The Stars by Johanna Ho

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Eyes That Speak To The Stars by Johanna Ho

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In this picture book with beautiful illustrations and usage of poetic language, a Chinese-American boy is upset, hurt, and loses confidence when one of his peers draws a picture of him with slits for his eyes. However, his family members begin to show him the beauty in their eyes and that it is something to be proud of.

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This interesting and controversial novel is designed for younger readers and discusses the history of racism and how it all started in connection to today and the world that we live in now. This book provides perspectives to students about racism in multiple time periods and how history is more complicated than slavery in America.

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Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden

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Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden

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In this picture book story, Ron is a young black boy who loves to read books. However, he is not allowed to check out books to take home because the policy at the library prevents black children from doing so, while white children are allowed. This story shows how Ron challenges this idea and stands up for what he wants.

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Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue, Corinne Naden: 9780525478492 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Nine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by himself. But in the segregated world of South...

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Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Weatherford

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Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Weatherford

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In this story, Arturo Schomburg was growing up in Puerto Rico when his teacher told him that black people did not have any heroes or history worth writing about. Not believing this, Arturo set out to find out about black history and heroes and he discovered so much amazing information that The New York Library purchased everything he collected and created his own center in Harlem.

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The remarkable life and achievements of the Afro-Puerto Rican scholar, collector and curator Arturo Schomburg have ideal chroniclers in Weatherford ('Freedom in Congo Square') and Velasquez ('Grandma's Gift').
-New York Times Book Review

All of the book's details paint Schomburg as an admirable, flawed, likable, passionate man whose lasting legacy, Harlem's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, opens its doors to all who would learn more about the people its founder knew had been left out of the written record. A must-read for a deeper understanding of a well-connected genius who enriched the cultural road map for African-Americans and books about them.
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Lifelong bibliophile Arturo Schomburg would be pleased by Weatherford's prose-poem biography, which praises his passion for researching and collecting books, manuscripts, and other written materials relating black heritage and history...As with her previous book Voice of Freedom (2015), Weatherford illuminates a person well worth knowing. A rich book to add to all collections.
-Booklist (starred review)

Through text and art, Weatherford and Velasquez craft a winning portrait of both collector and his collection...Schomburg's collection was donated to the New York Public Library and now boasts over 10 million items. This excellent work of history illuminates Schomburg and his legendary collection for a new generation-it belongs in all public and school libraries.
-School Library Journal (starred review)

In graceful free verse, Weatherford delivers a remarkable tribute to Arturo Schomburg...Schomburg's ambitions, scholarship, and accomplishments were tremendous-"There was no field of human endeavor/ that he did not till with his determined hand"-and Weatherford and Velasquez more than do justice to them.
-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

With great respect to the man's riveting life story, Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honors author Carole Boston Weatherford relates through narrative poetry the story of Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant Arturo Schomburg. While each poem in Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library can stand alone as a single snapshot in the literary life of Schomburg, Weatherford's portrayal of the bibliophilic law clerk is so wondrous, readers won't be able to resist turning the pages to learn more.
-Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)

Velasquez's richly detailed oil paintings aptly capture Schomburg's zeal for learning and for teaching others...A must-read about a bibliophile extraordinaire.
-Horn Book

The richness and succinctness of Weatherford's prose and Valesquez's vibrant art indicate to readers how much more there is to black history if they only started digging for themselves.
-HuffPost

Carole Boston Weatherford's descriptions and Eric Velasquez's illustrations make clear how tirelessly Schomburg searched for books, pamphlets and art that could 'tell our stories, proclaim our glories'...Although he died about 80 years ago, his library in New York City is a national historic landmark, as big and bustling as ever.
-Washington Post

In a series of twenty poems, Weatherford offers readers a biography of the life and work of Arturo Schomburg (1874-1938)...Velasquez's expressive oil paintings capture the time period beautifully.
-Literacy Daily

A picture book of incredible poems...Hallelujah!
-Toledo Blade

Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books AWARD 2017

NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Books for Young People AWARD 2018

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Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford: 9781536208979 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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In luminous paintings and arresting poems, two of children's literature's top African-American scholars track Arturo Schomburg's quest to correct history. Where is our historian to give...

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The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

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The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

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In this light hearted picture book, Lou is playing with her friends when they all need to climb a tree in their game. However, Lou cannot climb trees yet. She tries her best but it doesn't work. However, she stays positive and decides that she will try again tomorrow.

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

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online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

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The Thing Lou Couldn't Do kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

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In this simple picture book, a girl named Vashti does not have any confidence in her ability to draw, so she draws a dot. When she sees that her teacher hung the dot up above her desk and it's framed, Vashti decides to paint more dots in different ways and ends up with a collection of art for the art show.

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Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate

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Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate

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In this story, a boy named George is a slave in North Carolina on a plantation. However, he teaches himself how to read despite that not being allowed. Later, once free, he becomes a poet after studying poetry. George then goes on to publish poetry and earn awards for his writing.

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Reviewed by Lyn Miller Lachman

Don Tate's biography Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton (Peachtree, 2015) achieves that balance. Drawing on Horton's own writings, biographies and histories, and archival sources, this picture book for elementary-age readers begins with his listening to sermons and surreptitiously peeking over the shoulders of white children to learn the alphabet.

Tate shows Horton scavenging books, and the sad moment when the master split up his family and sent him alone to another plantation near the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Misfortune turned into opportunity when Horton sold his master's vegetables on the campus and impressed the students with the original verses he recited, which ultimately led to the publication of his works. But fame did not lead to freedom, and things got worse for the poet in the years leading to the Civil War. Continue Reading.

SYNOPSIS: George loved words. But George was enslaved. Forced to work long hours, George was unable to attend school or learn how to read. But he was determined -- he listened to the white children's lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free?
In this powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination.

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Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton - Social Justice Books

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Reviewed by Lyn Miller Lachman Review Source: Pirate Tree Book Author: Don Tate's biography Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton (Peachtree, 2015) achieves that balance. Drawing on Horton's own writings, biographies and histories, and archival sources, this picture book for elementary-age readers begins with his listening to sermons and surreptitiously peeking over the [...]

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In this colorfully illustrated picture book, a young boy who stutters visits the Bronx Zoo. After being confused about why the animals are in cages, he learns that when he speaks with animals he no longer stutters. The boy uses this to eventually overcome his speech impediment.

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In this simple yet extremely deep and meaningful story, a crayon has been labeled red because that is what its label says. However, this crayon feels that it is blue because it draws blue color. This story is a beautiful metaphor to show children that they do not have to be what others expect them to and to know themselves.

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In this inspiring video, Derrick Coleman talks about how he came to play in the NFL despite not being able to hear. This video is a modern day example for students about a role model who faced a challenge and worked with his strengths to become successful.

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Derrick Coleman Hopes to Inspire Kids to Overcome Obstacles

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This Ted Ed video by Steven Claunch talks about disability and how it is not definitive of a person and what they can achieve. He explains that you do not have to "change" who you are but that you can use your other strengths to become successful.

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Text: "My Disabilities Do Not Define Me. I Am Jim." 

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Text: "My Disabilities Do Not Define Me. I Am Jim." 

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This article written by James Gentry describes his life and how he does not focus on his disability and instead he focuses on the amazing things he can do.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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This article is about a dance company called Born Dancing and how it accepts all people with disabilities and teaches them how to dance and preform. They believe that anyone who wants to dance, can and should.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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This video explains how society used to have more defined gender roles that forced people to act in a specific way. The video explains that now, even though society expects people to act a certain way that you can be who you want to be no matter who you are.

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This video is a more in depth explanation about how gender roles can specifically impact children in school and what they might be steered towards learning. The video explains that when you grow up you can study what you want to.

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Text: Male Nurses? Female Firefighters? Yes.

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Text: Male Nurses? Female Firefighters? Yes.

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This article talks about how different jobs can sometimes be held by the majority of men or women and how oftentimes, the male dominated jobs or fields are payed more.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Text: The Gender Gap in Global Education

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Text: The Gender Gap in Global Education

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This article discusses the issues with gender equality around the world and how in some countries they do not value education for girls and how that is extremely problematic.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Video: Black Shopper More Likely to Be Profiled in Store

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Video: Black Shopper More Likely to Be Profiled in Store

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This video is a clip from the well known show, "What Would You Do?" In this video, it talks about how someone who is black and shopping in a high end store is more likely to be suspected of shoplifting. This shows students that even today people judge others based on their skin tone.

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Black Customer Racially Profiled In High End Store | What Would You Do? | WWYD

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This video is an example of an activity that is well known where students are given a head start based on physical attributes about themselves. This shows students that even if they don't think about it or notice it, that some people face more challenges and barriers because of their race.

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Explaining privilege to children through a race | The School That Tried To End Racism

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This article talks about racial profiling by police offers and the different opinions people may have about it. This would allow students to see how people are viewed solely because of their race.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Text: Massachusetts Banned Hair Discrimination

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Text: Massachusetts Banned Hair Discrimination

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This article talks about two sisters who are black and how they fought against discrimination because of their hair styles being banned in schools.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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This short animated video explains to children that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and how the key to being successful is focusing on your strengths

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Strengths and weaknesses Wellbeing Animation

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This is a video clip from the movie Jumanji (the newer one) where the characters are figuring out that they have strengths and weaknesses like video game characters. While not real, this is true for everyone even outside of video games even if they cannot see it listed out when they push a button.

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Strengths & Weaknesses | Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle | Voyage | With Captions

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This article talks about different people considered "geniuses" in their fields and things they have done to get better at their strengths.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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This article discusses people who are extremely talented musicians. The article explains that while these musicians did have a natural strength in music, it was their practice and their focus towards that strength that allowed them to become as good as they are.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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1. Students will create their own posters that they would use in a protest to fight for something that they care about. Students must explain why they chose this topic and include pictures on their poster that support their idea.

2. Students will choose two of the six texts and they will create a digital Venn diagram comparing the two texts by answering questions such as what challenges did the main character face, how were they viewed differently from others, what did they do to overcome these challenges, etc.

3. Students will write a letter from the point of view of one of the main characters in the book to the government addressing the obstacles that they had to overcome to become successful and how they should do something to help

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1. Students will create one slide each on a class google slide using pictures, words, videos, and graphics to express how they felt after reading "Drum Dream Girl."

2. Students will choose one chapter from the text about Malala and they will create a comic strip that acts out an important scene from the text.

3. Students will read I Dissent in reading groups with each students assigned a role. One will take notes on important plot points/characters, one will read the story out loud, and another will create a list of accomplishments Ruth Bader Ginsburg did.

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1. After reading "The Name Jar" students will all draw new names from a jar for one school day. They must go by these names (they will wear nameteags) for the duration of the day. For homework (or the following day) students will write a paragraph about how they felt when they had to do this and how it made them feel about the story.

2. Students will participate in their own Privilege Race. Afterwards, students will create draw thought bubbles around a stick figure cut out that show how they felt during the race.

3. Students will engage in a class discussion using their notes about the six texts to discuss the questions: what did you see in these texts that you would want to change? What did you see in these texts that you would want others to know about?

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1. Students will create a chart with a picture of themselves on the computer that lists their strengths and their weaknesses and will include pictures that represent each one.

2. After reading "Red" students will write a response to the following prompt: what thoughts and emotions do you think the red crayon felt while being told it was blue?

3. Students will work in groups to create a video that tells others how they can find their strengths (based on the tips and information from the videos and articles.)