Common Sense Media Review
Moving story of struggle for equality has some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
FIGHTING WITH LOVE: THE LEGACY OF JOHN LEWIS shares John Lewis' backstory as a child from humble beginnings, as a sharecropper who had to fight for access to education. His love of learning and desire to fight for what's right continued on throughout his life. While attending college John Lewis learned about other religions and joined the NAACP. With with other students, he participated in nonviolent protests and over time became a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement. He faced danger and threats, but kept standing up for what was right—all while holding onto love.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring picture book gives readers an honest and unapologetic view of the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis shares John Lewis' journey from a young child with a fire inside him to stand up against hate, to a courageous national leader. The book's illustrations tell a powerful story with colorful line drawings and collages. The excellently-executed story reminds readers that the fight for equality isn't over.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, John Lewis is determined to get an education despite all the racial barriers trying to stop him. How did his education help him succeed in life?
Sometimes John Lewis, and other civil rights champions, were faced with violence. It took courage to stand up against hate. What does courage mean to you?
How can you help John Lewis' legacy live on?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James E. Ransome
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History ( Biopic )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Publication date : January 9, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 25, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate
